tie

my side, her eyes filled with wo

t, the fragile, frightened expression on my face vanished, repl

o a comfortable robe. I hadn't actually falle

d whispered, "My lady, the 'Moonli

nse burner in the corner. That was the

erbs. But I knew that the maid, Agnes, would soon arrive to re

ora, carefully pouring the powder into an empty

I was badly frightened and need to rest. Especially t

led the covers up, and closed my eyes, regulating my breathing to appe

the door. A few ladies entered, led by Mrs.

voice full of sympathy as she approac

a grateful smile. "Mrs. Price, thank

r mother and I were the dearest of friends. I

dy Elara is far too biased! It was clearly Anais who

Mother was just worried about my sister... It's all my fault. I sho

thetic toward me, and their disdain for Anais and Lady Elara

as quiet again. I knew the

nes entered carrying a cup. She was

ght catch a chill. She sent me with some

e cup. I knew

ncense burner. "My lady, your incense has almo

hem with her own special blend before lighting it

her, sayin

Agnes bowed and left, confid

a slipped back into the room

ir, wearing a velvet coat and reeking of cheap cologne-Brody Sterling, lurking near the east wing. We used a cloth soaked

y Sterling, one of the

g a hand to my forehead. "Cora, I... I f

oward the door. "I

eating m

owing close behind. We didn't go far, ju

ading Anais toward my room. Anais had changed, b

e. They were setting the stage for the next act: the concerned sister come

m. The script h