Chapter 11: Broken Pieces

After Caius helped me tie the strings of my dress, I asked him to leave for a moment so I could fix my hair. He told me that the queen wanted to have their breakfast with me. I was already full, though, but it would be unmannerly to refuse the queen’s request. I wondered why they still asked me to join them when someone had already brought me food. It wouldn’t be Caius, and probably not the queen since she’s inviting me now. Who could’ve got the food for me?

I was startled to hear Caius’ loud pounding on the door. The jade comb I was holding got slipped from my hand. “Aren’t you done yet?” He shouted.

“Coming!” I responded and quickly got up from the mattress. I was not comfortable wearing the white gown because it squeezed my paunch. How could I eat from this?

I pushed the door, and an angry face flashed in front of me. Caius’ insolence wasn’t new; he always looked at me like that. "I'm sorry to keep you waiting." I grinned cautiously.

"Foll