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It was on to clothes.
Apparently, showing up in the Great Hall in my training leathers was not going to be allowed, despite my attempts to persuade Lady Eve that this was how I would be most comfortable.
Ignoring me, she and Aliza selected a gown from the bed and proceeded to shove me into it.
It was a very pretty dress, though exceedingly different from the styles I had grown accustomed to in the Court of Umbral Flames. The new queen had apparently brought with her new fashions. Ones involving heavy, rich fabrics and formal styles. The bodice was a deep sapphire velvet decorated with gleaming pearls and silver stitching. Sleeves—fitted at the wrists and forming elegant points trimmed with silver lace—draped down to my fingertips.
The neckline was modest yet graceful, framing my collarbones.
But only the most high-necked dress would have hidden my scars.
I saw Lady Eve catch her breath as she belatedly noticed the marks. Leaning in for a closer look, her eyes widened. The scars had faded somewhat, but evidently she had managed to read and recognize the name. I wondered if she would mention what she had seen to anyone else.
Biting her lip, Lady Eve seemed to come to a decision and, clapping her hands, sent Aliza off to fetch a piece of white chiffon. This was carefully draped over the offensive scars and tucked into the velvet bodice of the gown.
Finally, my waist was cinched with a silver girdle and the flowing layers of pale blue silk skirts were smoothed down around my hips.
I looked at my reflection feeling dazed, and I wondered where Kaye was at that moment. Was he as finely dressed as this? Did he have servants to care for him? Or was he lonely, tired, and dirty? Perhaps even being treated roughly?
Lady Eve opened the door to my chamber and ushered Aliza out into the hall before turning to me expectantly.
It was time to meet the new queen.
CHAPTER 19 - MORGAN
It had been nearlya year since I had stood beneath the lofty, vaulted ceiling of the Great Hall.
I walked slowly past familiar tapestries that told tales of triumph and conquest, worthy battles fought by Pendragon kings and queens in times long past. A cloying aroma of roses enveloped me with each step I took. Arthur had not given up the silly pretension, even in wartime.
The buzzing of voices grew louder as I walked down the center of the hall.
Courtiers and nobles stood on either side, watching me as I walked and discussing me behind raised lace fans and polished monocles. Like the Great Hall, their appearance had not changed much either. They were still dressed in silks and velvets adorned with thorns and roses, and they carried posies of fresh flowers.
All while, outside the castle, the common people starved.
My brother's throne graced the raised dais. Dark wood adorned with gold leaf showcased the familiar thorn and rose pattern.
