Page 10 of The Shadows Between Us
I order the maids to place the books on an empty shelf in the room. Then I step back to admire the entire ensemble.
Yes, it’ll do.
A maid helps me to dress. I select a deep blue overskirt to wear over matching pants. The fabric is a simple cotton, unlike the taffeta of last night’s outfit. Lace hems my ankles, the pattern that of a trail of roses. Instead of boots, I opt for day slippers. My blouse laces up the front in a fashion similar to a corset. It will be highly scandalous, and I suspect none of the men at court will be able to keep their eyes off me.
That’s the point. When a man sees something that several other men want, he can’t help but want it, too.
The maid pulls all my hair up onto the top of my head, heating tendrils into curls spilling down my neck and over my ears.
Just when I’m starting to feel ready for the day, another servant is admitted into my rooms.
He bows low. “My lady, the king hopes you will join him and the rest of the courtiers in the orchards for tea.”
“Have I missed lunch?”
“I’m afraid so, but the king expected you would. He assumed settling into your new room would take most of the day.”
I’m glad to know the king is thinking of me even when I am not around.
“If I may also add, my lady, the king doesn’t usually make an event of afternoon tea. I expect he’s arranged it all for you.”
“For me?”
He crosses his white-gloved hands behind his back. “It is my understanding that this is your first time at court. There are many new people with whom to become acquainted.”
That brings a small smile to my lips. “Then I suppose I shouldn’t disappoint His Majesty by not showing up.”
BRICK-LINED TRAILS WEND UNDERtrees filled with cherry blossoms. A thin creek trickles by to one side, and the birds fill the air with their music.
Plenty of cushioned seating has been added outdoors, and a long table filled with thin sandwiches, sliced fruit, biscuits, cakes, and other sweets is constantly replenished by servants.
Excitement sparks through me at the thought of all the opportunities ahead. My father isn’t here to ruin things this time, and I’m surrounded by the most influential people in the world.
A group of ladies sits by the creek, sharing the newest gossip. Three gentlemen stand huddled together under one of the cherry trees, teacups in hand, laughing over something one of them said. A few couples have branched off from other groups. I watch a pair of courting ladies walk with hands clasped together, the hoops of their skirts touching. Really, the ladies at court could do with some fashion advice from me. I hope I will start some new trends.
With all the courtiers distracted by their current companions, no one takes notice of my arrival yet.
I make a show of walking toward the refreshment table, letting my eyes wander in search of the king, when something barrels into me from behind.
I nearly lose my footing, but I catch myself, though a huge pressure impedes my overskirt.
A reprimand is already on my lips as I turn, but I’m brought up short.
There’s a dog panting before me.
At least I think it’s a dog. It also has a startling likeness to a bear. In both size and color.
“Hello,” I say, bending over and holding out my hand.
The dog takes a few sniffs before nudging my fingers with its nose. An invitation to pet it if I’ve ever seen one.
I’ve always wanted a dog, but my father forbade it because he has such a terrible reaction to them.
I stroke it—him, I correct after a quick look down to confirm the sex—behind the ears.
“Good boy,” I say, “though I’d appreciate it if you got off my skirt.”
He lies down, covering evenmoreof my skirt, his wet nose digging into the fabric.
