Shadowborn (Light & Shadow, Book 1) (44 page)

There was the sound of a door opening, and
both of us sank back against the chairs without another word. The
maidservant came into the room and glared at us. I smiled blandly
back, but for once she had the grim smile of a gambler with a trump
card.

“
The Duke is coming to see
you this morning,” she announced. “So look sharp.”

Miriel rose gracefully from her chair. “Of
course we will make his Grace, my uncle, welcome,” she said
smoothly. “Come help me get dressed, Anna. Catwin, stoke up the
fire and send a page for refreshments. Fresh fruit, and chilled
wine.”

It was indeed a gracious welcome—and an
extravagance, of the sort the Duke abhorred. It was the gesture of
a Queen, such as the Duke had wished Miriel to become—and a
reminder that she had come closer to the goal on her own account
than he would like. I quirked my mouth, and hastened to do her
bidding.