Part I: Talia

Chapter 1

If I hear one আরো 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 ব্যক্ত that “spindle,” rather than “Mama” অথবা “Papa,” was my first word in infancy, and I have little doubt that this is true, for ‘tis the word which lights আরো frequently than any other upon my most unwilling ears.

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

“I will not, Mother.”

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