Caldrin’s POV

“I don’t think I can grant you that through royal favour,” I said, watching her face fall in utter shock. She definitely wasn’t expecting that blow, but what could I do? I wouldn’t let a maid who washed feet beat me in a game I knew how to play best. It would be humiliating.

“But why? You said you wanted to compensate me. Or am I asking for too much…am I not knowing my place?” she asked, her voice suddenly meek, and I smiled. Her confident tone from earlier had ...