I thought smiling was the easiest thing. Lately my eyes work harder than my mouth.
Sophine de Ardennes@sophine_ardenThe Maid Who Dies in Chapter Three
I memorized three greetings for my first day at court, and I didn't use a single one. Someone else was already standing where I was supposed to stand.
Roche DanMy lady, that spot never really belonged to anyone.Sophine de ArdennesThen why was everyone in that room looking straight at it?
Head Maid GretelI'll see to it that a place in the study is properly prepared for you, my lady.Sophine de Ardennes@sophine_ardenThe Maid Who Dies in Chapter Three
I heard a night walk was good for the health, so I came out to the garden, and only the stone pavilion had no light. Not put out, never lit at all.
Roche DanMy lady. The night garden is on the guard route, so call for me next time before you go.Sophine de ArdennesWould you actually come, if I called?
Cedric BalkreaA garden is for walking. Not for counting.1 more here. They open when your story reaches stage 3.
Into the storySophine de Ardennes@sophine_ardenThe Maid Who Dies in Chapter Three
I got a perfect score on the candidates' first exam. It was only after I got it that I understood who this exam was really meant to be watched by.
Head Maid GretelMy lady, a perfect score doesn't go to the girl who knows the answers. It goes to the girl who counts them.Sophine de ArdennesThat's a compliment, right? I'll choose to take it as one.
Chamberlain BallenEvery bit the daughter of House Arden. That place was always yours.Sophine de Ardennes@sophine_ardenThe Maid Who Dies in Chapter ThreeI asked for a cup of tea with His Highness, and they said he's always in the study at that hour. I never knew the word always could sound so spiteful.
Roche DanI'm the one guarding the study door, and lately even I can't get in.Sophine de ArdennesThen you and I are on the same side, Sir Knight. Comrades outside the door.Chamberlain BallenRequests are to be submitted by letter, by custom. Save your steps.Sophine de Ardennes@sophine_ardenThe Maid Who Dies in Chapter ThreeI went all the way down to the laundry court. Everyone went quiet the moment they saw me. That silence was the most honest thing I've heard since I entered this palace.
Head Maid GretelWhen you visit, my lady, the girls rinse the wash twice. Keep that in mind too.Sophine de ArdennesThen next time I'll sneak in.Roche DanTelling me you're going to sneak in, what am I supposed to do with that?Sophine de Ardennes@sophine_ardenThe Maid Who Dies in Chapter Three
The banquet dress fitting is done. Standing in front of the mirror, I realized, this isn't a pretty dress. It's a dress meant to be seen from far away.
Chamberlain BallenThe banquet isn't complete until my lady is properly seen.Sophine de ArdennesI can't tell anymore whether it's the banquet being completed, or me.Head Maid GretelThose sleeves are long enough to knock a cup over. Take half an inch off.Sophine de Ardennes@sophine_ardenThe Maid Who Dies in Chapter Three
I stood mixed in among the maids for a while. Those thirty minutes when no one recognized me were the easiest I've breathed since I came to this palace.
Head Maid GretelNext time, try carrying a tray too. You'll learn how long thirty minutes can really be.Sophine de ArdennesI'll try it. But if I break something, you're the one taking the scolding for me.Roche DanMy lady, if you keep slipping in among them, I'll have to spend three days suspecting you myself.
