"Are yeh awake?" Gretchen calls through the door, already opening it.
"Yes," I say, suddenly aware that I feel no pain in any part of my body. My bandages have been returned to my forearms and my upper right arm, returning with them some of my confidence.
Gretchen carries a bowl full of porridge, topped with what looks like brown sugar, into the room, and sets it before me. "How do yeh feel?"
I spoon the porridge into my mouth gratefully, speaking through a mouthful of it. "Much better, thank you."
Gretchen smiles toothlessly. "That's good. I'll be takin' yeh to Liberty once yeh've finished yer meal. The princesses need tendin' to bright and early, yeh know."
I nod, scarfing down the porridge and mumbling a thank you to Gretchen before standing out of the bed. I make a movement toward the door but Gretchen stops me with a gnarled hand, grasping me by the wrist. She looks me over quickly, apparently surveying her work.
"Yeh look well as can be fer a servant," she observes. "Yeh could be a princess yerself if I dressed yeh right. If only your skin weren't so sun-tanned. Come along now."
I move forward and push my hair off of my shoulder, realizing for the first time that my dark, curly hair is clean and smooth, smelling faintly of pine. I run my fingers along the delicate curls, and inwardly thank Gretchen for the hundredth time, following the little lady back into the apothecary and dressmaking shop. My stride is strong and unhindered by pain as I walk through the castle, although I find my opinion of dresses unchanged. The long fabric flows between my legs unnaturally and I find myself often tripping on the edges of the fabric. Although I do wish for my trousers, I am grateful that I am wearing my soft boots beneath the dress, grateful for some semblance of familiarity. Suddenly, I wonder what became of the rest of my clothing. I question Gretchen.
"I've taken care of 'em, lass, don't worry. If yeh ever need 'em, just ask."
With that, Gretchen leads me into the kitchen, where, already, an orchestra of noises and voices greet us. Gretchen weaves through the crowd carefully and I struggle to keep up with her. However, it's only a moment before we reach Liberty, the cook.
"Here she is fer yeh, Liberty," Gretchen announces. "Mended like I promised."
"Thank you, Gretchen," the cook returns. "She's just in time to take the princesses their tea. Come with me." I follow behind the cook quietly, unsure if I am fond of taking orders or not. I almost wish to be working with Sharon again, fixing breakfast for the blacksmith's household. I wonder how they are. Liberty leads me to another girl, one whom I recognize.
"This is Aeryn," Liberty says, motioning to the quiet blonde girl, who stands nearly four inches shorter than me. "She'll be showing you 'round the castle until you get a feel for things. Do you understand?" I am so taken aback by seeing a familiar face that I nearly forget to nod my understanding to Liberty.
Aeryn passes me a platter, filled with a teapot, two small teacups, and a little plate of cakes. "Follow me, Onyx."
"You remember me?" I ask, following her quickly, my long, slow strides matching her short, quick ones.
"Yes," she says with a twinkle in her brilliantly blue eyes. She's an Aqua or an Aero, no doubt. "But we cannot speak of it now. We may be heard. We may speak as friends later."
Aeryn, despite her height and round, almost childish face, walks primly, as if she'd walked these castle halls all her life. She appears to be about my age, if not a bit older. I wonder at her. This, the girl who broke all the rules to aid in my theft of the king's swords, is the servant of the princesses.
