triplets, making identical curtsies, staring at her with identical blue eyes.
“Would you like a bath first or food first, my lady?” The lead triplet asked, with another curtsy.
“Bath, please.” Brea decided to go with it. She was far too tired to protest their eager little faces. She would explain to Lady Einin tomorrow that she’d rather see to herself. Servants were definitely not something she wanted to get used to.
“My lady, you must get up. The queen is ready to see you.” Triplet Two pulled the warm downy covers away, and Brea wanted to scratch her face off. She’d just had the most restful sleep of her life and she wasn’t ready to get up yet.
Triplets One and Three were busy pulling fancy dresses from the closet, while Triplet Two shoved a breakfast tray in her face and went to work on her nails.
“I can dress myself.” Brea munched on a delicious pastry and sipped hot spiced tea. It wasn’t coffee, but it was tasty. This world had to have coffee somewhere, and if they expected her to stay, someone better find it soon.
“Nonsense.” Triplet One said… or maybe it was Two.
In no time they had her brushed, curled, and stuffed into a pink gown with a narrow waist and a long train. They left her to wait for Griff to arrive, and as soon as the trio was out of sight, Brea kicked off the tight slippers that pinched her heels and shoved her feet back into her boots. Under the long dress, no one would know. She felt more confident that she could actually walk without falling over her own feet.
Griff didn’t give her time to get nervous. He knocked on her door just as she’d started to pace.
“What’s with the terrifying triplets?” She shoved an errant curl out of her face, and snatched off the white gloves they insisted she wear. “I swear they snipped, plucked and trimmed me within an inch of my life.”
“You’re the queen’s niece. There are certain expectations.” He tried to hide his smile.
“You can say it, I look ridiculous.” She tried to flatten the back of her big hair.
“You look beautiful. But the palace styles are a bit much. It’s one of the main reasons I don’t live here.” He gestured at his own attire. A trim cut suit with tailored pants and a jaunty hat.
“Compared to this get up, you look comfortable. Want to switch outfits?”
“No, thank you.” He offered his arm. “Ready to meet your aunt?”
She placed her hand in the crook of his elbow and kicked her train behind her. Blowing a dark curl out of her face, she said, “As ready as I’m going to get.”
Griff led her to the hall and into the queen’s apartments. “You’re wearing your boots aren’t you?” He chuckled.
“If you expect me to walk like a normal person, then yes, I’m wearing my boots.”
“Don’t be nervous, Brea. Just be yourself. She already loves you.”
“That’s not as comforting a thought as you seem to think it is. She has expectations, and I doubt I’ll ever live up to them.”
“Don’t sell yourself short.”
Brea gazed around the huge room filled with dainty gilt-edged furniture and breakable things. Sunlight poured in from the balcony.
“There she is!” The breathy genteel voice washed over Brea like a soothing balm. “I’m so happy to finally meet you, Brea, darling.”
Queen Regan was not at all like Brea imagined. She was short and plump with soft white-blond hair that fell nearly to her knees. Her kind blue eyes sparkled with excitement.
“You look so like my brother.” Her white-gloved hand rested over her heart. “It’s so sad he never knew about you before he died. Come, let me get a good look at you.” The queen took Brea’s hands and held her at arm’s length. “Such a lovely girl. Would you like some tea while we get to know each other?”
She dragged Brea out to the wide terrace where a table covered in pastries and tiny sandwiches waited for them.
“Thank you so much for having me… your Majesty.”
“Come now, you may call me Auntie Regan. We are family.”
“T-thank you, Auntie.” The word felt ridiculous on her tongue, but she liked the bubbly little woman. “My rooms are the most beautiful I’ve ever seen.”
“I’m so glad you’re pleased.” The queen sat on a tiny vine chair that looked like a throne. “Have a seat, dear.” She patted the chair next to her. “And where is Griff?”
“Here, your Majesty.” Griff stepped onto the balcony, flashing