The maid had finally arrived from France. Theodora hissed slightly. This was exactly why the princess needed to be taken down several notches.
Going over her head. Asking the king for a French maid after Theodora had clearly stated that it was not happening. Smiling sweetly while sliding a knife beneath the table. Who the hell did Madeleine think she was?
A princess of France, yes but not yet Queen of England. That distinction mattered. The doors opened, and Madeleine strolled in. Beside her walked the new maid.
The girl was young, perhaps twenty or a little older, with olive skin, dark glossy hair braided neatly beneath a small linen coif. She wore a plain but well-made gown of deep blue wool, travel-creased but clean, with a narrow white collar and cuffs. Her hands were folded properly before her.
Theodora disliked her immediately. "I didn't send for you, Princess."
Madeleine curtsied. "I thought it best that I be here with her. Her English is not very fluent."
"Convenient."
