Page 27 of The Black Key

I really wish she hadn’t made that particular comparison. I don’t need the Duchess looking at me any closer than she already is. I feel like she can see through this thin veil, my Auguried disguise.

“Yes,” the Duchess says after a moment. “I suppose she does.” Her eyes flicker to mine one last time before she strides off down the hall in the direction of the main staircase. My entire body feels like it’s deflating from the tension. Cora follows after her, their heads close together as the Duchess whispers something I can’t hear.

“Sure you won’t join me for a brandy?” the Duke says to his son.

“No, Father, I think I’ll pass.” Garnet barely hides his disdain as the Duke staggers off toward his smoking room.

“Come on, Imogen,” Coral says. “It’s time to get me ready for bed.”

We retire to her chambers after Garnet makes some excuse about needing to use the library. I run a bath for Coral and find scented salts under the sink. Soon the air smells like lilac and freesia. I want to climb into this bathtub and never get out.

“Is it ready?” Coral says. She stands in the doorway wearing a thick white robe. As if it’s nothing, she slips off the robe and hands it to me. She is completely naked. I don’t know where to look, but Coral seems perfectly at ease.

“Shall I wait outside, miss?”

“Yes, that would be fine. Go arrange my best nightdress on the bed for me.”

I curtsy and run out of the room. Coral has three closets, an armoire, and two dressers plus a vanity. I think Annabelle kept all my nightclothes in a drawer, and sure enough, I find a wide variety of silky undergarments and sleepwear. As I sift through the contents, wondering what exactly her best nightdress might be, it occurs to me that I haven’t seen any of Garnet’s clothing in these closets.

“Imogen!” Coral shouts. “The water’s gone cold, bring my towel now!”

What did she do before she had a lady-in-waiting? I wonder to myself.

After Coral has been dried off and her hair has been brushed out and her face and arms moisturized and the blankets have been tucked right up to her chin, I am finally released from my duties.

“Good night, Imogen,” Coral says.

It wouldn’t surprise me if Garnet has never spent a night in that bed.

“Good night,” I say, closing the door behind me.

Now for the real challenge.

It’s time to face Cora.

Nine

CORA’S CHAMBERS ARE BEHIND THE FIRST DOOR IN THE east wing. Maude pointed them out earlier.

I take a steadying breath before knocking.

“Enter,” she calls from within.

The parlor is lit with a soft glow—pretty sconces hang on the walls giving off a pinkish light. There is a fireplace and a large couch that curves in the shape of a smile and a thick gold rug. Oil paintings hang on the walls and golden curtains cover the windows.

It reminds me very much of Ash’s old room in this palace, the parlor I used to sneak into when Carnelian was at her lessons.

Cora sits in a rocking chair by the window, a position that is so reminiscent of Sil it makes my heart throb. She doesn’t stand as I enter.

“Sit,” she says, indicating the couch.

I do as she commands.

“When did Garnet hire you?”

I try to keep my voice low and husky, and answer as honestly and succinctly as possible. I don’t need to get myself tangled up in any more lies than necessary. “Yesterday.”

Her eyes narrow. “You will address me as ma’am. What House did you work for?”