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)
Yes.
Ezra Alansia had made that point clear to me with all his grumbling about how I’d apparently swept in and stolen his wife at the last minute.
I chuckled. “The marchioness should consider herself lucky if they entertain Sophia as an option for their second sons, what with her behaviour. All the nobles in the capital will know what tricks she’s been up to.”
“Indeed.” Ark handed me another envelope. “This is a report on Lady Alicia’s activities since she arrived.”
“Let me read this.” I opened the envelope and pulled out the papers inside, quickly scanning over them.
Ha.
So, she had an altercation with Hayes on her arrival, buttered up Ark and Ingrid, almost put the head chef in an early grave with her compliments, and had been befriending the knights by plying them with refreshing drinks and snacks while observing their training. Only to ultimately hear about the expedition to Baldor Village and turn into a humanitarian politician.
What an eventful few days for my darling fiancée.
I sat back in my chair and rubbed my chin, enjoying the feeling of my lips curving into a smirk. For someone who’d been so mouthy and hostile during our dance at the spring ball, she’d certainly made herself at home here in the castle since her arrival.
“What a peculiar woman,” I remarked, putting the report down on my desk. “Who’s been assisting her on this aid project until now?”
“I have,” Hayes said. “You said you wanted to wait until you returned to appoint her staff, so I offered my services.”
Mm. He knew all too well how devastating these monster attacks could be to the lower classes, so it wasn’t surprising that he’d decided to help her despite his initial dislike.
“Continue to do so,” I ordered. “You have personal experience with this type of situation, and she will ultimately have to present this to the Council for approval. Draw up a list of suitable aide candidates while you work with her. Ark will assist me in the meantime.”
“But sir—”
“Sir Hayes, you’re the leader of the Stein Knights. Don’t be a baby. After all, you have a lot of grovelling to do where she’s concerned, don’t you?” I met his eyes and gripped my sword. “Or would you rather face punishment for disrespecting my fiancée?”
He tensed. “She said she forgave me!”
“But I didn’t.” I smiled flatly at him. “You forgot your place, you insolent little shit, so think of this as your penance.”
Hayes sighed, sagging. “I will assist her to the best of my ability, sir.”
“What about her knight? If she’s been observing them, she’s surely got a person in mind. House Vermillion produces the best knights in the empire. Some of our knightage started their training there before they were sent to the palace and ultimately settled here.”
“Forgive me, but I have no idea. She often comes with one of her maids and observes quietly before bringing us refreshments in our breaks, but she’s shown no favouritism.”
“I hope the knightage aren’t finding themselves too spoilt.”
“No, sir. If anything, they work harder than ever to impress Her Ladyship. It’s rather boosted the general morale.”
I supposed that was never a bad thing.
“Your Highness, there is one knight she’s taken notice of.” Ark pulled a sheet of paper from his breast pocket and handed it over. “Lady Alicia asked me about her the day she arrived.”
“Dame Alexandrina Draper. Interesting.” I looked at Hayes. “Any reason why she’d pick her out of all the knights available?”
“Not at all. Rina accompanied us on Lady Alicia’s arrival, but I don’t believe they’ve had any interactions since then.”
I tilted my head to the side as I scanned the profile on Dame Alexandrina. The third child and only daughter of Count Draper and a talented swordswoman who had a record of besting several First Order knights.
She was indeed qualified to guard Alicia, but why did Alicia ask about her specifically?
“Hmm. Ark, did you say my fiancée is in her office?”
“Yes, Your Highness. If not, she should be in her bedroom.”
I stood and pushed away from my desk. “I should greet her, don’t you think?”
Hayes dropped his chin to his chest and peered over at me. “Are you upset she wasn’t outside to accept your wyvern?”
“Upset? When have I ever been upset, Hayes?” I shot him a cold look and walked out of the door. “Mind your words before I cut out your tongue.”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
“The offering isn’t a custom known outside of Stein, so I’ll forgive it.” I adjusted the collar of my jacket. “Don’t you think it’ll be far more entertaining to offer her something even bigger at the Royal Hunt in a couple of weeks? We can put on a nice show.”
“Your Highness, you will upset the Empress,” Ark warned me.
“I’ve been upsetting her since I could talk and see no need to change that now. You know how I feel about consistency.”