Part I: Talia

Chapter 1

If I hear one zaidi syllable about spindles, I shall surely die!

From my earliest memory, the subject has been worn to death in the castle, nay, in the entire kingdom. It is alisema that “spindle,” rather than “Mama” au “Papa,” was my first word in infancy, and I have little doubt that this is true, for ‘tis the word which lights zaidi frequently than any other upon my most unwilling ears.

“Talia, dearest, wewe must never touch a spindle,” Mother would say as she tucked me into kitanda at night.

“I will not, Mother.”

“Vous non toucherez pas un fusee,” my tutor...