"Come in," a deep voice answered from inside when a knock sounded on the door.

The maid turned her head and looked at Morvienne first, her eyes warning her to remember to behave.

Only when she was satisfied did she clear her throat and reach for the handle of the door.

"You can go in," she said to Morvienne, opening the door wide for her, but Morvienne didn't move.

"Please," the maid urged her quietly, turning back to her. "Go in."

Morvienne swallowed and nodded once, her throat feeling dry.

"Okay," she whispered, her voice small.

She took a step forward, then another, forcing her legs to move even though...