The maid beside her stammered, "Head Housekeeper Margery, Miss Marlowe just said she will not bow to the duchess consort. Lord Adrian… has permitted it."
Elaine looked at the pig's head with a mocking smile, as if at a fool. "Two eyes, one mouth. A delicate face. More beautiful than me. Good. Very good."
The maid dropped to her knees, trembling. "Miss Marlowe also said… that the duchess consort must copy the marital blessing litany scroll ninety-nine times in her own blood to pray for her and my lord, and only then will she enter the household. Lord Adrian… has also agreed."
At those words, Elaine began to tremble uncontrollably. "You are saying Adrian… agreed?"
"Yes." The maid on the ground raised both hands and presented paper and brush. Beside them lay a dagger, an inkstone, and wri
