Chapter 6

They lace me into another woman’s war. The silk is too tight across my ribs, the golden collar too cold against the fading bruises on my throat, when Mara kneels to fasten the last hook and whispers, “The Empress has summoned you.” My hands freeze on the edge of the dressing screen. “Summoned,” I repeat. “Or ordered?” “In this palace, it is the same, my lady.” Mara’s eyes flick toward the door where two guards wait, swords bared for show. “She says it is to teach you...