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Maris wondered at the cause. Who was to blame for this? Why was she called into the princess’s chamber? She still didn’t know.

A pang of fear hit her stomach. Was she going to get fired? Was it because she dropped the drinks or because she body-slammed the princess to the ground?

She couldn’t make out the conversation between Kayden and the queen. All she heard were the muffled words, pushed back by the view of a wounded woman on a white bed.

The princess was pale. Her lips were parted as if she had been gasping and moaning in pain. Her eyes were protected by a blood-stained wrap that covered her ears and the bridge of her nose. Her face glistened with what appeared to be water or sweat.

Then she noticed the large black cat curled up next to her, with a paw placed over her stomach. The animal’s tail moved from side to side, agitated and anxious.

Rionach patted her hands dry with a cloth before looking up at Maris. “You are here. Good.”

Maris was brought back to reality. The queen was talking to her, and if she wanted to stay in the castle, she needed to listen and pay attention.

Rionach placed the cloth on top of the night table and pushed the stool away with her body. “I wanted to have a word with you before commanding your new job.”

Maris turned to look behind her. Kayden was gone. He probably left without Maris noticing.

“Do you know why you are here, girl?”

Maris blinked. She was pulled out of her trance by the sweet, velvety voice. “No,” she answered.

Rionach sighed and placed one hand over Valda’s forehead. Maris could tell she had a fever. Maybe she was fighting some infection.

“I need your help.” The queen brushed the strands of black hair away from Valda’s face as she battled with her own emotions. “I saw you in the throne room. I saw how you managed to subdue her and control her.” She turned her eyes to look at her. “How?”

Pure adrenaline and a dash of luck… “My father gave me basic self-defense training. I can hold my ground.”

“You are telling me that with some basic training you became stronger than the princess?”

“Not stronger.”Maris rubbed her hands together. “I just used the princess’s strength and weight to my advantage. I will never be physically stronger than her. I know; I’ve heard the stories. I simply grabbed what she was throwing and threw it back at her. She was too worried about the pain to know someone was grabbing her.” Maris licked her lower lip and dared to ask. “Is…she all right?”

“I…I have no way to answer that question,” the queen said, choking on her words. “All I know is that she is weak and hurt, and I need you to take care of her for the time being. You were able to calm her down and control her. Not even Kayden or Leida could do that.”

“Sir Kayden took the wrong approach,” Maris said.

“I am giving you my daughter to care for, girl. I hope you understand what I am doing.”

Maris nodded. “I understand.”

“Do you?”Rionach snarled. “I am leaving a Sealian to take care of my daughter.” She scoffed, and Maris was sure she didn’t intent to say that last sentence out loud.

Maris stared at the queen and raised a skeptical eyebrow. “If you are insinuating that I will somehow betray the trust put on my shoulders, you are mistaken. I would never ever in my wildest dream betray you or the princess. I might not have been born here, but I am also Skylian. I will gladly give my life for the royal family.” She nodded at her own words. “My father taught me that.”

Rionach stared at her, and Maris couldn’t tell if she believed her or not. “He taught you well then. I am pleased with your words.” She took a step forward, yet her hand lingered over Valda’s heated cheek. “She is not easy.”

“I can imagine.”

“She will fight with you, a lot,” Rionach added.

“I will fight with her as well.”

“Are you sure you want to help?”

Maris walked to the other side of the bed and looked down at Valda. Her main goal in entering the castle was to find Arwin, not become the princess’s maid. Being glued to Valda would mean she would less likely encounter Arwin around the castle, but at the same time, she couldn’t bring herself to abandon the princess, not when she needed a helping hand.

The princess was breathing hard, gripping on the white bed sheets for dear life. Was she in pain? Was she having a nightmare? Maris frowned and leaned over to place her hand on the strong muscular arm. “I am.”

Rionach exhaled and walked over to the door. “I don’t want you to leave her side even if she throws you out. She can’t be alone.”