Chapter 23 King is Fool

EVELYN

The tension in the room could be sliced by a blade. I stiffened, ready for her to reveal my surname and bring shame upon me in front of all of the maids.

To my surprise, a smile formed on Leila’s lovely face.

“I choose this one,” she said.

Mrs. Porter’s cold eyes widened slightly in shock. She hesitated, and after glancing in my direction, the older woman cleared her throat.

“My Lady, perhaps this choice would not be the best,” she advised politely but insistently. “There are other maids who might satisfy your needs much better than her. She is new to palace life and you might require someone more seasoned-”

Despite the head maid’s comments, Leila remained smiling, but her tone changed. “Are

to challenging my decision, Mrs. Porter?”

There was a quiet ferocity in her voice and a shiver ran through me. She was more strong-willed than I’d anticipated.

Mrs. Porter’s face paled. “No, My Lady. My apologies for questioning you. My intentions-”

“Very well then,” Leila interrupted her,