“Forgive me,” she rasped, voice completely subdued now. “I— I’m fine. Please know I didn’t intend to insult you. I’ve been under considerable stress lately and he’s…” Tears glistened in the corners of her eyes. For a moment, she looked genuinely fragile. “Please, my queen, may I have a second chance to prove to you that I’m worthy of serving in this role? I adore working with you. Please don’t think I wish to be reassigned.”
I studied her, searching for some hint of conniving in her eyes. Maybe a faint tremble of her hands. I didn’t find it. Or maybe I didn’t want to find it.
“You mentioned a man.”
“I, um… That’s personal, my queen.”
“You’re right. We can keep this between us.” I added a small nod. “You’re welcome to stay.”
“Oh, thank you, my queen,” she gushed, her face suffusing with color. “I won’t prove you wrong in this decision.”
Hmm. We’d see. However… “Youcanhelp me change. Perhaps you’re right about the impression I need to make in court.” Not for the average citizen but for the high lords and ladies who were unsettled by the decisions I’d already made. Let them see me in lush finery and believe I was one of them—like Erisandra.
Calista’s shoulders loosened and relief flickered across her face. “Thank you.” She bowed her head. “I’ll fetch something appropriate.”
I waited while she riffled through the closet, returning with a gown in deep amethyst, a color that Erisandra would probably adore.
“This.” Calista held it up. “It’ll remind the court that you are more than a warrior queen. You’ve the grace to rule as well.”
She helped me remove the green gown, then slid the new one over my head. She busied herself fastening the clasps at the back before guiding me to the vanity, where I sat for her to arrange my hair.
I loved Lord Briscalar’s plan and there was no reason not to get started right away. But how best to delicately do this?
“Calista,” I said.
Her hands paused before continuing to twist and pin my unruly tresses. “Yes, my queen?”
“You’ve been with this court for considerable time, and I’m sure that’s made you quite savvy about everything.”
Calista’s smile flashed before she smoothed her mouth. “Time does lend wisdom, does it not?”
“Always.”
She continued working on my hair.
I continued planting a few seeds. “This court adores the queen mother and with good reason.”
“She’s amazing,” Calista said in a bright voice. “I’ve admired her all my life. Such beauty. Such dignity. She wore the crown well.”
Yes, she did, but I wore itnow.
“I’ve been stunned by her myself.” In so many ways, none of which Calista would be referring to. “I love how doting she is with my husband. She sets a fine example for any potential mother.”
For whatever reason, Calista’s face blanched. Her fingers slowed while tucking another curl up on my head. “Are you suggesting that you’re…” Her gaze darted to my abdomen in the mirror.
“I don’t believe so, though that would be wonderful, don’t you think? Imagine, an heir to the throne. Ababy.” It was my turn to gush. “I picture myself holding a precious little one. I’m sure the queen mother would be incredibly happy. A grandchild for her and assurance that Evergorne Court is secure for another generation.”
“I’m sure she’d be pleased,” Calista said with a frown.
“That would finally end those rumors.”
“Rumors about what, my queen?” She finished with my hair and strode to the bureau holding numerous boxes with jewelryLord Briscalar had brought for me to choose from. Even if I wore a new piece each night, it would take me months to wear them all.
“Oh, well. Of course, I’d never believe the queen mother would…” Pressing for my best frown, I turned my gaze to my lap and glided a fingertip along the pattern of my gown.
Calista stepped forward, jewelry forgotten for now. “The queen mother would what?”
“Well, it would be wrong of me to say a thing, don’t you think? I’m not one for gossip about the past, especially potential improprieties. How shall we say…” Now I sounded like Lord Briscalar. I just needed to toss in ‘delightful’. I paused as if I didn’t dare speak any further.
