SHADOW

A Court of Deceit

The castle was grand, with large windows and luxurious carpets, but there was a hint of disrepair in every corner, as if this splendor and luxury hadn't been refreshed or properly cared for in a long time. The carpets in the front rooms were new and shiny, but the carpet in the corridor leading to her room wasn't threadbare, though clearly worn. Even the servants' uniforms looked clean but noticeably faded from years of use.

The room she was placed in had clean, luxurious furniture and drapes, but the finishes looked old and faded—the former glory dulled.

Sha's blood chilled when she stepped out of the carriage and met the cold stare of Princess Iolanda. The princess was waiting for them in front of the stairs, so unusual for a royal to wait. But Sha guessed the Count was always her favorite, for her demeanor changed as soon as her eyes landed on him. She wore an ivory satin dress bejeweled with sparkling diamonds and pearls, so luxurious it seemed to mock everything around her. As usual, she was adorned with a heap of expensive jewelry and had eyes only for the Count. She buzzed around him like a bee drawn to a pot of honey. The Count's warm smile and easy laughter with the princess twisted something bitter inside Sha. Why was he so kind to her, and so cold to me?

"Oh, my dear Luka, how was your journey here? I'm so glad to see you again. I hope you'll stay at least for the ball tomorrow." The princess squeezed herself between Sha and the Count, wrapping her glittering hand around his arm. Sha tried to pull away, but the woman stepped sharply on her toe. Tears filled Sha's eyes as she gasped in pain. She tried to step back, but her feet tangled in the long skirt, and she was sure she would soon fall down the carpeted stairs, breaking a hand—or worse, her neck. Suddenly, a strong arm grabbed her and steadied her. The skin under the firm grasp hurt, but she was grateful for the pain and the anchoring—it stopped her fall.

"Oh my, you could have died! You have to be more careful, my dear," the princess whispered with a grin. "One of the old maids once broke her neck on these stairs, poor woman—I still hear her screaming."

The Count looked at Sha, his lips thinning.

"Thank you," she murmured, biting her lip and trying to mask her pain. He leaned toward her and swiftly wiped the tear at the corner of her eye with his white, pristine glove. A deep frown marred his beautiful face, and the smell of verbena and mint invaded her senses again. He stood behind her for a few seconds while she and the princess ascended the stairs.

"He is so gallant, isn't he?" the princess asked, grinning at her.

"I will see Sha to her room—I feel like we're going to become best friends," the princess added, putting a hand around Sha's waist.

This woman is giving me chills, thought Sha as she glanced pleadingly at the Count. Save me... but what could he do?

"Now I must go see the king, my fair ladies. Would you excuse me?" With those words, he swiftly departed. Sha wondered how wise it was to leave her with this woman. It certainly made her nervous. Would she get killed in a dark corner? Was she safe walking with Princess Iolanda? The woman hated her with every pore of her being, and Sha could read it in her eyes and mannerisms.

They walked the long corridors lined with sumptuous statues, huge windows, and gilded furniture. The princess admired herself in every mirror and stopped to gossip with every noblewoman they met along the way, never missing a moment to make hurtful remarks about Sha—like, "Oh, the poor girl is at the court for the first time; I have to be gentle with her."

"I am going to destroy you," the princess whispered into her ear when they arrived in front of her supposed room.

Maybe that was why Sha had such a shabby room—it was the princess toying with her, the viper.

A dull knock sounded at the door, and Sha jumped.

"Who is there?" she asked sharply, stepping toward the door. She was full of anger after all the bullying she had suffered in silence. It was so hard to be meek and obedient, but what could she do? Throw a tantrum, slap the princess, call her a bitch? Of course she could not; she just had to endure and find a way to get back at that rotten woman.

A cute maid with olive skin and dark hair entered, carrying a large tray filled with spicy biscuits and tea. It looked mouthwatering.

"My name is Bella," the maid chirped. "I'm Princess Iolanda's personal maid. She sent me with this welcoming tray for you. I hope you'll have a wonderful afternoon, my lady." The girl grinned at her, her eyes full of mischief, then fled the room.

"A wonderful afternoon, you say," sighed Sha, looking at the tray and grumbling. She had eaten so little that morning and was really hungry after the long journey. She could have eaten the entire tray in a heartbeat—and maybe she would have, in her naivety, if not for the Count's talk about poisoning.

Even though the princess's words had chilled her blood, Sha had imagined the woman would only try to destroy her reputation or embarrass her—not kill her. But now, she wasn't so sure.

The tray taunted her and made her hunger feel even deeper. The sight of the delicious food and tea made her furious—furious both at the Count and at the selfish princess. I didn't harm her in any way. Why would she see me as her enemy? Why would she want to hurt me or dislike me so much?

Maybe the woman was crazy, Sha thought, and she moved the platter of biscuits and tea behind the door. Out of sight, out of mind.

My mouth is parched. Where could I find some safe water to drink? This journey has been a real challenge. If only the Count had spoken with me before... maybe I could have taken Sonya with me. I would have felt more secure, Sha thought in despair, pressing her finger gently against the side of her velvety shoe to check if her toe was broken.

I need to survive this place and return home safely.

How lucky Floriana was—to land a normal man and have a normal, happy life. Why had she gotten caught up in this strange situation with the Count? Sha wondered as she plopped onto the bed.

She wanted to lie down so badly but worried her hair would get messy—and what if she had to attend a gathering or meet someone soon?

She decided to sit in a large chair near the window. As soon as she leaned against the soft cushions, she fell asleep.