Chapter 14 #2
Out of the corner of my eye, I could see a disturbing, unnatural pallor to the newcomer’s skin, along with unusually spindly fingers.
Though the Fae aged slowly, the hands revealed the passage of time to the keen observer.
His wrinkled hands showed deep, striated grooves, indicating he was very old.
His skin was so pale I might have questioned whether or not he was ill.
He did not have signs of the sun-kissed, natural tan that most citizens here presented.
In a rough, gravelly voice, the noble stranger asked Shira, “And who might this be?”
She stood from her bow now that she’d been addressed directly, and I mimicked her actions. Glancing up but keeping my head low, I tried to take in more of his features, the most alarming of which were his two different-colored eyes.
Shira replied confidently, but there was a hint of fear threaded through her response that one would expect from anyone who’d survived the Silent Eve.
“This is Cress Talok of Caano. She has just arrived to serve Lady Gianna.”
He didn’t even glance in my direction. “Ah, yes…Silas’ favorite plaything. And what of her former maid? Or am I to believe Lady Gianna requires two servants to tend to her whims?” He lingered on each syllable of her name mockingly.
Hearing them speak so openly of the king’s affections for Gia could only mean she had been extremely successful in her efforts thus far.
“She succumbed to the sickness. We feared she was quite contagious, so we had her removed immediately before a spread could occur.” Shira’s words were brittle, as if they might crumble from any rebuttal.
Frantically, she continued, “She was so young; it was most unfortunate. We are glad to have secured a quick replacement; King Silas would never stand for Lady Gianna to be without.” She wrung her hands in contrition, waiting for any sort of indication of the formidable figure’s acceptance.
The male grabbed my chin abruptly, squeezing it tightly between his cold fingers, pain spreading across my face as the sharp edges of his nails dug deeper into my skin.
He tilted my head up to face him and turned it from side to side, inspecting me as if to give his approval.
I was worried that he might have seen through my glamour.
I fought my instincts to react defensively.
Being grabbed in such a manner had my muscles tightening and ready to fight, but I resisted the inclination and forced my body to slacken and cower in fear.
He dropped his hand from my face and finally made an introduction.
“I am Zarif, Hand of the King. You will mind your position and serve his court well. We have welcomed many newcomers since the rightful ascension of Silas, and we value loyalty above all else…”
While his words trailed off menacingly, I did my best to penetrate his mind to see if I could find any ill intent.
Something about him made my skin crawl, and I learned long before my training at Basdie to heed that warning.
His mind was blank and well-fortified, which meant one thing—he had something to hide.
I nodded respectfully and meekly said, “It’s my honor to serve King Silas’ court, my Lord Hand.”
The interaction must have sufficed, as he walked away with no other remarks. I trotted behind Shira, who attempted to hide her trembling fingers by clasping them in front of her. Now I had the confirmation I was seeking—the Hand of the King was someone to fear.
Shira and the guard led me to a giant set of double-doors framed with detailed carvings and patterns, gilded and shimmering. Unlike so many of the designs we saw in Cambria, these were rigid and geometric, with sharp angles. It made me miss the romantic, flowing embellishments in my former home.
She knocked twice and stepped back, awaiting permission to enter.
The door opened and another young female in all-blue attire welcomed us into the room.
It was giant and luxurious, adorned with fine fabrics and a giant four-poster bed.
There were already two servants tidying things and hanging dresses in an armoire.
When Gia turned around to face me, I held my breath, concerned the faintest expression of familiarity would betray us.
But she did not falter. In fact, she looked right through me as if I was nothing and turned to Shira for an explanation.
“What’s this?” she said coldly.
Shira bowed, and I did the same, orienting my body toward Gia as a sign of subservience. “Lady Gianna, this is your new lady’s maid, Cress. We have been fortunate to find a replacement so quickly, don’t you agree?”
“It’s taken days. You’re lucky I haven’t made any formal complaints,” Gia replied, scolding the matron.
Then with a sneer, she pointed at the young brunette standing by her writing desk. “And her, whoever she is, is useless at doing my hair. Thank the Gods I’ve been graced with such beauty, otherwise the king might have found me unsuitable.”
The female before me commanded attention and respect.
Her outspoken disdain for the servants portrayed entitlement and callousness, but also her status as someone the king wished to please.
I watched as the poor girl shifted back and forth nervously at the reprimand from her lady, my lady…
Gia. Gods-damned she was astounding! I knew she would be, but seeing her embody the character of Lady Gianna was a sight to behold.
Shira began to utter an apology when Gia snapped again, “In fact, I am in need of assistance right now if I am to be ready by this evening’s party. Let’s see if what you’ve brought me will suffice. The rest of you, leave! You…” she pointed at me, “You can stay. The rest of you, get out. Now!”
The two young ladies scurried away quickly, and as Shira made her exit, Gia said sternly, “If she doesn’t suffice, we will have words.” The matron closed the door behind her, Gia’s threat still hovering above us like a storm cloud.
With the two of us finally alone, there was so much to be said. Which Gia I’d be dealing with remained to be seen.