The palace settled into a deceptive calm after the princesses' arrival. Servants returned to their routines, guards resumed their posts, and the court pretended that nothing had changed. Charlotte knew better. Attention had sharpened. Every glance lingered longer than before.
She stood near the window of the antechamber, arranging documents as instructed, when voices approached from the corridor.
Princess Clara laughed softly. "Fairwell is charming," she said. "Too quiet, perhaps, but charming."
Princess Anne replied, "Quiet places hide the most ambition."
Princess Margaret scoffed. "Ambition thrives everywhere. Some simply disguise it better."
Princess Eleanor said nothing.
Charlotte kept her eyes lowered as they entered the chamber with the Queen. Gold-trimmed chairs were drawn closer, tea poured, conversation polite. The Queen welcomed them again, speaking of their stay, of court events planned in the coming weeks.
Margaret leaned back slightly. "It is generous of you to host us all together," she said. "Four princesses under one roof."
"I value observation," the Queen replied. "It reveals much."
Eleanor's gaze shifted briefly toward Charlotte.
Anne noticed. "You keep your servants close," she said. "Is that customary here?"
"She assists me," the Queen said.
Margaret smiled. "She seems more than capable."
Charlotte felt the words like a thin blade. She remained silent.
The Queen rose. "You will all attend dinner tonight," she said. "Prince Adrien will join us."
At his name, Clara's interest brightened. Margaret's smile sharpened. Eleanor watched quietly.
Later, Charlotte walked through the side corridor, carrying a tray as ordered. Adrien appeared beside her without warning.
"You handled that well," he said.
"I said very little," Charlotte replied.
"That is why," he said.
They walked in silence for a moment.
"Eleanor is watching you," Adrien added.
Charlotte nodded. "I felt it."
"She watches everyone," he said. "But she calculates."
They reached the doorway. Adrien stopped. "Be careful tonight."
"I always am," Charlotte said.
The dining hall glittered with light by evening. Gold plates, polished tables, low conversation. The princesses entered together, gowns shifting softly as they took their seats.
Charlotte stood behind the Queen.
Dinner began with courteous exchange. Clara spoke of music. Anne discussed politics carefully. Margaret praised Fairwell's wealth. Eleanor listened.
Then Margaret's gaze drifted again.
"You stand often near the Queen," she said. "Do you never tire?"
Charlotte did not answer. Adrien spoke. "She fulfills her duties."
Margaret tilted her head. "You speak for her often."
"I speak when necessary," Adrien said.
The Queen raised her hand. "This is a dinner," she said. "Not an interrogation."
Margaret smiled. "Of course."
As plates were cleared, Eleanor finally spoke. "Your palace has interesting rhythms," she said. "Some people stand where they should not."
There was silence as the Queen met her gaze. "Everyone stands where I allow."
Eleanor inclined her head. "Then I look forward to understanding your choices."
Charlotte felt it then. Not accusation. Intent.
After dinner, the princesses withdrew. Charlotte remained behind at the Queen's request.
"You will assist Princess Eleanor tomorrow," the Queen said.
Charlotte's breath caught. "Yes, Your Majesty."
"She requested you," the Queen added.
Charlotte bowed. Outside, Adrien waited.
"She chose you," he said quietly.
"I know," Charlotte replied.
"That was deliberate."
"So was assigning me," Charlotte said.
Adrien looked at her. "You are not alone in this."
She met his eyes. "Neither are you."
He hesitated, then said, "Be cautious with Eleanor."
"I intend to be," Charlotte replied.
As she walked away, she felt the shift again. Something had moved. A line crossed.
From a balcony above, Eleanor watched the corridor empty. Her lips curved faintly.
"The maid," she said softly to herself. "Interesting indeed."