Chapter 161

Claire

I found her in the servants’ wing, where the light was thin and the corridors smelled faintly of starch and old perfume.

I didn’t even think that I could get in and out as easily as I did. But judging by how things were, and the fact that almost everyone was scouting for Alaria, this was an easier part.

Amelia looked smaller than I remembered, smaller than the part she’d once played in my life, her shoulders hunched like someone who expected a storm to break over her at any moment.

“Amelia.” My voice was cleaner than I felt. Because I knew that with every passing second, things were going to be a lot more complicated from here.

She started, then forced a smile that didn’t reach her eyes. “Claire.” Her hands twisted together. “I… I didn’t expect you.”

I pulled her to a corner. The maids were loyal to me. At least, those within this wing. They wouldn’t say a word.

“You didn’t expect me because you didn’t expect to be found,” I sa