“Yes.”
“No more flirting with the United and buyers who are partial to the king of Caspador or who sympathize with our enemies.” The captain paused to look at each member of the Krowe family before he focused on the governor again. “You’ve put us in an untenable position. Having to choose a governor was never in the plan. We wanted you to do your job. You failed.”
Miya held the water pitcher so fiercely that her knuckles ached. She never cared about Krowe in the past, but he treated his staff well. She didn't want this barbarian to murder him and his family.
“You'll give us a peaceful shift in power.” The tip of the captain’s serrated knife punctuated each word. “And the trust of the people. Nothing less. If you don’t, I'll string up your entire family in the town square for all to see. Every last Krowe, right down to your second niece.”
A sob slipped from Krowe’s wife. She shoveled potatoes in her mouth to smother the sound.
“The governor needs something to drink.” The captain threw his knife down. “He looks parched. What are you all doing standing around?”
The servers jumped into action, even the ones with nowhere to go. Some used it as an excuse to leave, while others rushed to fill plates and cups. Miya topped off Krowe’s water. His face turned blotchy and pale at the same time.
“You.” The captain snapped and pointed right at Miya. All eyes turned to her. Her heart caught. “Do you always keep your hands covered when you serve this table?”
A subtle smirk lifted the corners of his mouth, so hard to pick up on that Miya may have been the only one who knew well enough to notice. That asshole. She’d asked him not to draw attention to her, and he called on her while she stood next to Krowe.
“No, Captain,” she said. “I normally remove my gloves so I can wash my hands easily.”
“Why are you wearing them now?”
She breathed in deeply. “I didn’t want to embarrass the governor in front of such important guests.”
The captain glowered. “If the governor welcomes marked women into his home, then you should not hide it for him. That is what you’re hiding, is it not?”
“Yes, sir.” Miya tucked her gloves into her pocket.
What was he doing? Lording his power over her?
“Are there any other women you’re hiding from us to keep for yourself?” The captain asked.
Governor Krowe looked at Miya. “I don’t know of any other marked women. It’s not something I keep track of.”
The captain wiped his face. “Very well. I’ll take this one. Go on and get changed, woman. We’re going into town.”
Out of the corner of her eye, she saw that Lance finally looked up from his plate. Was that what this was about? Getting Lance’s attention? She didn’t need the captain’s help with that.
It didn't matter what any of these people who stared thought. She chose to spy. She chose to weaponize her mark. It didn't matter how things used to be, only how they were now, and if they didn't approve, then fuck them.
“I’m afraid that won’t be possible,” Krowe’s wife said, stunning Miya. “Our house staff are not permitted to be alone with guests.” She squeezed her hands together. “We don't recognize the legitimacy of that mark.”
“Darling,” Krowe placed his hand on her shoulder. “It’s okay.”
She’d tried to defend Miya? Against this maniac? She couldn’t remember the last time someone spoke up for her, but this woman put her life on the line for a maid she likely didn't recognize.
“The rest of the world does. That’s why it exists.” The captain stood. “Come, men. We’ll have dessert elsewhere. I can’t stomach this place.”
He could have found an excuse to bring her along without all this attention. Tension migrated down to her belly and tied her insides in knots.
Everyone stared, even those who pretended they didn’t by angling away. Whatever. She left to get ready and found the headmistress waiting for her at the dormitory door. “I'll help. Let's not keep them waiting.”
Other women gathered, even though most normally avoided her. They were all terrified of the captain. Maybe even feeling bad for her. Well, she'd be fine. She wasn't scared.
She was fuming.
The captain made a huge scene.
Miya snatched a strappy, fitted dress from one of the maids and stripped off her outfit to change. “Heels.” She stepped into the tight boots the headmistress had placed on the ground.
