Free Lost Princess by Sandy Holden Page A

thinks?” He looked at me.
    Devlin stood up abruptly. “My appetite has fled,” he said shortly. “I will be ready to leave when you command, Regent.” With that he turned and limped from the table.
    Max turned to me now. “What mischief have you been up to? Going again to Devlin with tales of woe?“I shook my head.
    Max said, annoyance in his voice, “I could swear I told you just last night you are to answer when I speak to you. Have you forgotten?”
    I swallowed. “No, my lord. I have not spoken to Devlin since we ate together last eve.”
    “Women lie,” Max said dismissively.
    “And men always tell the truth? This is indeed news to me.” I said, my anger rising.
    Max eyed me. “It doesn’t concern you in any way what men do. You’re mine alone, so you will keep your thoughts on me.”
    “I am yours, my lord,” I said simply, not disputing it.
    He stopped at my sudden acquiescence. “Then leave my brother free from your tales.”
    “I told him nothing of last night.” I leaned closer to Max now, my eyes beginning to snap with temper. I didn’t like being called a liar, especially when I was telling the truth. “You are the one who took something he said in jest and turned it into a chance to show how emotionless you are. He is angry with you, not me. And the fault is yours, not mine.”
    Max caught my chin and said in a low voice, “Watch your words, wife.”
    “Ahh, so it isn’t the truth you seek after all. You wish not to be liked? That is very fortunate indeed,” I hissed.
    Max rose without warning and took my arm, forcing me up as well. He dragged me out of the hall to the entertainment of the people gathered there. He pushed me into the nearest unused chamber and didn’t even bother to shut the door before shoving me up against the wall. “You want to anger me? You’ve succeeded. Your manners are not those of an obedient wife but of a low-born shrew.” A cold smile touched his lips and he left the room, pulling me behind him. He released me when we reached one of the maids who served in the great hall. “My wife is to serve as you do today. Make sure she stays busy doing the sorts of things you do or I’ll take it out of your hide.”
    He said to me, “Consider as you work today how you will speak to me when I return.“With that he turned and left me standing there, shocked. I looked at the serving maid, and she looked back at me. Neither of us knew what to do as the mistress suddenly became the servant.
    “My lady, I—” she began, but I stopped her.
    “Do as he says,” I instructed wearily. “I’ll not hold it against you come tomorrow.”
    The girl, Crissy, seemed about to cry. “But, my lady!”
    I held up my hand to forestall her. “Neither of us has a choice in this. Had he simply threatened me, I’d ignore it and let him do as he would. But I can’t let you suffer for my impertinence.” I realized that Max no doubt knew I’d feel that way. I couldn’t help but be impressed at his ability to manipulate me. Sneaky bastard. Fine. A day as a servant might be interesting at that. I did like to learn new things. My anger faded away as I acknowledged, at least to myself, that he’d won this round. “Well, let’s get started.” I said to Crissy.
    The work wasn’t particularly difficult, but it was tiring. I regretted not staying in bed and sleeping later. The servants were kind to me, trying to do my work for me whenever they could. I finally had to be quite frank and tell them they’d get both Crissy and I in trouble if they continued. They didn’t exactly stop then, but they were subtler about it.
    The ladies of the castle were another story. Callista had come down and upon seeing me had been so upset that I’d insisted she stay away during my day as a servant. She’d done it, probably to spare me the shame of having to wait on her. Some of the older ladies, possibly around from when Max’s second wife had been alive, were growing bolder with their insults