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)
Whether that was still true after a certain someone’s antics was another matter entirely.
After much consideration, I’d decided to pretend that I’d never crossed paths with Grand Duke Kalon Stein. It probably wasn’t the smartest idea in the long term, but for a short-term solution to my stress, it was an excellent remedy.
I’d managed to leave the ball without too much drama. I’d fulfilled my promise with Lord Leon regarding the dance—which had been a much more enjoyable time than the one I’d shared with Kalon—and left shortly after. Thankfully, Father had undertaken the duty of informing Crown Prince Torin that I wasn’t feeling well, and he said that the prince had wished me well.
I was a little apprehensive about not dancing with him. Not that I wanted to. I’d rather dance with a dragon, to be perfectly honest, but I’d received what was essentially an Imperial Order from the Empress herself, and I’d failed to carry it through.
Which was why I wasn’t surprised at all when Bella walked into the sitting room with a letter with the royal seal on it.
“Did you say that’s from the Imperial Palace?” I asked, staring at her.
“Yes, my lady. I believe it’s Crown Prince Torin’s personal seal.”
I blinked at the letter. “I don’t have a good feeling about this.”
“Would you like me to open it and read it to you, my lady?”
“No, that’s quite all right. Annie, would you pass me the letter opener from the bureau?” I took the letter from the tray and held my hand out for Annie. She passed it to me, and I sliced open the top of the envelope so I could retrieve the letter from inside.
Dearest Lady Alicia,
I would like to express my most sincere hope that you’re feeling better following the ball. Marquess Vermillion was kind enough to take the time to explain to me that you were feeling unwell and left early. If I’d known, I would have escorted you myself.
I was highly looking forward to spending some time in your company at the ball and regret we were unable to converse more. If you’re agreeable, it would be my pleasure to invite you to the Crown Prince’s Palace this Friday at noon for tea.
I will patiently await your response.
Yours,
Crown Prince Torin Phillippe Henry Sada
I wrinkled up my nose. “I don’t know if this is polite or pushy.”
“What did he say, my lady?” Bella asked, her eyes sparkling.
I looked up, only to see Annie looking at me with the same excited, expectant look on her face. I motioned for them both to come closer, and when they leant in, I whispered, “He’s invited me to the palace for tea on Friday.”
They both squealed, and I winced as the sound threatened my poor eardrums.
“Bella, Annie, please!”
“What is that dreadful noise?” Sophia demanded from the doorway. “Can’t you control your maids, Alicia?”
I swiftly stuffed the letter and the envelope under my skirt. “We were just discussing Lady Vivian’s upcoming nuptials. I do apologise if they disturbed you at all.”
She sniffed. “Isn’t she marrying that viscount’s son?”
“She is.”
“Such a low-ranking gentleman for someone from such a highly regarded family.”
“Perhaps, but when Lord Ivan succeeds Duke Trelawney as the head of the Magic Tower, he will receive at least the title of marquess, per Imperial law,” I replied. “And he’s exceptionally talented in magic.”
Sophia’s lip curled. “It’s very convenient that Duke Trelawney chose the man his daughter fell for to succeed him, don’t you think?”
“Oh no, Lady Sophia,” Annie said. “Lord Ivan was chosen as the successor three years ago before he ever met Lady Vivian, according to my friend who works at the Trelawney estate.”
“There you have it, then.” I picked up my teacup and sipped.
Sophia glared at me. “Is it a habit of yours to allow your maids to be so impudent? I wasn’t speaking to her.”
With a sigh, I set my teacup back down. “Sophia, how I converse with my maids is my business. If you remember, you are the one who inserted yourself into our conversation. If you don’t like the freedom with which my maids are allowed to speak, you’re more than welcome to excuse yourself again.”
She pressed her lips into a thin line, and her face flushed bright red.
Honestly, she looked like that little angry red guy from that Pixar movie.
She stormed off without saying another word to us, and I looked at Annie. “Make sure she’s actually gone, would you?”
Annie shuffled over there and stuck her head out of the door. “All clear, my lady.”
“What are you going to do about His Highness?” Bella asked quietly. “Are you going to attend?”
“I’m not sure I can,” I answered, pulling the letter back out. “Friday is five days after Sunday, isn’t it? My brain isn’t working.”
“Yes, my lady.”
“I will have to decline. I have a prior engagement.” I scanned the letter again.