Ashna was cleaning the surface of the coffee table in the grand drawing-room when a voice froze her in place.
"Where's the ring that Amelie keeps wearing?"
She straightened immediately with the cloth clutched in her hand and bowed.
"Pardon me, Your Highness," Ashna said that betrayed none of her sudden anxiety. "But what kind of ring are you talking about?"
Gabriel did not reply immediately as he studied her for a moment. His eyes were now narrowed with suspicion.
"Who is allowed to freely move in this chamber's rooms, except for you?" Gabriel questioned with a sudden fury. "How can you know nothing about the lady you serve?"
"Gabriel!"
Amelie's voice cut through the tension. "I found the ring," she announced and then turned her gaze to Ashna. "I apologize to you, Ashna, on my husband's behalf."
Ashna didn't raise her head or utter a word. She simply held her silent gaze, maintaining the perfect posture of a servant waiting for dismissal.
