Page 77 of The Secret Keeper's Daughter

“I talked to her before she left, and she said we were welcome to stay as long as we need. If we go out, all we have to do is mention her to the fae at the entrance. Our names are on an approved list to come up.”

“Doesn’t that seem odd?”

“That she’s letting us stay longer?”

“Right.”

“Now who’s the suspicious one?”

I sigh. “It doesn’t make any sense. She’s obviously rich, so why is she so eager to take care of us?”

“Maybe she misses having people around after her husband died. Their kids grew up over a century ago. We probably remind her of them.”

“I guess.”

“Get dressed so we can explore the city. From what Della was telling me, we’ve barely scratched the surface. This place goes on and on.”

“Della?”

“The one who brought your breakfast.”

Of course he’s already on a first name basis with the staff. I stifle a yawn. “Where are we going to explore?”

“She told me there’s a five-story library in a nearby district.”

“Five stories?” I could spend a month in there and still have plenty more to explore.

Harek grins. “I knew that’d get your attention. Perhaps we can find something about the hunter line there.”

“It sounds like we can find anything we want on any topic.”

“Let’s get ready to head out then.”

“I’m all set.”

I grab my plate and cup, but before I can even turn toward the kitchen Della returns and takes them from me. “Do you need anything else, my lady?”

I’m not sure I’ll ever get used to this treatment. “Um, no. Thanks.”

She nods, then seems to disappear into thin air.

Back in my room, I find the bed is made and several outfits are set out. I hold each up, not sure what to pick. They’re all much nicer than anything I’m used to wearing, but I’ll easily fit in when walking around in any of them. I pick the one with the least bright colors and put it on. It’s a perfect fit, like it was tailor made for me. I stare in disbelief at my reflection in the wall mirror for a few moments.

I wish my mother could see me like this. She always said I was beautiful, and this is the first time I think she could be right. It’s weird seeing myself as anything other than a manure shoveler, but here I am in clothes like the richest of Skoro.

As soon as I open the door, one of the other servants rushes in, guides me to the bathroom, and starts fussing over my hair and face. I’m not used to anyone being so close to me—except when Harek kissed me—so I have to resist the urge to put up my hands for space.

Some of the powders, lotions, and sprays make me sneeze. That seems to amuse her.

“What’s your name?” I ask.

She looks at me confused as she sprays something sticky in my hair. “Guests don’t usually inquire about that.”

I sneeze. “I’d like to know what to call you.”

“Summer.”

“That’s pretty.”

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