Penelope drew in a breath, but before she could reply, Clytemnestra cut in, “Isawyou, cousin.”
Penelope’s eyes flickered between the queen and the princess, nostrils flaring.
“It was my idea,” she said. “The heat was making me feel unwell, so we went to cool off. Is that such a crime?”
“You know your father does not permit you to leave the palace grounds,” Leda cautioned. Her eyes then slipped over to me, quietly assessing. “It seems so unlike you to wander off, Penelope. I wonderwhat possessed you.”
“I understand you will have to inform my father, and I will accept his punishment,” Penelope replied, following Leda’s gaze. “Melantho is not at fault.”
“I quite disagree. Tell me, slave, did you lead Penelope astray? Were you plotting to escape?” Leda pressed.
I glanced at Penelope, who gave a small shake of her head.
“Look at me when I am speaking to you, girl.”
“No, Your Majesty.” My words fell so fragile at her feet.
Leda sighed as if I had answered incorrectly. “You are acting as Penelope’s handmaid, yes? Although I am told you are treated more as a companion than a slave. Tell me, Melantho, how do you serve my niece?”
Penelope cut in, “Melantho is very—”
“I am asking the slave,” Leda said.
I hesitated, struggling to find my voice amid the cloud of unease inside me. “I…I’m not sure what you mean, my queen.”
“No?” Leda clicked her tongue. “Let me try an easier question then. What have you and Penelope been doing all summer?”
I glanced at Penelope again, unsure how to answer. “We’ve…been talking.”
“Talking,” Leda repeated slowly.
“And playing games.”
I saw Penelope wince at my words. Beside her, Clytemnestra snorted.
“She also made me this gown and…um…”
I trailed off and stared at the floor again, not knowing where else to look, what else to do.
“And have you enjoyed your summer with Penelope?” Leda asked softly.
I nodded.
“Why is that? Speak up.”
“Because she’s my friend.”
“Oh. Oh dear.” Leda tutted. “It seems you have not done your job at all, niece. You have not trained this girl to be a handmaid. You have trained her to be a problem. As soon as the slaves start seeing us as their equals, they start causing mischief. Like breaking palace rules and sneaking away for a little swim.”
“She is not my friend.” Penelope’s words cut through my chest like a blade.
“I should hope not,” Leda replied. “But it seems the slave does not think as much. You have confused the poor thing. Look at her. She’s about to cry.”
I blinked furiously, forcing the tears away.
“Give me more time, aunt. I can train her—”
“You have had enough time, Penelope. An entire summer you have squandered.” When Penelope opened her mouth to argue, Leda held up a hand, silencing her. “Let me put this plainly. Every slave beneath our roof contributes to this household. Take away their duties and what are they? Just another mouth to feed, another body to clothe. Every day you spenttalkingandplaying, this slave became a burden, not an asset. That is because ofyou, Penelope. Do you understand? Do you see the waste you have created?”
