I raise my skirt and step into the royal garden's gazebo. It is a structure with white marble pillars and carvings in the sandstone walls. Its roof is made of intricately carved wood panels, with intricate patterns of flowers and birds inlaid with gold and silver. The pavilion is surrounded by lush gardens filled with exotic blooms. And within is a table and a comfortable chair to sit on.
Both Lady Sherri and Lady Eliana were already sitting around the table. I try not to look at Calais, who is standing rigidly close to Eliana. The two women bow at me and I answer with a nod.
I sit down at the table and try to ignore the tension in the air. Calais' presence is making me uneasy, but I know I need to keep my composure.
"Ladies," I say, addressing both Sherri and Eliana. "As you all know, all three wives of Cornelius will share some of the responsibility of handling the country and castle affairs."
