Her brows lifted when she heard the name. "Miss Valenti?"
"Yes, Your Grace," the maid said, lowering her eyes.
"This should be interesting," Theodora said. "Send her in."
The maid curtsied and left. For the few minutes it took to fetch Livia, Theodora allowed herself to consider the girl's purpose. She was not foolish enough to believe this visit was born of concern. Livia Valenti had not come to weep over her bed, press cool cloths to her brow, and pray for reconciliation. No. The girl had come to look upon the fallen lioness.
There was nothing more revealing than a young woman believing she had learned cruelty. Theodora had been shaped by years of plotting. Miss Valenti had seduced a king and now thought herself ready to stand before Theodora.
Adorable.
A couple of minutes later, the door opened.
Livia entered.
Her gown was modest, her hair arranged. Livia curtsied. "Your Grace."
