Page 63 of Retrograde

She thought about it a moment and then let out a slow breath. “I would prefer not even Raquel know. She’s a bit… Intrusive. I understand because—it’s not simply a head housekeeper position, but a duty to her. She takes it all as seriously as Benson.”

“It stays between us,” I promised.

“My parents are assholes, and when I left home they basically gave me a bill for raising me. They genuinely expect it. They will do the same to my siblings who still live with them. I received a larger bill because I stopped raising their children as was mydutysomehow. So this will help me pay them back faster and be free of them.”

“They can’t legally stop you or control you like that.”

She gave me a pitying look. “No, parents don’t need valid legal reasons to control us.”

I snorted and let it go. She had a point, and parents could force us to do a lot without any of it being legal… Or moral.

We went over the rest and then she seemed uncomfortable.

She smiled when I waved for her to go ahead. “I would like access to your calendar unlike other staff. That way—you have a date tonight with Zevran Yousif, right? I could send you outfit options or, if there’s something specific you want to wear, I’d be able to make sure it’s clean—personal assistant as well as cleaning lady.”

“That would be amazing because Andra just dropped off some more clothes and I haven’t even had time to look through them all.”

Pearl nodded as if thinking the same. She said she would handle it all with my closet and start with pictures for all my outfits.

She sent several options during my next meeting since she’d asked Zev where we were going. She promised not to tell me but was adamant that I needed to be dressed to fit the restaurant and mood.

Yeah, she was going to work out amazingly.

It was how I ended up in a dark magenta two-piece jumpsuit. The pants actually looked more like a skirt until I walked andI really liked the slits to the knee. It wasn’t high-waisted, but it wasn’t low-waisted either—perfectly fitting my body type.

And I even liked that it was a crop top. Short-sleeved, cold shoulder, a little cleavage showing but exactly what I’d wanted. It wasn’t like my whole stomach was exposed or even much. Just a couple-inch strip that was very flattering.

Added in some black open-toed heels and I was ready to go… Until Toni came racing over.

“I just want to go to dinner,” I grumbled, trying not to scrub my face.

“I could have good news,” she teased, clearing her throat when I chuffed. “Sorry, bad joke. Of course I don’t have good news or—”

I swallowed a sigh. I really liked her, but just… Not for as often as I had to deal with her and bad news. “Toni?”

“Right, sorry.” She cleared her throat and I realized she was really worried, so I tried to put on the most neutral look I could. “The photos of you naked were leaked. They’re everywhere.”

“It was going to happen.” I rubbed the back of my neck, realizing Zevran was off to the side watching me… And not because he was listening in. “Just me?”

“Yes, it looks like two quick photos immediately after you shifted back and then they probably took off with their prize before the police or your guards got involved.” She cleared her throat. “They’re actually very flattering. You look gorgeous and—people are—the reviews are good.”

“Yay?” I hedged, blinking at her. I held up a finger to Zev and waved for her to hand me the tablet. I quickly scanned what she had pulled up. “So basically now they’re all backtracking that my bra was stuffed and admitting it was jealousy that I have…”

I sighed and handed it back to her, mumbling a thank-you. It wasn’t her fault, but I was so fucking tired of this shit.

Seriously.

“It also compliments how nice your butt is and the muscles in your thighs, Your Majesty,” she called after me.

I slowly glanced at her over my shoulder and studied her. “I think you need an assistant and more rest, Toni.”

She flinched, glancing around and realizing what she’d just said in the main entrance of the castle. She rubbed her face and nodded. “That would be best. Maybe a few people.” She chuckled darkly. “I don’t sleep. I love this chance, but I need sleep.”

“Hire who you need and we’ll make it work. Get the background checks—talk to Velle and Benson. Immediately.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty.”

“She does look like she’s going to drop most of the time,” Zevran said under his breath as I reached him. “She fakes it in front of you, but I saw her asleep in the dining hall on her food.”