Chapter 86

SERAPHINA

The lace had snapped just as the maid pulled it tight. I heard the fabric tear and my heart stopped.

"Fix it," I demanded, my voice shaking. "Fix it now."

"I am trying, my queen. But the fabric is delicate—"

"I do not care how delicate it is. Fix it. They are waiting."

Her hands trembled as she worked. Precious minutes ticked by. I could feel the pressure building.

Finally, she tied off the last lace. "Done. It should hold."

"It should?"

"It will hold, my queen. ...