A middle-aged widow, Lady Roheise de Say had sharp features and eyes and hair the color of slate. As she neared she lifted her lips into what she no doubt assumed was a friendly smile. What tiny bit of pleasure Ami had regained with talk of possets died into sour dismay. Not all of the king’s wards were orphaned and helpless, be they widow or heiress. Some were so rich or highly placed that the king held them as he would a male hostage, using them and his power over them to check their families’ behavior. So it was with the newly come Lady de Say, the daughter of an earl and cousin-by-marriage to the powerful Lord Geoffrey de Say. As society dictated Ami came to her feet to offer Lady Roheise both a proper show of respect and her stool. The lady gave a shake of her head. The snap of her fingers brought one of her four maids rushing to place the lady's small chair next to Ami's own. Lady Roheise sank onto the seat, the graceful lift of her hand giving Ami permission to sit as well. “I wanted to offer you what comfort I can, Lady de la Beres,”
