The servant quarters always smelled the same at night of soap water, old stone, and damp cloth left too long in closed rooms.
Michelle moved through the lower corridor with a folded linen basket held against her waist. Her steps were measured, familiar, and practiced.
No one stopped her.
No one ever really looked twice at servants who knew how to look invisible.
Her fingers tightened slightly around the basket handle as she passed the bend near the storage rooms.
She knocked there three times, paused, then knocked one more time. The wall beside the supply shelves shifted faintly.
It was a hidden panel.
Michelle didn't hesitate. She stepped inside.
The passage was narrow, and unlit. She followed it until the air changed into something slightly warmer, and slightly perfumed.
She took another turn, and stepped into the stepped into the room.
Hannah was already there, waiting when she got there.
