Chapter 9
A few days later, I was watering the flowers out back.
She came sauntering up-dressed in one of her new gowns, sparkling from head to toe.
“Oops! Watch it! That water almost hit me. What are you, blind?”
She had stepped right into the path on purpose.
I ignored her.
But she wouldn’t quit.
Hey! I’m talking to you. Didn’t you hear?”
The General says he’s giving me the Lady’s title soon.”
looked her dead in the eye.
Then we’ll see what he says when the time comes. If he wants me to step down, I will.”
he hated that I wasn’t biting.
tormed up and grabbed my arm-I yanked away hard.
he fell to the ground,
nd a few of her gold bracelets clattered across the stones.
These were gifts from the King! You broke them-how dare you!”
he General came over, scowling.
What’s going on now?”
he didn’t miss a beat.
I was just out here admiring the flowers, and Evelyn shoved me.”
Look-she smashed the King’s gifts! What are we gonna do?”
he was lying through her teeth.
thought-God, if she ever runs out of gold, she should try acting.
he General pulled her close.
She’s been through enough already. Evelyn, just let it go.”
felt like I’d swallowed broken glass.
No matter what I said, I’d be the bad guy.
le took her hand and walked away with her.
That night, he came to my room.
was still furious.
didn’t bother to hide it.
Why are you acting so cold lately? God, you really are just a servant.”
Look how sweet Seraphina is-why can’t you be more like her?”
That did it
Then go to her! What the hell are you doing here?”
He didn’t expect that.
His face went red.
He turned and stormed out.
Our shouting had been loud-loud enough that Seraphina had heard every word.
She was already standing outside when he opened the door.
“General… maybe you should come to my room tonight.”
“Evelyn’s always been like that, she doesn’t mean it..”
Before she could finish, the General said he was going to find Captain Silas for a drink.
As soon as he left, she came into my room.
“You know, women need to be soft. Gentle. Like me.”
‘Look how sweet he is to me, every time.”
You should take notes-oh wait, never mind.”
You won’t be the lady of the house for much longer. Ha!”
she left, smirking.
And I-I swept the teacups and kettle off the table in a rage,
lass and ceramic shattering like my heart.
