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“The king invited us to his harem.”
She remained quiet, as if unsure of what to say, but from how her face paled, I could guess at how I’d struck her.
“It was very uncomfortable,” I said sinking deeper into the tub.
“I can imagine so.” She came closer and set the tin down and began to pull out lotions and cosmetics, probably for something to do to distract from the news. “I—I am sorry you had to witness that. It is no place for a lady.”
“It’s no place for anyone. And Roar didn’t want to stay. The king commanded him to do so.” My hand trailed over the water, leaving ripples in its wake. “A brothel, where they are paid and have signed contracts protecting their rights is one thing. But if they are unwilling, that is . . . barbaric.”
Clemencia kept her voice low. “Their children are well cared for. And the king’s favorites are too.”
A pittance. “And the rest? There were over fifty fae in there last night. He’s disgusting.”
“Lady Neve, it is unwise to speak such words.”
“Even to you?” I turned and looked up at her.
Clemencia remained silent for a moment before replying. “I will say nothing. You’re my lady.”
“And friend, I hope.” I smiled. “Tell me the truth. Do you mind that I called you Clem? You told the prince that it was fine, but I want to make sure. If you do mind, I won’t do so again.”
“I rather enjoyed it. My friends growing up called me that. Though, I’ll admit, it took me by surprise. Most ladies are not so familiar with their help.”
“I wasn’t born a lady,” I replied. “And you’re not really the help, more like a helper. One I couldn’t do without.”
She walked that line here, but in Guldtown she lived as a wealthy merchant’s daughter.
“Thank you, my lady.” She plucked the mystery tin off the counter. “This was waiting outside the door, in a hamper to welcome the start of the Courting Festival. It says it’s for you, though not who it is from.”
Drying my hands on a towel, I took the tin and opened the attached note.
This is the balm I told you about. Use it liberally on your skin and wings.
This had to be the balm that one of the castle’s Master Healers created, and the note had to be from Prince Vale . . .
He’d not mentioned my intrusion into his room. Would he ever? What did he think about it?
I looked at Clemencia. “Did Roar see this note?”
“It came after he returned and retired. Lean back, my lady.” She held up a glass jar of shampoo, and when I leaned back, she began washing my hair.
“And there was no other note?” I asked as her fingers massaged my scalp.
“None. Is everything alright?”
I set the balm on a little table beside the tub. I wasn’t sure how to answer that, but I certainly wouldn’t involve Clem in whatever was happening between the prince and me. “Yes. It’s a balm for scars. Can we apply it before I get dressed?”
I’d need her help to reach parts of my wings.
“Of course,” she replied, not an ounce of suspicion in her voice. “Would you like to wear your hair in braids today? That way, your hair will be curled for the ball tonight.”
The ball. Just those words instilled mild panic.
The ball officially opened the Courting Festival. After the event, there would be gatherings day and night, many more balls, smaller socials, and other events in which I’d have to play my part perfectly. Was I ready for all this? So far, my time at Frostveil Castle had been filled with highs and lows, and aside from the younger ladies of the Sacred Eight, I had not met many fae. That would all change tonight.
“That sounds wonderful,” I murmured as Clem rinsed the shampoo. “We’re supposed to be meeting the king and queen for breakfast. Do you know anything about that?”
“There was a card announcing the breakfast in the hamper. We have time.” Her tone assured me that she’d take care of getting me there.
