Chapter 57: Little Problem
Martha tried to quell her excitement as she followed the court lady. The lady didn’t say much, only that the Queen had requested her presence and that Martha should come with her. Martha had agreed without hesitation. She had seen the knowing look on the court lady’s face, and something told her this was going to be in her favor.
There were four major wings in the castle. The Royal Wing, where the king and queen resided; the Crown Prince’s Wing, which used to be called the East Wing but was now referred to by its new name; the Guest Wing, which housed the largest hall in the castle and was where most parties were held; and the South Wing, which had been empty for so long that Martha didn’t even know what it was originally used for.
They arrived at the Royal Wing, where guards stood at the entrance. They didn’t block their path. Even if the court lady hadn’t been with her, Martha could come and go from the Royal Wing as long as she had business there. No one would stop her or ask questions. She had also been assigned to clean the rooms here, so a guard would likely assume she was doing just that.
The King’s and Queen’s rooms were on different floors. The Queen’s room was a floor above his, and other than the stairs leading to the Queen’s floor, Martha had never been to the King’s floor before. This time was no different.
The Queen’s room took up almost the entire floor, with guards standing in front of the door. No sooner had they appeared in front of them than the doors were thrown open. The first room they entered was the sitting area.
"Your Majesty," the lady announced, "I have brought her as you requested."
Martha was already on her knees, her head bowed. She knew exactly what the Queen expected: silence unless spoken to, and only "yes" as an answer. One was to do exactly as the Queen asked, even if it seemed impossible. No arguing or countering anything she said. Unless the question demanded it, answers were not to be more than one word. And, most importantly, always address her as "Your Majesty" with every response.
Martha had always abided by these rules, and not once had she ever gotten on the Queen’s bad side. To think Rose had managed to do so on her second day in the castle was laughable.
"Martha," the Queen called softly. "Henry is your uncle, is he not?"
"Yes, Your Majesty."