The Herbwitch's Apprentice Ireen Chau (best life changing books txt) 📖

violence not to worry. Luckily, he didn’t comment on it and merely took my hand. “I see. That’s kind of you.”

“Thank you. Well, good night,” I said. His fingers were very warm.

Ash released my hand and tucked his behind his back. “Good night.”

I began walking away before I did something foolish like kiss him.

Then, a voice stopped me in my tracks.

“Amarante. My mother would like a word with you.”

I turned. Narcissa strode out the entrance of the east wing in a velvet gown, a servant trailing behind her. Her heels clicked against the marble in sharp, staccato steps. Her face was icy.

“Lady Narcissa,” I said. How had she known that I was here? I exchanged a glance with Ash. His expression was guarded as he dipped his head in greeting, even though Narcissa hadn’t addressed him.

“It is late. Would Her Grace be so kind as to schedule a meeting for tomorrow?” I said, keeping my voice as civil as possible. What could the duchess possibly want with me?

“My mother is a very busy woman,” Narcissa said. She flicked her gaze from me to Ash. “And clearly you have no objections to staying late in the company of nobility.” She said the last word as if she didn’t mean it.

“You will have to excuse Amarante,” Ash said. If he was insulted, he didn’t show it. “It is late.”

Narcissa’s nostrils flared. “Are you defying my mother’s orders?”

I wondered if she knew she was talking to a prince.

Ash looked calmly at her. “Not at all. Amarante merely wishes to meet Her Grace at another time.”

“Do you know how scandals start?” Narcissa flicked open her fan. “With a rumor. Or in this case, the truth. What would people say if they hear about a lowly merchant’s daughter sneaking off to the dungeons with the bastard prince at night?”

“Are you threatening me?” Ash growled.

I pulled his sleeve, restraining him from stepping forward. “I doubt rumors of the prince punching the duchess’s daughter would be any better,” I whispered.

He frowned.

“I’ll go,” I said to Narcissa. She smiled and closed her fan.

“Amarante,” Ash warned.

I shook my head. To Narcissa, there was no reason for us to think the duchess would do anything to harm me. I had to act oblivious. Ash seemed to realize this and reluctantly stepped back.

I tried to calm my hammering heart as I followed Narcissa down the hall. What if the duchess did try to harm me? Did she know that Ash and I were on her heels? Everything pointed at her as the culprit for poisoning Queen Cordelia. I didn’t want to think what a woman capable of killing her queen would do to someone as insignificant as me.

We at last came before a set of double doors. The servant bowed her head as Narcissa and I entered.

23

Duchess Wilhelmina herself was stretched out on a chaise longue, a crystal goblet filled with scarlet liquid glittering in her hands. Misty was curled up at her foot, a ball of midnight fur.

“You brought her.” The duchess’s deep voice filled the room.

“Yes, mother.”

I couldn’t help but notice that Narcissa seemed more subdued in her mother’s presence. My knees were shaking as I lowered myself into a curtsy. “Your Grace.”

Duchess Wilhelmina set her goblet on the low table before her and regarded me. The silk of her deep red dressing gown gleamed in the candlelight. Something sinister lurked beneath her usual finery.

“It appears that Cordelia did not punish you satisfactorily after behaving so horribly at the hunting party,” she said.

“Your Grace?” I said. The issue had long been resolved. What could she mean by bringing it up again?

The duchess traced the rim of her goblet with a finger. It went around and around and around. “I am sure, Miss Flora, that you believe in justice?”

“I hope everyone does, Your Grace.”

The duchess’s finger paused. “Yes,” she said softly. “One who has done wrong must be punished.”

My spine stiffened as I took in the flickering candlelight, the heavy velvet drapes, and the closed double doors. Misty mewed and stared at me with acid green eyes.

“What shall it be, Mother? Shall she be whipped?” Narcissa’s gloating words almost made me jump. I had forgotten she was standing there.

“Are you a savage, Narcissa, or are you a noblewoman?” Duchess Wilhelmina said. She hardly spared her daughter a glance. How differently she treated Narcissa in public! I would’ve felt bad for the girl, if she hadn’t just suggested that I be whipped. I didn’t let myself relax, though. The duchess may be opposed to whipping, but what of other, lesser forms of torture? The old thumbscrew? A night locked away in a closet? Or perhaps her area of expertise: poison.

“My purpose for bringing you here is to right a wrong. You never received the punishment you deserve. What do you suppose it should be?”

Was she seriously asking me? I decided to go for the safest answer. “Whatever Your Grace deems appropriate,” I said.

Duchess Wilhelmina pointed at the servant girl behind Narcissa. “You. You’re dismissed. Pack up your things. Someone else will be taking your room.”

The girl squeaked. She was clearly distressed but curtsied low nonetheless. Without a word, she was gone. I watched in disbelief.

“Mother!”

“Never fear,” the duchess drawled. She gestured to me. “Here’s the replacement.”

“Y-your Grace?” I stuttered. Narcissa seemed equally appalled.

“Mother, you can’t make—”

“There is nothing I can’t do,” Duchess Wilhelmina said, eyes flashing. Her gaze was sharp and calculating as she sat up. “You, Miss Flora, will move here to the palace in the servant’s room. You will do Narcissa’s bidding and attend to her every need. You will not tell anyone about this. From now to as long as I say, she is your mistress and you will do everything she tells you. Is that understood?”

This couldn’t be legal.

Me? Playing servant for Narcissa for heaven knows how long? Impossible. “But, Your Grace—”

“Are you defying me, Miss Flora?” the duchess said softly. Ice shot up my spine at her very gaze.

I forced myself to bow my