Chapter X • Clemence

Aforetime.

Alas… another morn.

I am awoken by the sound of gentle knocking on my bedchamber door. My eyes flutter open at the sight of the same old red cloth draping over my tester.

“Lady Clemence?” I hear a familiar voice beyond the door, followed by another series of knocks. Groggily, I sit up.

“Come in, Lorelle.”

The heavily-adorned wooden door creaks open, and Lorelle, one of the manor’s kitchen cooks, enters my private chambers with a tray in between her stubby hands.

“Good morn, my lady! Lady Honora had requested to fetch you porridge and warm ale for morgenmete.”

“My deepest gratitude, Lor— wait a moment…”

Mother never orders any of the servants to bring up food to me, let alone morgenmete.

“Why would Mother order you to bring me my morning meal?” I speak, dipping the iron spoon into the bowl of thickened rice. “I’m fully capable of eating in the dining room.”

“I believe tha she is aware of that, my lady,” she replies, fidgeting in place as she toys with her apron. “Bu