Threatened [W&W Book 2]

Chapter 16

The morning went by quickly as Anya went around and did the hair of all the ladies that she had been promised to. Her magic reserves were not at all depleted by the effort, but she was thankful that she had opted for a non magical assassination tool.

Everywhere she went she could feel the small vial in her pocket with more than its physical weight leaning against her.

When Anya had finished the last head of hair which belonged to a sweet little noble lady, she then went to the servants' dining hall and had a large meal to keep up her energy.

The day was not even half over and she felt tired. There were too many people and events around her and too many worries swirling inside her. She longed for the peaceful solitude of the forest.

A couple of staff she did not know really know sat on the other side of the room talking with each other, but they paid no attention to Anya. She was glad. Anya leaned her head back and closed her eyes.

She heard the door open slowly and Anya looked over to see Hanna. The woman grabbed a plate from the buffet and came and sat beside her.

"You look exhausted," Hanna commented.

"It's just all the magic that I'm maintaining right now," Anya said. It was barely true. The weight on her heart was what was really making the day difficult. Without her ulterior motives, it would probably be rather exciting. Anya sighed.

"Maybe I shouldn't learn magic then," Hanna said.

Anya smiled reassuringly. "Just doing one person's hair is quite easy. You'll do fine. If we have time, we can start tomorrow or the next day."

Hanna smiled and began to eat. Anya leaned her head back again.

When Hanna was finished she spoke. "We should probably get ready ourselves."

"Should we already?"

"Lady Theresa's servant's need to look good, too. The ceremony is coming closer."

"We'll be at the ceremony?" It sounded awful.

"No, just in the room where Lady Theresa will wait. But, we can watch from there." Hanna smiled as if it was a great treat. It probably would be for her.

Anya stood up. No point in delaying the inevitable. "Let's go then."

* * * * *

Hanna helped Anya dress, and it was just as uncomfortable for Anya as it had been the first time. She hoped she never had to endure the process again. Hanna's dress was more practical, but Anya did up the back for her.

"Here, I'll do your hair, now."

Hanna's eyes widened in alarm. "You surely don't have enough strength."

"Of course I do," Anya said crossly.

"But you still have to do your own," Hanna pointed out.

"Hardly."

"You must. It would reflect badly on Lady Theresa if you do not," she insisted.

Anya sighed. "Very well. I can do both. Now sit down."

Hanna obeyed and Anya quickly swept her hair up. The maid did not look much like a servant at all.

"Go take a look," Anya suggested. While Hanna was in Lady Theresa's room, Anya quickly collected the poison vial from her original dress and slipped into the inner sleeve of the one she had borrowed from Lady Theresa.

Hanna came back smiling. "I don't look like me," she grinned.

Anya used the mirror to put up her own brown hair into a simple and unassuming style. She did not want to stand out. She did not even bother to inspect herself in the mirror afterwards. No doubt she looked passable.