Princess Lyland's words stay in my mind for the whole day. I brood until tea time, starting to realise that the Duke's worries must have been triggered by the incident.
What if he really feels guilty for the maids' behaviour?
It isn't his fault, in the end. He even warned me not to trust them, so I always assumed he knew how those women were.
Shall I tell him not to think about it too much?
When tea time comes, I consider not changing clothes and walking around like this. Still, the Duke said to wear Ethirian clothes.
After thorough consideration, I wear a silver gown with Kate's and Lea's help. The Princess insisted on lending me her handmaid again.
I ask not to tighten the corset, though. The bruise hurts when I move abruptly, but it's bearable.
When I arrive in front of the throne room, Lea and Kate are asked to stay back. I'm accompanied by one of his majesty's aids to a small door, to the side of the big chair.
