The Liars by Heraa Hashmi Read Free Book Online

decided.
    “You seem to like children.” Memory pointed out. “When did you start working at the palace, then?”
    “I’m flattered, princess, that…you asked these questions but I don’t think it’s alright if…” She trailed off awkwardly and Memory waved her hands around.
    “Nonsense. I hate hearing about myself. Tell me about you.” At that, Diana had no choice but to follow orders.
    “Well, I–”  It was the first time in sixteen hours of knowing her that the head maid was flustered and rendered speechless. Memory smiled warmly, although inside her eyes were rolling countless times.
    “I…when I was young, I didn’t know what I wanted to do with my life.” Diana sighed, gripping the hem of her shirt. “I traveled to France and had many romances. I never got married. When my parents passed, I had no source of income. I was too old, but I still came to Sugrove looking for a job.”
    “I see.” Memory felt pity for her, but quickly crushed it. “What happened? Did King Darius…my father…give you a job?”
    “Oh, actually, it was…” When Diana paused, Memory urged her on. “My friend worked as a maid. She snuck me in.” She said in a rush, and immediately stood up, bowing. “Forgive me!” She cried.
    Memory, at the thought of Diana as a young woman trying to sneak into the palace like some sort of thief, burst out into laughter. That was certainly a feat no one average could manage without getting caught.
    Surprised, Diana slowly straightened up, face expressionless. “Princess?”
    “Well, I congratulate you. No one found out.” Memory kept chuckling as she resumed to her texting. “I’ll keep it a secret. No worries.”
    Diana’s eyes welled up with tears. “You are too kind, princess. Too kind.”
    And all of a sudden, like the past conversation never happened, Diana yanked the phone out of Memory’s hands and jumped and down like a schoolgirl. She had a surprising amount of energy for an elderly.
    “That reminds me! His highness asked me that I make sure you look presentable.” Diana grinned wickedly. “To the salon we go!”
    “But–but–”
     
    Diana, seemingly comfortable with talking about her past now, chattered on and on about her past romances in Paris, the city of love. She talked about this one man who she thought was a sweetheart but ended up being a serial killer.
    Memory herself wasn’t faring any better, having hair pulled out of places she didn’t even know hair grew in. By the time the waxing was done, she felt like a naked mole rat.
    She was then shoved into the hairstyling room, when her hair was tugged on so much she was sure half of it fell out. To her chagrin, the stylists didn’t do a completely horrible job, her hair looking better than it had in a year. It fell in smooth burgundy curls to her mid-back, and looked rather shiny.
    I feel like one of those girls in those overly-rated chick flicks.
    Diana banned her from wearing any of the clothes Memory had b rought with her, instead taking her to a expensive shop where all clothing was tailored.
    “They will be custom fit.” Diana explained, raking thro ugh a wide selection of gowns. “Choose the styles and colors you want. Personally, I think this brings out the blue in your eyes.” She held up a fluffy midnight blue gown, and Memory nearly puked.
    She tried to run away, but Diana kept her on a leash, not letting her stray from her side for more than a second.
    So she was thankful when her phone buzzed, and lo and behold, it was Prince Cassian.
    Excusing herself, she crouched in a corner, aware that Diana was eyeing her curiously.
    “Oh thank god.” Memory huffed. “Never thought the day I was thankful to hear from you would come.”
    He didn’t think she was funny and instead cut to the chase. “Tell Jones, your driver, to take you to the hospital. Diana should be getting a call soon from the palace doctors.” He sounded rushed. “I will meet you there.”
    Memory broke out in a cold