Maddox stood now, pulling me with him.“Come on.I’m taking you to Greenwood Abbey.”
“What?”I said, disoriented.
A sudden fanfare blared outside, bright and stately.
Beyond the window, a carriage rolled to a stop before the street, the gilded gold spokes on the wheels a stark contrast to the dreary surroundings.In the center of the wheels gleamed the royal crest, indicating that it was a palace-issued vehicle.
A scrawny man with salt and pepper hair and gold-rimmed spectacles stepped out: Ulysses, the royal steward.
I had momentarily forgotten about Crown Prince Bennett’s offer.Today was the deadline—I had to make my decision.I pulled my hand out of Maddox’s and headed to the front door.Mrs.Lewis had answered it before me.She stood, mouth agape, as Ulysses entered.
The steward looked around the ramshackle space with his brows raised.“Miss Giselle?”
“Right here,” I said, wiping my eyes and straightening my shoulders.Maddox nudged me, his eyes wide with question.
“Have you, er, considered His Highness’s offer?”Ulysses asked, stepping over an overturned stool.
I looked around at the shop that was meant to be my livelihood, now reduced to nothing.Mrs.Lewis had robbed me of everything: my supplies, my lodging, my dreams.My decision was clear.
“H-his Highness?”my now ex-landlady stuttered.She gaped at Ulysses’ pale blue coat and brass buttons polished to a high shine, each of them emblazoned with the royal crest.
“Yes, Ulysses.I’ve decided to take it,” I said, slinging my satchel over my shoulder.
“Take what?”Maddox said, bewildered.
“Oh.Hello Mr.Greenwood,” Ulysses said with a cordial bow.“It is royal business.”
“Greenwood?”Mrs.Lewis repeated faintly.
“If that is the case, Miss Giselle, you have an appointment with Crown Prince Bennett Monday morning in His Highness’s study.Have a good day.”The steward bowed again and headed out the door.
I caught it before it swung fully shut.“Goodbye, Mrs.Lewis.”I kicked over a porcelain vase near the door.It shattered into large pieces.“And clean that up, will you?”
8
“What was that about?”Maddox asked as he followed me outside.
