“I… daenae think that would be best.”
“And why is that?” he asked, raising an eyebrow.
“Because…” She motioned for him to lean in, and he complied. “He’s very upset after having his dinner interrupted. It’s why he asked me to bring ye the letter, because he doesnae want to talk to anyone else tonight.”
The guard thought about that for a moment. “Aye… he did look upset.”
“So if ye really need to confirm it with him, ye could.” Daisy made a face. “But I really,reallywouldnae if I were ye.”
He paled at the threat, straightening and clearing his throat. “Very well.”
She gave him the letter, bobbing as elegant a curtsy as she was able. “Thank ye, sir. Me faither will be very grateful.”
She turned on her heel, covering her mouth to hide her grin, and ran back up to her bedroom.
Thalia awoke feeling the most refreshed she had felt in a week. Despite the threat still hanging over her head, there was a lightness in the air that promised a better day than the previous one.
She donned the burrowed brown maid’s dress and set about trying to tame her hair. She tied it into a braid while examiningherself in the mirror. Dark purple bruises still sat below her eyes, but her skin was brighter and fuller than it had been yesterday.
She had never really cared much about her appearance, but that was all right. Vanity was for women who had made it their life’s goal to be married, and Thalia had more important matters to worry about.
She opened the door and found Daisy standing outside, waiting awkwardly.
“Oh! Daisy! Ye startled me,” she gasped.
Daisy blushed. “I wanted to make sure ye wouldnae forget our walk.”
“Of course nae,” Thalia said. “I am all yers this mornin’.”
Her stomach growled, and Daisy giggled at the noise.
“Maybe we should stop by the kitchen and grab somethin’ to eat first?” Thalia suggested.
Daisy nodded. She grabbed Thalia’s hand, leading her away.
“Thalia?”
Thalia turned, catching a glimpse of Ava standing at the end of the hallway. “Sorry, Ava, busy right now!” she called out as Daisy pulled harder on her hand. “Ow! Daisy, that hurts.”
“Sorry,” Daisy said, not sounding sorry in the slightest.
Thalia decided against scolding her and was just happy to see her so excited about something.
She was led to the kitchens, where the servants were busy cleaning up after breakfast. Neither of them paid her or Daisy any mind. It was as if they were used to having extra bodies around.
Thalia saw a familiar face and heaved a sigh of relief. “Anna, good morning,” she greeted.
The maid stopped her chores to greet them. “Lady Thalia, Lady Daisy. Is there somethin’ I can do for ye?”
“Aye, I was hopin’ there is some leftover food from breakfast?” Thalia asked.
Anna nodded. “I believe we have some bannocks left.”
“That’ll be great, thank ye.” Thalia turned to Daisy. “Are ye hungry?”
Daisy nodded.
“Two, please, Anna,” Thalia requested, and Anna fetched the bannocks for them.
