Page 16 of Their Property
That last part perked me up. I was eager to see the rest of Sevier, to meet its people and see what kind of potential this place had. Too bad it had to wait until the end while the boring stuff came first.
“Sounds great,” I said. “Did you happen to see if my bodyguards were up yet?”
“Your…? Ah. No, Miss Vance. I don’t believe so.”
“Alright. We’ll give them a minute before heading to this meeting. Shall we?” I gestured toward the door in offering that we leave together, but Anita remained rooted to her spot.
“Um.” Anita fiddled with the edges of her agenda, her eyes sweeping over me. “Miss Vance, I don’t mean any disrespect but…”
I turned to face her head-on. “Is something wrong?”
“Your clothes,” she blurted out. “I think it would be best if you changed.”
Confused, I looked down at myself. I was wearing pressed, straight-legged slacks with a blouse tucked in. Everything fit properly and nothing was inappropriate. My accessories were minimal—a slim leather belt, a watch, and a ring from my father. I was even wearing loafers, nothing remotely sexy like heels. I figured today would be full of walking tours and had opted for the most comfortable footwear I owned.
“I’m sorry, I don’t understand the problem,” I confessed.
“They must not have told you the dress code.” Anita frowned. “Women in Sevier are strongly encouraged to wear dresses or skirts. There is nothingwrongwith your clothes, Miss Vance. They’re just a bit…masculine.”
I barely restrained myself from bursting out laughing but somehow managed. She was serious.
“You’re saying this is alaw?”
She fidgeted again. “No, just a strong preference by the territory’s leaders.”
Who are all men.It went without saying.
I scratched the base of my skull, considering my options for a moment. I could do as she suggested and change. It would be the peaceful, least disruptive thing to do. I’d be conforming to the standards of the territory, showing that I embraced and accepted thisstrong preference,as she put it.
The more I thought about it, the more uncomfortable I became. I wasn’t a tomboy by any means. Ilovedputting on a dress and feeling pretty and feminine. But knowing it wasstrongly encouragedby my new colleagues and peers sucked all the fun out of the thought.
Plus, I decided last night that I wasn’t going to be obedient and docile. I was here to make changes, to give these people ideas on how to make this territory successful. And I wholeheartedly believed that personal choice was an integral part of that.
“Thank you for the heads-up, Anita,” I said to her with a smile. “But I will not be changing. Shall we wait for my bodyguards now?”
My assistant blinked a few times, her mouth opening and closing with no sounds coming out. “Miss Vance?” she finally squeaked out.
“I’ll deal with whatever fallout there may be,” I said. “Now, the housekeeper last night told me there would be a light breakfast in the loft?”
Anita didn’t answer, so I headed out my door, figuring she would follow. Staff were indeed setting up breakfast, and I made a beeline toward the food.
“Good morning, Miss Vance,” greeted the friendly maid who had led the Sons and I to our suites last night. “I trust you had a restful evening?”
“I did, thank you. What was your name?”
She froze in the middle of unwrapping fruit on a tray. “Um, it’s Marlene, Ambassador,” she said, once recovered.
“Well, thank you for setting me and my bodyguards up so comfortably, Marlene. We appreciate it. And you’re welcome to call me Kyrie, if you’d like.”
The woman seemed confused again and snuck a glance past me to Anita, who had indeed followed me out. “Just doing my job, miss. But you’re welcome. And I’ll…consider that.”
I took mental note of her and Anita’s reactions while grabbing a jalapeño cheddar bagel. Was every person here so taken aback by simple thank-yous and common decency? Taking a seat in a comfortable armchair, I chewed on that thought and my bagel at the same time. My eyes wandered as I ate, taking in the loft now that it was easier to see in full daylight.
It was a bright, open space, with three massive square windows that let natural light pour in. Aside from the table with the breakfast spread, there was little furniture aside from a few armchairs, couches, and desks. It made a nice spot for a study or sitting room, even a casual meeting. My and the Sons’ suites were the only ones attached to this loft, which I was grateful for.
My gaze wandered to their door, no longer trying to fight the urge. I’d be late to my first meeting if they didn’t come out soon. Should I knock? They were supposed to be accessible to me atalltimes, according to their contract.
If Ireallywanted them to follow their duties to the letter, I could have them move into my suite. I had a spare bedroom.
