The morning after the Masquerade, Kaia's primary goal was to remain in bed until she died of old age.
Unfortunately, her sister was an early riser.
"Wake up," Victoria commanded, sweeping the heavy velvet curtains open to let the blinding summer sun assault the room. "The maids are here to collect the laundry, and I need that amber silk gown sent to the capital for immediate dry cleaning. Lake water leaves terrible watermarks."
Kaia groaned, pulling a pillow over her face. "It's gone."
"What do you mean, 'it's gone'?" Victoria's footsteps marched toward the bed. "A dress made of spun Southern silk does not simply vanish, Kaia. Where did you leave it?"
Kaia peeked out from under the pillow. Her mind raced. I left it in a puddle on the floor of a boathouse after the Crown Prince ripped it off my body and took me against an overturned rowboat. "I... think I left it in the... changing screen? Downstairs?" Kaia stammered.
