“My queen, she stole my pendant the one my husband gave me. I found it under her pillow while cleaning the quarters,” one of the maids announced, her voice tight with accusation.

Azzurra regarded her quietly, then shifted her gaze to the young woman standing beside her.

“This lady claims you stole her pendant. Is it true?”

The girl’s head was bowed, her gaze fixed on the floor as if it could swallow her whole.

“My… my queen, I didn’t steal it,” she answered, her ...