บท 55: Womanly Wiles

"If I could have your attention, please," Mother Estow said, clinking a fork against a goblet at the end of the dining table.

Emory and I looked up from our breakfast plates and the gossip she'd been telling me about who was rumored to be leaving the Select first.

I was still nervous about what David planned to do to keep the women alive, so I was irritated by the interruption. But Mother Estow waited calmly for everyone to quiet, then nodded.

"As you know we have several formal events planned for the coming weeks. The dress for some of these events will be of the highest possible quality as we entertain and host dignitaries from our neighbors and allies, as well as members of the Royal family. As Select, you will be expected to undertake the duties that would usually fall to the Queen. As such, we plan to dress all of you fit for... well, for a Queen."

There was a flutter of excitement around the table, but Mother Estow only nodded and continued.