Just as Elias had swindled Adeline, so she played her own games. As night fell, she hastily finished her dinner alone, without him. A new cadre of maids entered, as bright-faced as Jenny but as skilled as Jean. Whether they were aware that their queen was human, they gave no sign.
As they bathed her with cautious, gentle touches, Adeline wondered if Elias had instilled in them a fear that commanded respect. They averted their gazes, never daring to look up, even though humans were seen as inferior by their kind.
"Thank you," said Adeline with heartfelt gratitude after they had dressed her and combed her hair.
The hands of the maids trembled with surprise, almost letting the brush slip. The King may call them by name, but no one in the palace thanked them—no one except this human girl.
"Please, Princess, there's no need for thanks," they replied.
