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)
I wanted to leave here, but that didn’t mean I wanted to be miserable before that happened.
Sir Hayes was testing me.
“It’s quite all right, Bella,” I said softly, holding my hand out for a fan.
I’d recently learnt how wonderful they were to strike the fear of God into people thanks to Vivi, and this was a perfect time to test it for myself.
She whimpered as she handed it to me. “My lady—”
I closed the distance between myself and Sir Hayes until I towered over him, giving the fan a good snap against my palm for emphasis. “Forgive me, Sir Hayes, but I must have heard you incorrectly. Did you just greet me as the future mistress of Stein Castle?”
He said nothing.
“I was led to believe that the residents of Stein hold the Grand Duke in high regard. Given how his closest aide and Head of the Stein Knightage is so remiss in his greeting towards His Highness’ fiancée, the first daughter of House Vermillion, the Sword of the Empire, I must have been wrongly informed.” I stared at him. “Especially as you’ve been so impudent as to meet my eyes before being told to raise your head—while addressing me incorrectly at that. If you’re weary from your journey or unsure of your words, you may address me as the future madam or lady of House Stein. Otherwise, I would expect the heir to the great Talwick Marquessate to be more mindful of his manners.”
Sir Hayes immediately dropped his gaze, but the clench of his jaw didn’t escape my notice. “I apologise. I misspoke, my lady.”
“Then I shall give you one more opportunity to greet me properly.”
He whipped his hand through the air, and all the knights behind him dropped from their horses to their knee. “It’s an honour to greet Lady Alicia Vermillion, the eldest daughter of the noble House Vermillion that is the Sword of the Sada Empire, the future Grand Duchess, upon your entry to Stein. We have been instructed by His Highness to safely escort Your Ladyship to the castle.”
That was much better.
“The achievements of the Stein Knights during the war are legendary in the empire,” I said, casting my gaze across the group. “I’m honoured to be escorted by such a brave order upon my arrival to my new home, and I trust that you’ll take care of us well. Please stand.”
A low murmur of agreement rumbled through the knights as they got to their feet.
“Sir Hayes, please raise your head.”
He did so.
“My lady-in-waiting and maid are quite shaken by our journey through the magic circle. I would like if we could rest here for an hour so they might recover before we continue.”
Sir Hayes’ nodded. “Hutchings, escort Her Ladyship’s attendants to the rest area. Will you be joining them, my lady?”
“No. I will rest in my carriage, so you can all be at ease.” I took a step forward and rested my fan on his shoulder, then in a low voice said, “I will forgive your insult to me today, Sir Hayes, but know that I’m not in the habit of extending such graciousness more than once. You would do well to remember it.”
“Of course, my lady. Again, I extend my most sincere apologies for my lack of respect.”
I took a step back and looked up, catching the eye of one of the knights. She was a young woman who looked around my age, and her long silver-blonde hair was tied up into a ponytail that swung as she whipped her head around. Turning away from me couldn’t hide the flush that rose up her cheeks, and it took her only a moment to look my way again.
Her blue eyes sparkled with something I rarely saw directed my way, at least since I’d woken up in this world.
Admiration.
I smiled at her, and she gasped, this time turning her whole body away from me. I barely suppressed a chuckle as I headed back for my carriage.
Just when I thought I’d escaped my accidental harem…
***
My arrival at the snow-covered Stein Castle was a far more appropriate greeting than the one Sir Hayes had offered me. The household staff were waiting, lined up on either side of the door, and Annie gasped when she saw it.
“Wow! It’s like it’s right out of a romance novel!”
I wondered what she’d say if she knew this was a romance novel where I came from.
The door swung open, and Sir Hayes appeared, holding out his hand. I begrudgingly took it as I descended the steps from the carriage, but at least he’d remembered his manners.
“Welcome to Stein Castle, Lady Alicia Vermillion.” A tall, older gentleman with half-moon glasses resting on his nose took a step forwards. “I am Sir Edward Arkwright, the Head Butler of this castle. It’s an honour to meet you, and I hope your journey here wasn’t too difficult.”