Outside, the corridor was no safer. Princess Madeleine stood waiting, with Elodie just behind her. Madeleine's shoulder was still bandaged beneath her gown.
Livia glanced up. She caught the narrowing of Madeleine's eyes. The princess was glaring at Bella.
Madeleine looked at Bella as though the poor girl had personally stolen the sun, the moon, and His Majesty's last remaining sense.
Bella, half-dead and held upright by maids had no strength left to care. Livia lowered her gaze and walked past quietly.
For once in her miserable life, invisibility could be useful. Madeleine's attention stayed fixed on Bella.
Even half-dead, the witch still managed to hoard the king's attention. It was obscene. It was insulting.
She straightened as much as she could and walked into the throne room. The king was seated on the throne now. Madeleine curtsied at once. "Your Highness…"
"Princess…" Henry said, still seated upon the throne. "Come closer."
