Chapter Ten
PoplarPoppy gazed at the grim-faced housekeeper in dismay. “There is no work ’ere at the Citadel for the likes of you,” she snapped, and made to slam the door in the girl’s face.
“But... But Ma’am, I have to find employment in the City right away. My drunken father abandoned me here, and I have no place to go.” Poppy let her eyes fill with tears, hoping to convince the hard-hearted supervisor to bend the rules for her. She had already talked her way past three guards and a page, but now that she had gotten this close to the throne room, one last stubborn woman stood in her way.
“I told you already. No testimonial, no job. I don’t need any fresh-mouthed country lasses in here anyway. Go to the Widow’s and Orphan’s Society for help. This ain’t a charity hall. Now get out, befo
