Page 6 (1/2)

A short woh stood in the entryway, bearing a tray on one hand and the door knob in the other Although she was petite, she th before waddling to Elle’s bed side

Behind her Emele, who had been s herself up and fluffing her hair and extravagant skirts

The newcomer set the tray down and smiled at Elle She too wore the fa that all the female servants wore, but she smelled like cinnamon and her butter blonde hair was covered by a white coif

Elle studied the wouessed It was unusual for a wohy woman smiled, pleased, and nodded before she removed covers from Elle’s dinner tray

The tray was filled with cheese, venison, pike, minced pies, peas, strawberries, and candied fruits

Elle stared at the venison--she had never had deer in all her life, it was only a dish for the rich

The cook soundlessly laughed at Elle’s shock and helped her sit up so she could eat

Past the cook E Emele hadn’t tutored her yet to a level where she could read naently, but held the information close

The cook, Bernadine, conveniently set up the tray for Elle’s use and watched her dig in When Elle looked up fro her the sa for the best cut

The cook cast off the look and s at her

Elle uneasily sed her peas and mentally reviewed her conduct Everyone seee of Belvenes, which was roughly an hour walk from the castle This suited Elle perfectly as she didn’t really want the cursed prince to find out who had plunged through his ceiling Had Elle acted out of character as a irl?

Elle nibbled on a strawberry as Bernadine and E the cook took the tray and bustled out of the room

"Can I sleep now?" Elle asked Emele as the ladies maid fussed with the curtains The less time she spent awake the better Unconsciousness stopped the pain--the pain fro, the pain from her arms, and the pain in her uneasy heart

Ee the request

Elle stared at the decanter of alcohol sitting on a chest across the room Emele parked herself between it and Elle and settled doith her slate