Shadow and Bone

“The King expects to see a humble girl plucked from the
ranks of his army, an undiscovered treasure. If you appear in a
kefta, he’ll think the Darkling’s been hiding you.”
“Why would the Darkling hide me?”
Genya shrugged. “For leverage. For profit. Who knows?
But the King is … well, you’ll see what the King is.”
My stomach turned. I was about to be presented to the King.
I tried to steady myself, but as Genya hurried me out the door
and down the hall, my legs felt leaden and shaky.
Near the bottom of the stairs, she whispered, “If anyone
asks, I just helped you get dressed. I’m not supposed to work
on Grisha.”
“Why not?”
“Because the ridiculous Queen and her more ridiculous
court think it’s not fair.”
I gaped at her. Insulting the Queen could be considered
treason, but Genya seemed unconcerned.
When we entered the huge domed hall, it was crowded with
Grisha in robes of crimson, purple, and darkest blue. Most of
them looked to be around my age, but a few older Grisha were
gathered in a corner. Despite the silver in their hair and their
lined faces, they were strikingly attractive. In fact, everyone in
the room was unnervingly good-looking.
“The Queen may have a point,” I murmured.
“Oh, this isn’t my handiwork,” said Genya.
I frowned. If Genya was telling the truth, then this was just
further evidence that I didn’t belong here.
Someone had seen us enter the hall, and a hush fell as every
eye in the room fastened onto me.
A tall, broad-chested Grisha in red robes came forward. He
had deeply tanned skin and seemed to exude good health. He
made a low bow and said, “I am Sergei Beznikov.”
“I’m—”