I manage to fix my expression as my 'mother' pulls the basket of threads into her lap, "These threads, as they sit in this basket, they are without purpose. They are unused and unsullied, fit to be shaped as the owner desires."
She picks up one red and one white thread, almost absentmindedly twirling the two around her index finger. The colors swirl together and I swallow down the rage threatening to make itself known.
Peppermint. Of course.
My days have been a little too calm and now I realize that this damned author was just lying in wait, anticipating me falling into complacence before hitting me with another blow. I can't help but wonder what is in store this time. Will it be more physical pain? A psychological blow? The empress is regarding me calmly, too calmly, and I feel like I am out of my depth. Katya has such a powerful presence, no wonder she was such a menace to Clara in the webnovel.
