Annalise shook hands with Juliette. "You must speak with confidence. I can tell that you are afraid, and if I can tell, then the men in this palace will notice and try to make use of it. Even when you are afraid, hold your head up high."
Annalise placed her dagger in the palm of Juliette's hand. "I am not telling you to use this right away when you feel backed into a corner. Just know how to make use of it. A queen should know how to protect herself, as even her guards might turn on her. It's perfect to hide beneath a dress."
"Thank you," Juliette said, holding on to the dagger. "I don't have a gift for you. Oh," she said, reaching into her hair for a hairpin. "It is pretty and has a sharp end. I can get another for your daughter, Lydia."
Annalise lifted the hairpin high to get a good look at it in the light. "It is decorated with jewels. I think you should keep it."
