"Let's get you in this dress, My Lady," Poe offered. As we turned to the gown, the raven cawed in the tree outside the window.
I looked at the simple gown, made of satin and the colour of the stormy sea. It looked simple enough to put on myself, so I sent my handmaiden to find matching shoes and cloak. I pulled the dress on, went to fasten it, and paused. I turned to look over my shoulder at the mirror.
When Poe returned, she found me fighting back tears, still standing where she had left me.
"My lady," she began, a frown creasing her brow.
I burst into sobs, "It's backless!"
I took a shuddering breath, "She gave me a backless dress to wear!"
I spun around, and Poe gasped and flinched. My red, raw scars were widely visible from my neck to my waist. Although my arms were covered, what
