Setting it carefully on the vanity, she rose from her chair. She thought briefly about taking a moment to tuck her hair underneath her cap, but she knew that if it were her employer she would be scolded for keeping her waiting so she dutifully rushed out. Taking a deep breath, she crossed the room and opened the door to see Lady Alice Grey, lady-in-waiting to King Lyon and her employer, waiting, flanked by two royal guards. Cordova’s eyes immediately jumped to the envelope fisted in the Lady’s skeletally thin hand, and her heart hammered against her chest. “How may I be of service, my Lady?” she asked, struggling to keep her voice steady. She started to bow, but her head snapped back as Lady Grey’s free hand shot out, cracking against her face. “You stupid wench,” she snapped, black eyes cold in contrast to the spots of color in her bony cheeks. “Did you really think you could get away with this?” “I-I-I don’t know what you mean,” Cordova stammered, clutching her stinging cheek even as her eyes darted back to the envelope.
