Part I: Talia

Chapter 1

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

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

“I will not, Mother.”

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