Not long after Elena left, Chris did not immediately move on to his next task.
He sat quietly for a moment, his gaze inscrutable, then called out.
"Clerk."
"Here, Your Majesty."
"Go and ask Her Majesty the Queen's maid, Julie, to come here."
Chris's voice was steady, betraying no emotion.
"Tell her there are some details about her new duties that I need to explain in person."
The Clerk accepted the order, turned, and withdrew without a sound.
Before long, soft, hesitant footsteps approached the study door.
Julie entered in a plain gray maid's dress, her head lowered and her hands nervously clasped in front of her.
"Your Majesty."
She sank into an impeccable curtsy, her voice barely above a whisper.
Chris did not immediately tell her to rise. Instead, he studied her with an appraising gaze.
Just as Elena had said, she looked composed and unobtrusive, perhaps even a little too timid.
Julie did not seem particularly suited to being a pawn, but Chris had no intention of giving up... some things could only be judged by trying them.
"Rise, Julie."
Chris finally spoke. His tone was not warm, but neither was it stern.
"The Queen was just here. She strongly recommended you, believing that your ability and loyalty qualify you for more important duties at court."
Julie rose. At his words, she instinctively lifted her head, astonishment written all over her face.
"Ah... Your Majesty... this..."
She lost her composure a little. Apparently, Elena had not told her before making the decision.
So this maid really was a pawn Elena had pushed across the river to test Chris's attitude.
Failure would cost her nothing, while success would leave everyone happy.
Julie knew nothing of her mistress's attempt to secure an appointment for her, so even if Elena failed,