Total pages in book: 142
Estimated words: 137017 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 685(@200wpm)___ 548(@250wpm)___ 457(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 137017 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 685(@200wpm)___ 548(@250wpm)___ 457(@300wpm)
Which reminded me…
“Sir Otto,” I said, turning back to the front of the tent. “Would you come here a moment?”
The young knight stepped inside. “Yes, my lady?”
“If Marchioness Vermillion or Lady Sophia Vermillion approach the tent, please don’t let them in. Especially while the curtains are closed.”
He paused for a moment before nodding. “As you wish.”
“Thank you. You may return to your post.” I undid the ribbon beneath my chin and took off my hat, handing it to Bella. “We’re close to the Imperial Tent, aren’t we?”
“They’re directly across from us,” Bella said, setting my hat in a hat box to protect it.
“So, the Empress is keeping an eye on me,” I murmured, glancing in that direction. Their Majesties wouldn’t arrive until the last minute, although Crown Prince Torin was already here as he would be participating.
“Don’t be so sceptical, my lady,” Bella replied.
“Most likely,” Rina said at the same time.
“Dame Draper!”
Rina shrugged. “I would keep an eye on the woman who’ll be my daughter-in-law, especially if she’s marrying my stepson whom I have a terrible relationship with. And doesn’t she want to steal our lady for the Crown Prince, anyway?”
“You cannot speak like that here in the empire, Dame Draper,” Bella explained, holding up her hands frantically. “If anyone were to hear you, not even the Grand Duke could stop you being questioned.”
“Questioned? For what?”
“Treason.” I met her gaze. “His Majesty gave his permission for our engagement and issued an Imperial Order for our marriage when we arrived. Your words could be misconstrued as the Empress plotting against him, and to accuse Her Majesty of such a thing could be considered as treason.”
Her eyes widened. “How barbaric.”
“It may be best to keep those opinions to yourself until we return to Stein. Kalon may allow you speak freely there, but Bella’s right. Even he won’t be able to save you if the Empress sets you in her sights.”
She lowered her head. “My apologies for misspeaking. I will take heed of your words, my lady.”
“I thought I heard your voice, Allie.” Blair stepped up in the open doorway of the tent. “May I come in?”
“Blair!” I rushed over and hugged her tightly. “Of course, come in!”
“Thank you.” She returned my embrace before following me inside. “Bella, it’s good to see you again.”
Bella bobbed. “Hello, Lady Blair.”
Blair’s gaze hovered on Rina for a moment, then she looked at me questioningly.
“Oh, I’m sorry,” I said, realising. “You haven’t met, have you? Blair, this is my personal knight, Dame Alexandrina Draper. Rina, this is Lady Blair Rainforth, the daughter of Marquess Rainforth.”
Rina’s eyes widened, and she stared at Blair for a moment before quickly regaining her composure and bowing. “Lady Rainforth, it’s an honour to meet you.”
Blair gasped and rushed to her, grabbing one of Rina’s hands with her own. “Oh, my goodness. Dame Draper, I’m so pleased to make your acquaintance.”
Rina’s cheeks flushed bright pink. “You are?”
“Of course! You’re a female knight, and I’m quite aware of your father’s prowess on the battlefield.”
“I’m sure it’s nothing compared to your family’s accomplishments, my lady.”
“Nonsense. Your father would be an aura sword master if he possessed the ability to use mana, no? He’s exceptionally talented, and so is your brother!”
“You’re acquainted with my brother?”
“I am. I often visit the Imperial Knights with paperwork for my father when he’s busy, and we’ve crossed paths on several occasions. Sir William has even visited our house and sparred with me once.” Blair’s eyes sparkled. “I’m sure you’re just as talented as he is! Oh, I’d love to talk with you while you’re here, if it’s possible.”
Rina opened her mouth to reply, then quickly stopped and coughed into her hand. “It would be my pleasure, my lady, but I’m afraid I’m on duty at the moment.”
“Oh.” Blair’s shoulders drooped. “I understand.”
“Actually, it’s all right,” I said and motioned for my hat from Bella. “I was thinking I would take a walk around on my way to find His Highness, so why don’t you two have a chat while I do that?”
“You can’t possibly go alone, my lady,” Rina protested.
“I won’t.” I tied the ribbon under my chin and reached outside of the tent, giving Sir Otto’s arm a yank, much to his surprise if his yelp was anything to go by. “I’ll take Sir Otto with me,” I said brightly, pointing to him. “See? I won’t be alone.”
Rina hesitated.
“If His Highness says anything, I’ll make sure to tell him you stayed behind on my order.” I touched her arm. “Rina, Blair is one of my closest friends and a passionate swordswoman. Female knights are almost impossible to find in the empire, so it would make me very happy if you’d talk with her.”
She stared at me for a moment, then sighed. “I can’t possibly argue with you when you ask me so sweetly, my lady.”