Marcella took a slow breath before explaining.
"After Your Highness dismissed me, I no longer served any master. A maid without a master has no protection within the palace. Anyone can punish us, Your Highness, because there is no one responsible for standing up for us."
For a moment, neither Kiara nor Scarlett spoke.
The explanation had answered their question, but it had also revealed something far more troubling about the palace's rules. Marcella had spent years serving members of the imperial family, yet the moment she lost her position, she had become vulnerable to anyone who wished to punish her.
Before either princess could respond, Marcella bowed.
"If Your Highnesses will excuse me, I shall take my leave. Lady Moira has also instructed me to invite Lady Vesna to lunch."
With that, she remained bowed for another moment, waiting for permission to leave.
