Mierelle stood right outside. "God, you scared me," I whispered, a hand flying to my chest. My heart thumped loudly and unruly beneath my palm. "I am sorry, my lady," she said immediately, inclining her head in a small bow. "I did not mean to do that." I just blinked at her, a little dazed. "Why is she so..." I didn't finish the thought. I didn't even know the word for it. Diligent? Unnervingly silent? "The King has made provisions for your essentials," she continued smoothly, as though my near-death by startlement hadn't occurred at all. "And I have selected a gown for you this morning, it's laid out in the walk-in closet. If it's not to your liking," she added, ever so graciously, "we can always change it, my lady." Her words were poised, polished, and perfectly modulated. And yet, despite her unflinching calm, something about the way she watched me, at
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