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)
He tensed, dropping his hand from my shoulder and offering me his arm. “You mean those bastards who think to insult your intelligence?”
That was one way of putting it.
“She all but told me I should look inside my house.”
“Do you mean—”
“Yes. She wasn’t talking about the House of Stein.”
He met my eyes. “We’ll continue this later. An irritant is heading our way.”
That didn’t narrow it down in the slightest, but it was as apt a description as any when I realised who he was talking about.
Count Harver was a shameless lout with a bitter wife and three mistresses. He’d fathered nine children across the four women and was known for his hedonistic lifestyle. If he wasn’t a highly intelligent businessman in the hospitality sector, he’d be nowhere near any royal events, but he held enough power that there was no option other than to invite him.
He was also someone I was pleased to see, given that the countess had been one of the voices I’d heard tittering about us quite enthusiastically on our arrival.
“Count Harver,” Kalon greeted him.
“Your Highness, Lady Alicia.” Count Harver stopped in front of us and bowed. “Congratulations on your engagement.”
“Thank you,” Kalon replied. “I believe the same should be extended to you. I hear your eldest son is engaged to the second daughter of Viscount Hendwin.”
The count bristled with pride, straightening up. “Yes, they met recently at a banquet and hit it off. I have several business dealings with House Hendwin, so we were both pleased to agree to their marriage.”
“You must be thrilled.”
“Yes. My wife and I are very happy he’s marrying the woman he loves.” Count Harver glanced at me.
I smiled. I know what you mean by that, you lousy bastard.
Kalon nodded. “He is indeed very lucky. So few of us can say the same.”
“Many arranged marriages are happy ones, Your Highness. A union between House Vermillion and the Imperial Family is advantageous for the entire empire, so I’m sure you’ll be happy together.”
“Oh? You appear to be mistaken, Count Harver,” Kalon said, his tone flat.
The count flinched. “I’m sorry?”
“While it’s true that a marriage between myself and Alicia has great political benefit, I would never seek to marry a woman I do not love. I must ask you to refrain from speculating about the circumstances of our engagement, unless you wish to have your lips sewn shut.”
Ouch.
At least he’d moved on from slicing out tongues.
It was nice to have some variety to your threats.
“I—I apologise, Your Highness. Lady Alicia.” He bowed his head to us. “It was impudent of me to assume I know of your relationship.”
Was it my turn? Goodie.
“Count Harver, I hear you’re in negotiations with Viscountess Evsea of Stein to distribute their wine through your restaurants,” I said, circling Kalon’s arm with both of my hands and leaning into his side.
Count Harver blinked at me. “Y—yes, I am, my lady. I wasn’t aware you were familiar with such things.”
“Well, I am to be the Grand Duchess of Stein, so it’s only proper that I’m aware of things happening within the grand duchy, don’t you think?” I smiled warmly. “I also happen to be acquainted with Viscountess Evsea through my aid policy, and we were actually able to share a bottle of her finest wine with His Majesty last night thanks to her kindness.”
“Indeed.” He cleared his throat. “Evsea wine may be the greatest on the continent. The viscountess is an impressive woman, having become the head of her house at a relatively young age.”
“She certainly is. She’s quite formidable, not to mention extremely loyal to Stein and the Grand Duke.”
“A fine trait for any noble, my lady.”
“I’m glad we agree.” I looked up at Kalon. “We should greet my father. I see him looking at us.”
Actually, I had no idea where he was. I just needed to end this conversation.
“Of course, darling.” He touched his hand to mine. “Excuse us, Count Harver.”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
“Oh.” I stopped alongside the count and laid my hand on his shoulder, leaning in. “A word of advice, my lord.”
Count Harver froze.
“You should remind the countess to be mindful of the things she says in public,” I said in a low voice. “She would do well to refrain from speaking vitriol where the subject of her conversation can hear.”
“I’m afraid I don’t—”
I tightened my hold on him, and he winced. “It would be a great shame if your business deal with Viscountess Evsea collapsed because she found out your wife was speaking ill of her liege, don’t you think?”
He ground his teeth together. “Is that a threat, Lady Alicia?”
“No.” I laughed hollowly. “I don’t make threats, Count Harver. I make promises.”
His fist clenched at his side. “I understand.”
“I’m glad we’re on the same page.” I released his shoulder. “Please extend our congratulations to your son and Lady Hendwin on the occasion of their engagement.”