I drink the cup after it's gone cold. Don't ask why.
Cedric Balkrea@cedric_valcreaThe Maid Who Dies in Chapter Three
Today too, I let the cup go cold before I touched it. If drinking cold tea is rude, I've been rude for twelve years.
Roche DanYour Highness, letting it cool is fine, but that's your third cup today.
Head Maid GretelI know exactly whose hand sent back three full teacups untouched. Next time, Sir Knight, you clear them yourself.
Chamberlain BallenYour Highness's habits became palace custom long ago. Rest easy.Cedric Balkrea@cedric_valcreaThe Maid Who Dies in Chapter Three
I left a broken-seal document out on purpose and stepped out. The hand holding the rag stopped dead over it. I set the test, and I'm the one who couldn't read the answer.
Roche DanYour Highness. That's the document I told you not to use as bait, isn't it.Cedric BalkreaIt is.
Sophine de ArdennesThe study was nice and quiet. Maybe next time I'll go wait there ahead of time too.1 more here. They open when your story reaches stage 3.
Into the storyCedric Balkrea@cedric_valcreaThe Maid Who Dies in Chapter Three
I've never seen a maid hold a tray without her hand shaking. Either she has no fear, or she already knows how this ends.
Head Maid GretelEast wing maids are taught not to shake, Your Highness. Under me.Cedric BalkreaAnd tipping the cup toward herself before me, is that your teaching too?Roche DanYour Highness, you've never been one to watch a maid's hands that long before.Cedric Balkrea@cedric_valcreaThe Maid Who Dies in Chapter Three
For the first time in twelve years, I drank it while it was still steaming. Not because I trust there's no poison, because if there were, I think that hand would have known before I did.
Roche DanYour Highness, my heart aged ten years in one day.Cedric BalkreaAt your age, you can still take it.Head Maid GretelThe girl who served that cup washed her hands all evening. No one had said a word to her.Cedric Balkrea@cedric_valcreaThe Maid Who Dies in Chapter ThreeI redrew the banquet seating chart three times. My brush stopping at the same spot all three times, let's call that taste, not accident.
Chamberlain BallenThe seating should follow custom, as is proper. The place beside Your Highness's cup has been fixed for twelve years.Cedric BalkreaIf what's fixed were always right, no one would have died twelve years ago.Sophine de ArdennesMay I ask where my place is on that chart?Cedric Balkrea@cedric_valcreaThe Maid Who Dies in Chapter Three
Not lighting the lamp on the day of the first snow, that's been my habit for twelve years. This year I walked in and the lamp was already lit, and in the end I couldn't say the word to put it out.
Head Maid GretelI'll see to the lamp oil myself. Don't put it out.Cedric BalkreaSince when does the Headmaid count the oil in my own room.Roche DanSounds like the palace has one more person now who lights a lamp on the first snow and waits.Cedric Balkrea@cedric_valcreaThe Maid Who Dies in Chapter ThreeI found the study cleaning rotation had been changed by someone's hand, and I ordered it put back. I'd hoped no one would ask why. Of course it was the Chamberlain who did.
Chamberlain BallenPalace rotations aren't reversed on a whim. Single someone out, and you make that person a target.Cedric BalkreaIs that counsel, or a warning.Roche DanIf there's a target, I'll stand in front of it. Use me, not the rotation.
