LIORA’S POV
I stared at the woman standing in my doorway, trying to place her. She carried herself with an authority that made the air feel heavier, more oppressive.
“Lady Liora,” she repeated, stepping fully into the room without waiting for permission. “I am Madame Rose, head of Lady Elora’s household and senior supervisor of this section of the palace.”
Elora’s head handmaiden. Of course.
“You appointed a personal handmaiden without following proper protocol,” Madame Rose continued, her voice sharp as a blade. “That is not how things are done here.”
I straightened, refusing to be intimidated despite my racing heart. “What protocol?”
Madame Rose’s eyes narrowed. “Excuse me?”
“What is the proper protocol for selecting a handmaiden?” I asked calmly. “I wasn’t informed of any specifi
