Page 55 of Of Masks and Fury

“Delivery from the kitchens,” Kerralyn said cheerfully, her violet eyes bright with excitement. “Cook thought the princess might be hungry after her excursion.”

“Thank you. You can set it on the table by the fireplace.” It was all I could do not to race to Kerralyn and hug her. Knowing that I hadsomeoneother than Trew inside the castle I could go to meant everything.

Mae’s gaze moved between us. “You…” Her frown deepened. “I haven’t seen this woman before.” Panic lifted her voice, and she backed away from Kerralyn as if my friend was offering poison.

“It’s nothing. I’ve seen her around.”

“I recently started working here, my lady.” Kerralyn sent Mae a short bow. “But I’ve seen Isi—” She slapped a hand over her mouth and sent a wide-eyed gaze my way. “HerMajesty, that is. She’s come to the kitchen and spoken to me herself.” The words rushed out of her. “We’ve talked about pastries. Cakes. Cookies. She’s been kind and I…” She must’ve realized she’d said too much already because she cut herself off.

Mae blinked at her for a long moment.

“You…know them,” she said instead, and I could see from her face she was putting it together. “Tell me to call the guard this instance, and I will.” Her hand snapped to her pocket, and she drew out a small knife, stomping over to wave it between me and the others. “Stay back or I’ll hurt you. I won’t allow you to harm the princess.”

“Please. Mae. Put down the knife.” I laid my hand on her arm. “They won’t hurt me. They’re…friends.”

“What?” she barked, though she lowered her arm to her side.

I pried the knife from her hand and gave it to Trew. “They’re here to help me. It’s complicated, Mae, and I can’t explain more right now.”

She glanced between us, her frown tightening. “They’re not coercing you into saying this, are they?”

I looked into her eyes, hoping she’d see the calm I was trying to project. “They’re not. Not one bit. I promise.” I hesitated, knowing what I was about to ask would be difficult. “I need you to trust me without knowing all the details. Can you do that?”

For a long moment, she studied my face. Then she nodded. “I’ve always trusted you, Princess.”

“Thank you.”

“But,” her expression turned fierce, and she shot each of my friends a glare, “if any of you hurt her or put her in danger, you’ll answer to me.”

He inclined his head, respect clear in the gesture. “Understood.”

“I truly do need rest,” I said. “Could you make sure I’m not disturbed? I’ll call if I need anything.”

Mae nodded. She squeezed my hands once more before leaving, pulling the door closed behind her.

“Will she talk?” Trew growled.

I shook my head. “She’s been my friend all my life. She won’t allow anyone to hurt me.”

“I’m sorry,” Kerralyn said, tears in her eyes. “I almost gave us away.”

“It’s alright,” I said. “This is new to all of us.” I raced over and swept her up, spinning her around while she half-laughed, half-cried. I finally set her on her feet. “When did you get here?”

“I came with Derren and Lexie. We didn’t want to infiltrate ourselves into the court all at once.” Kerralyn sucked in a breath and released it. “The head of the household staff is one stiff woman. She quizzed me for what felt like hours before hiring me. You’d think they’d be glad to find more staff. She said the library didn’t need any help but if I wouldlowermy standards, she’d put me in the kitchen. I’m not much of a cook, but I’m pretty good at washing dishes.”

Lexie dropped down onto the sofa, her skirts fluffing around her legs, and kicked off her slippers with a groan. “Fates, these shoes are torture devices. How do you walk in them?”

“Practice.” I strode over and sat beside her. Kerralyn joined us on my other side.

“We made a deal, though you seem to have forgotten,” Kerralyn said. “Syllavar and Caldrith, working together. That includes infiltrating enemy castles.”

“Is it really infiltrating if we walked in the front door?” Lexie asked with a tilt of her head.

“Details.” Kerralyn waved her hand in the air. “Now, tell us everything while we eat. I want to know exactly what we’re dealing with here.”

Trew settled in a chair opposite us. Pherin swooped down from her perch to steal a piece of roast from the tray, dragging it to the edge where she could tear into it.

“She has excellent manners,” Kerralyn said, watching the minxpip with a smirk.