Though my body begs for sleep, my mind is wide awake. I hop out of bed while Grace rubs the sleep out of her eyes. Florentine peeks her head through the doorway, "You may get ready. Be sure that you look like a hopeful servant looking for a job in the kitchens. Wear a nice dress, but nothing to fancy. Come down to the dining room when you are ready."
Grace stumbles out of her bed and joins me in front of the armoire. She selects an appropriate dress and helps me into it. She sweeps my hair into a modest bun. She applies layers of makeup to hide my true identity from any castle guard whom I might see on my ride into the city.
Once she has finished preparing me, she steps away and admires her work. I don't mention the tear glistening in her eye. She hugs me tightly, "Let's get you down to
