Page 28 of The Royal Throne
“I overheard her speaking to the assassin.”
He tossed the towel back to the floor. “Then it’s your word against the king’s.”
“Unfortunately. I’d mistakenly assumed my word would be good enough and he’d support me, his wife. However, I can see now that I was gravely mistaken. I am on my own. I fear another assassin will come after me.”
“I need time to think over this,” he said, glancing around the room. “My parents are having a small gathering this evening to welcome Heather and me back to court. Will you attend? We’ll be able to speak freely.”
“I’ll be there.”
She returned to her guards. “Drew, I’d like to go into town.”
“Of course, Your Majesty.” He led her to the second level where they took the stairs up, exiting through the building at the edge of town. They headed to the main road.
As soon as the townspeople spotted her, they approached, wishing her well, giving her flowers, asking if she wanted to come and shop in their stores. Sabine spoke to as many of them as she could as she made her way to the seamstress’s shop.
When she entered the store, she found the woman asleep in a chair while a young girl who looked about twelve sat at the counter.
“Is that your mother?” Sabine asked the girl.
The girl nodded.
“Do you work here?” she asked, wondering if it was common for children this young to work.
“I only work here when my mom needs the help,” she whispered. “My mom and aunts were up all night sewing your clothes.”
“So you know who I am?” Sabine asked her.
She nodded. “Everyone knows who you are, Your Highness, I mean Your Majesty. Should I wake my mom? Do you need to order more clothes?”
“Don’t wake her. I’m here because I need some help.”
The girl sat taller. “I can help you.”
“Excellent. I need a new lady’s maid.” She planned to let Claire go as soon as she returned to the palace. There was no way Heather’s sister would serve as her attendant any longer. “I’m hoping you know someone who is trustworthy who can handle the job.”
“If I were older, I’d do it,” the girl said with a smile.
“I’m sure you’ll make a lovely lady’s maid one day. But you’re right, I do need someone a bit older to assist me. She needs to be able to help me dress, do my hair, and handle social issues that may come up at court. Do you know of anyone who might be able to do that?”
“My one aunt might be able to. She’s twenty-five and doesn’t like working here cause she’s not very good at sewing.”
Sabine chuckled. “Is she around? I’d like to meet her.”
The girl nodded and slid off her stool, running past the curtain that led to the back of the store.
Sabine waited a few minutes until the girl returned with a young woman who had tanned skin and long, dark hair. The woman was tall and rather striking.
“Your Majesty,” the woman said. “My niece said you wanted to meet me?”
“Yes. What’s your name?”
“Harper.” She curtseyed.
“What do you know about royal protocol?”
“Um, absolutely nothing.” Her lips pulled into a smile.
“Are you a quick learner?”
