Ninobeyed with an annoyed huff, and Cedric had to remind himself that teaching a thief to become a princess washisidea. He took a steady breath.
“Listen closely. The court will not be kind to you, for it is rarely kind to the princess you intend to impersonate. Trust no one. Every word you speak will be scrutinized—every syllable must command respect.”
Nin mimicked his tone in a high-pitched voice, “Every syllable must command respect.All right.”
He glared behind his spectacles. “Sarcasm will get you nowhere. The court will see through you—and your life will be on the line. Do you want that?”
Her grin faltered, “No…”
“Then it would serve you well to learn fast.”
He drilled her for an hour, correcting her phrasing, pacing, and pauses. Lucille stepped in when prompted in order for Nin to practice with someone else. It would be the first of many lessons on which words to say and which to never say at all.
When he sensed Nin’s voice was becoming overworked from their rigorous practice, he moved on to curtsies. He and Lucille demonstrated, then stepped back.
“Stand tall,” Cedric instructed, circling her like a military commander during inspection. Her wide skirt whispered against his coat, and he quickly corrected himself to avoid contact.
“Back straight, chin lifted, shoulders relaxed but firm,” he continued, his hands ghosting over her back to correct her posture. “Like so. Your hands may lightly brush the sides of your gown or gather your skirts. Feet together, toes pointingoutward. Before moving, lower your gaze, as if you’re giving the faintest tilt of your head. Never bow too deeply. You must preserve your dignity.”
He stepped aside, motioning her to comply with his instructions. Nin’s brows furrowed as she adjusted her stance. She dipped low, her head bowed too deeply as she sank like a sinking ship.
When she ascended, she asked, “How about that?”
Lucille hid her smile behind her hand. “Oh dear,” she murmured and leaned closer to him to whisper in his ear. “Perhaps the first lesson should focus on standing?”
“Again.” He stepped forward, determined to resume what he had started. They had no time to waste. “Raise your skirts only a few inches. Wrists soft, elbows tucked. Slide one foot back and bend both knees slowly. Enough to show deference, never submission. Balance is everything. You must have the grace of a swan—”
He paused as Nin waddled, her feet spread out as she bent her torso instead of her knees.
“—not a drunken goose.”
He exhaled, glancing at Lucille, who pressed her lips together to suppress a chuckle.
“When you rise,” he continued, “do so with head and shoulders leading, as though you’re floating to the surface of the water. Let your gown settle back into place. Release the fabric. Finish with graceful composure.”
“Like this, dear,” Lucille said, demonstrating theperfect curtsy.
Nin nodded, attempting to imitate the stance. This time, her legs wobbled, knees bending too far. Her fists clenched her skirts as if she might tear them apart as she lowered herself.
Cedric noted her misstep before she did. She pitched forward, arms pinwheeling with a squeal.
Cedric caught her elbow before she toppled over. His hand encircled the circumference of her thin arm, soft instead of blunt angles and all bone as he had expected. The warmth of her skin shot through him like a spark—dangerous and uninvited. He released her abruptly, a sharp sigh escaping his lips.
Lucille studied him with one brow raised.
“Again,” he said with a snap, ignoring the chambermaid. “You must lower yourself with intention.”
Nin sighed, rubbing at her flushed neck. “So, I’m supposed to… half-fall? Just with more poise?”
His lips twitched despite himself. “Try again.”
The second attempt was better, the third almost graceful—though he still had to correct her posture. “Again,” he ordered.
“I had a feeling you’d say that,” she muttered.
Time disappeared. They broke briefly for lunch before picking up where they’d left off. He hadn’t realized how long they had been practicing until Lucille laid a gentle hand on his shoulder. She gestured to the clock on the mantel.
He sighed, still unsatisfied with Nin’s progress, but he dismissed her with a wave. “Very well. We will end your lesson here. Practice more after dinner, and then read the History of Aurelion Royals, chapters one through ten, before bed.”
