Page 40 of Legacy of Glass
Julius looked around at his friends. “Olivia is unfamiliar with court and life at the palace. I hope you’ll all help her to adjust quickly.”
Ashton and Cade nodded quickly, murmuring their willingness to assist, as he had known they would. Zane merely inclined his head in one of his usual careless gestures, but Julius trusted Cade to keep his older brother in line if necessary. Zane was too aware of his elevated rank to warm quickly to a future princess who had once been a servant.
But while Julius hadn’t liked the tone of his comment about Olivia, his admiration of her beauty had been real—as it could hardly fail to be. If they could win Zane over, they would be well on their way to winning most of the court.
Kasper, however, gave a formal response, his voice stiff as he said, “I and my family stand ready to assist the crown in all matters.”
Julius nodded acceptance of the words even as his mind whirred, separating out their layers of meaning. Kasper, the third son of Lord Emerson, must know the truth of what had happened—or at least some of it. He must resent seeing Olivia in the place that should have been his sister’s, but apparently he was also aware that the exchange had been instigated by Marigold. His unusual response indicated he was keenly aware his family had been plunged into great, if secret, disgrace with the king and queen.
Julius just wished he knew how Kasper viewed Olivia herself. Did he understand she was also a victim, or did he think of her as complicit in the scheme?
“I knew I could rely on you all,” Julius said lightly, hoping his words were true. He would have to keep an eye on Kasper.
“I’ll be very grateful for any assistance you can provide,” Olivia said in her musical voice, turning her smile on each of his friends in turn. “You’ll probably find me wandering lost through the corridors at some point since they all look the same.”
Something tightened in his chest at the way even Zane and Kasper smiled instinctively back at her, unable to resist the combination of her fresh beauty and self-deprecating charm. He wanted to step in front of her and shield her from their admiring gazes. Or, even better, cancel the visit entirely and sweep Olivia off to find someone else to help her.
But Julius had no one else he could trust to watch over her. He had always maintained a careful distance with the young women of court, not wanting to set the gossips talking—an ironic goal as matters had turned out. But consequently, he wasn’t sure which of them could be trusted with the task of helping him guide Olivia through her first weeks at court. He might not like the appreciative gleam in his friends’ eyes—especially when he remembered his mother’s words about finding her a husband from the men of the court—but they were the only ones he could turn to.
“Lord Kasper,” Olivia said, addressing his tawny-haired friend. “I believe my aunt and uncle’s manor sits next to your home.”
Zane’s brows rose, and Julius threw a concerned look at Olivia. She shouldn’t mention her connection to Marigold—or give any hint of her friend’s scheme—in front of anyone, but especially not in front of Zane. Lords Emerson and Strathmore were long time political and economic rivals, and unlike his brother, Zane had never entirely shaken off his animosity toward Lord Strathmore’s sons, even in front of Julius.
When they were younger, it had caused Julius a great deal of distress to see Cade and Zane at odds with Kasper, and so Cade had not only adjusted his own attitude but also worked to keep his brother in check. But, as the older son, Zane was far more interested in politics than Cade, and Cade’s efforts had only muted his antagonism, not entirely overcome it.
Since the planned alliance with Lord Emerson had fallen through, Julius didn’t want Lord Strathmore to get wind of his parents’ failed plans. Lord Strathmore would resent the king and queen choosing his rival’s daughter for their son, even while he delighted at seeing Lord Emerson in disgrace. If the crown didn’t have the advantages of the alliance, they couldn’t afford to wear the disadvantages either. The last thing Julius’s father needed was to be at odds with more of his court.
Julius kicked himself for not warning Olivia beforehand about the necessity of not mentioning Marigold. But it was too late for him to say anything. If he attempted to cut her off, it would only draw attention, the opposite of what he wanted. He would have to trust that she possessed some good sense, despite her ignorance of court.
“We used to be neighbors,” Olivia continued, “but while your mother and sister sometimes walk on the hill behind the manors, I don’t think I ever saw you there. Do you all spend most of your time at court?”
She kept her voice light, and Julius hoped the others didn’t notice the tightness in her stance, betraying how much she cared about the answer.
“My mother sometimes attends court,” Kasper said warily, “although she has many duties. My sister would no doubt be fascinated to meet you—and even more eager to show you around than any of us could be—but she is currently on a visit to relatives in the southwest of Sovar.”
Julius eyed his friend speculatively. So Lady Marigold had been packed off to relatives, had she? Keeping her out of sight for a while was a sensible move.
“Perhaps I’ll have a chance to meet her when she returns,” Olivia said lightly, although he saw the way one of her hands had balled into a fist within the folds of her skirt.
Julius couldn’t share her dismay, though. He was utterly relieved at his narrow escape where Marigold was concerned. At least one good thing had come out of the accidental betrothal. Whatever happened with Olivia, he wouldn’t let his parents instigate a second betrothal with Lord Emerson’s daughter.
The thought reminded him that he had a bone to pick with Cade. He sent a glare toward his closest friend. Kasper wasn’t the only one who knew the truth about the original choice of bride—and Cade had lied straight to Julius’s face. That was a betrayal, even if he had been trying to calm Julius’s supposed nerves. Not disappointed in his mother’s choice, indeed!
But just like Olivia, he had to bite his tongue for the moment and wait for a more private opportunity to speak freely.
“It’s been days since you were here, Julius,” Zane said suddenly. “So it’s your turn for a match. Who do you want to face?”
Julius glanced at Olivia, expecting her to protest that he was supposed to be showing her around. But she raised a challenging brow at him, almost making him laugh aloud.
“See,” Zane drawled. “Your bride wants to see your prowess. You can’t confess to being chicken-hearted in front of her.”
“Zane,” Cade’s warning was quiet, and his brother ignored it completely.
Julius laughed. “Chicken-hearted? I think days cooped up in my father’s meetings have made me reckless, rather. Should I take on two of you at once?”
“Careful, Julius,” Cade said, although he sounded amused this time, “or you’ll be embarrassed in front of your lady.”
“I’ve always wanted to see a duel,” Olivia said. “Do please have a match. Just try not to get hurt.”
