“Are you sure this is a good idea?” Eudemas bit her lip as she laced Vara’s dress.
“Don’t worry,” Vara answered, “I will make sure you won’t get in trouble for this. I will take full blame.”
Eudemas shook her head. “I should talk you out of this.”
“But you known I won’t listen,” Vara finished. She smiled. “It’s all for a good cause. They won’t look any servant in the eye, so if I dress in one of your dresses, they won’t even recognize me as the king’s ward. It will give me the chance to see their true colors.”
“Just be careful, Vara,” Eudemas sighed, “the king will not be pleased.”
“He will not be there until the start of the official banquet. It’s only refreshments and conversations now.” She pressed Eudemas’ hand. “Do not worry. I won’t be long.” She ran her hand over the servant’s dress to smooth it out and entered the dining hall.
Althea, one of the servant girls, eyed her oddly when she recognized her, but Vara winked at her and motioned her to be silent. She took one of the trays with refreshments and carefully made her way across the room.
There were a few noble families. She recognized the lord from the Northern Territory.
There was the duke of the Vale.
And the nobles from the Western provinces.
They were all here for the war council that would take place tomorrow. And they had brought their daughters, nieces, cousins.
A small flock of girls was talking not far from her. One voice in particular rang out with a hint of arrogance.
“It won’t be hard at all. There isn’t a man that I can’t wrap around my finger.”
“Giulia, there are rumors you know. About the prince. He isn’t exactly a faithful man.”
Giulia laughed softly. “That is the best part. I don’t need him to be faithful. Once I’m wed to him, he can have all the women he wants. I only want his money and the title that comes with it. Of course I’ll have to take a lover…”
Vara narrowed her eyes at the girl’s words. She didn’t know whose daughter Giulia was, but at the moment she did not care. Quietly she tipped over one of the glasses on her tray so it spilled on Giulia’s dress.
Giulia gasped. “Be careful stupid girl!”
“Forgive me, my lady,” Vara muttered, “it was an accident.”
“You ruined my dress!” Giulia shrieked.
“I’m sure we can wash it out,” Vara said while reaching for the dress.
“Do not touch me!” Giulia said, “they should have you fired! You are completely incompetent!”
“What is gong on here?” Cyrus appeared at her shoulder and looked at Giulia.
YOU ARE READING
Duty
Historical FictionIf you had to choose between love and duty, what would you do? Vara is a lucky girl. Adopted into the king's household and companion to the prince, people have almost forgotten she came of low birth. However, when her childhood friend declares his l...
