So that’s why I agreed to help Keelynn hire a ladies’ maid.
I leaned on the window’s low ledge, one boot on the floor, the other propped against the wall, studying the woman sitting across the desk from Keelynn. At least twenty more waited in the hallway outside. Most I recognized, but some—the younger ones—I didn’t.
Having all these unknowns milling about felt like a weight pressing against my chest, smothering me slowly. Every single person who entered this castle could be a potential risk to Aveen’s security. Which was why the condition of my help was that I was the one to vet each new employee.
Keelynn’s hands clasped primly on top of the notebook she’d asked to borrow as she smiled across at the red-nosed clurichaun. “As I’m sure you’re aware, I’m looking to hire a ladies’ maid for after the wedding. What experience do you have, Mrs. Fletcher?”
Mrs. Fletcher’s broad shoulders deflated. “I was a ladies’ maid fer the Bellington family in Rosemire fer ten years before they let me go fer usin’ a glamour.”
Keelynn sucked in a breath. “That’s awful.”
Considering the humans could have sent her to prison, being fired really wasn’t so terrible.
Mrs. Fletcher’s lips flattened as she stared down her slightly crooked nose at Keelynn. If she’d looked at Aveen with such disdain, I would’ve had something to say. But since this happened to be the irritating Bannon, I kept my mouth shut.
Keelynn glanced over her shoulder at me.
I nodded. Not even a hint of a lie.
She twisted back toward Mrs. Fletcher, her smile widening. “It sounds as if you have excellent experience and would be perfect for the job.” Her hands fell from the table to twist together in her lap. “However, I do have one question that is of a sensitive nature.” Color crept along the high neckline of her sage-green gown, all the way to her cheekbones. “I would like to know if you’ve ever had relations with my fiancé.”
Ms. Fletcher’s mouth popped open, but no words emerged. When they did, I had to hide my smile behind my hand. “Well, ye see, it was a long, long time ago. And I…um…I’ve been married since. Ancient history. I doubt the prince even knows my name anymore.”
Beneath the desk, Keelynn’s hands balled into fists. “Thank you, Mrs. Fletcher. I will let you know once we decide.” She dismissed the woman and asked her to send in the next person.
I tapped my fingers to my lips, doing my best not to laugh. “Next time, maybe you should lead with that question.”
Keelynn whipped toward me. “The first thing I say to these women can’t be ‘have you slept with my husband?’”
“You’d save yourself—and me—a lot of time.”
The next woman came in. When she saw me, her cheeks pinkened. I wasn’t sure if Tadhg had slept with this one, but I had. Keelynn conducted the same interview and then sent her away as well.
Another woman came in, her hands gnarled and skin paper-thin. I cleared my throat and shook my head. Keelynn still went about her questions but skipped the one about Tadhg. The moment the woman left, Keelynn’s head dropped into her hands. “Don’t tell me Tadhg slept with her too?”
“Afraid so. That was Darcy O’Brien. She was wearing a glamour.” I’d recognize those fawn-brown eyes anywhere.
The next three lied straight to Keelynn’s face, saying they hadn’t slept with my brother. Lucky I was a supernatural lie-detector.
Keelynn slumped in the chair, her dark waves spilling over the back cushion. “I give up.”
Better to face the reality of my brother’s curses now than after she’d tied herself to him a third time. Maybe she’d realize this was a terrible mistake and leave for Hollowshade. Then Aveen wouldn’t insist on staying in Tearmann.
A slender woman with a round face and bright yellow eyes slipped through the door. Her long, raven plait swung at her back.
Keelynn sat up and leaned forward on her elbows. “What’s your name?”
“Millie Ward, milady.”
The Wards hailed from the western coast of Tearmann, near the ruins of the ancient castle first used by my father’s ancestors. Unfortunately, I didn’t know much about the family beyond the fact that they paid their taxes each year without fail.
The chair creaked beneath Keelynn as she shifted on the seat. “How old are you, Millie?”
When Millie wrenched her hands in front of her, I noticed a black tattoo encircling the ring finger on her left land.
“Seventeen, milady.”
Keelynn must’ve noticed the mark as well. “And you’re married?”