I guard my place at court with the same unyielding grip that binds my secrets, but Annabel's shoulder brushes mine over the ledger and the mask slips.
Her birthmark curves above the loosened collar as my breasts grow heavy, the petition for the royal appointment forgotten beneath our hands. The candlelight catches milk beading at my nipple while her fingers still on the parchment edge, and I know one more glance will open the bodice we both pretend not to notice.
If she yields first, nothing in these sealed rooms will stay hidden.
