Morning came quicker than Aire had expected.
Madam and the other maids moved quietly around the room, drawing the curtains open so the pale morning light slipped through the tall windows and settled across Aire's face.
Aire sat up at once.
Fear prickled through her skin when she realized she had overslept. For a moment she expected shouting, orders, or a hand dragging her from the bed.
Luckily, the fear faded slowly when she saw Madam standing beside the window instead of her uncle or Hannah.
Her shoulders eased, and she let out a secret sigh..
The maids bowed slightly when they noticed she was awake.
"Good morning, Miss," Madam greeted, dipping her head politely. The other maids followed her lead.
Aire nodded softly, still not used to the attention or the strange devotion that now surrounded her.
Just days ago, they had scrubbed her skin like she was dirt. Now, they moved around her carefully.
The bath was already prepared.
