"Is there anything else you require or may I take my leave?"
Melissa cast a half-glance toward the handmaiden, who kept a wide, fearful berth, eyeing her much as one might watch a cornered mountain beast ready to leap and tear ligament from bone.
Even if I had a want of something, your face speaks no mercy or aid.
"No, thank you. I am content for the moment," Melissa replied, forcing a civil tone.
"A servant shall attend your quarters shortly to draw a warm bath," the handmaiden added stiffly. "Following which, your food shall be brought to you."
"My meal shall be brought to this chamber?" Melissa scoffed, stepping toward the high casement window. What? Was she barred from sharing bread at the royal board with the court?
"Yes," the girl confirmed. "By direct command of the queen."
As expected.
Turning back, Melissa offered a curt, brittle nod. "That will suffice. You may go."
