Page 72 of Unkindness of Crimson Ravens
“They were,” I told him confidently. “They are just trying to make us believe we are invading their land. It’s their tactic to force us into obedience.” I couldn’t help but roll my eyes.
Francis' curious gaze left a trace on my skin, yet I did not spare him a glance. I had to stay alert. “If something goes wrong, go downstairs: as far down as you can,” I said in barely a whisper. “Their passages are not as complex as the ones in the Royal palace, they all lead into the underground exits.”
“Understood.”
The first gate slowly opened, revealing about a dozen guards standing in the middle of the courtyard before the estate. They looked at me puzzled, clearly noticing my new—inhuman—appearance. I waited, burning my gaze into their flesh. They all shared a quick glance at each other before slowly getting down to their knees. “Your Highness,” they said quietly, uncertainty in their voices, as though unsure whether they were supposed to bow before me at all.
“Rise,” my voice carried over the courtyard.
Like one, the guards got to their feet. Some blatantly stared at me in confusion, though the majority dropped their gazes as required.
“Your Highness, His Grace is waiting for the meeting in the court hall,” one of the men said without meeting my gaze. “Allow me to escort you and your—” he looked up at Francis, his brows furrowed.
“Guard dog,” Francis suggested, winking.
A small snicker escaped the guard’s mouth, but he collected himself immediately when noticed my expression. “Forgive me,Your Highness,” the man quickly bowed once again. “I meant to say your guest, Your Highness.”
“No need to escort us.” I walked past him, ignoring all the murmurs that grew louder the farther I got. Francis fell into step right behind me, keeping a few feet between us.
My shoulders straightened, my chin was raised. I put on my mask of indifference, focusing my gaze straight ahead, as though nothing and no one could possibly be of any interest to me. No one was worthy of a glance from a Royal.
The halls were filled with the smell of sickly sweet irises and cold. The strong aroma awakened the nausea in me. The irises reminded me of the stolen kisses these walls had witnessed. Kisses I wished to demand back.
The doors of the court hall were shut closed, two guards stood adjacent to the entrance.
“Let His Grace know, I am ready for him,” I told the guards without sparing them a glance.
“Of—” The first guard trailed off, staring at me with no care in the Kingdom.
“Of course, Your Highness,” the other guard finished the sentence, sending his partner a disapproving look.
After several knocks on the door, the man disappeared behind the giant doors. Hushed voices traveled through the barrier between us, though I could not make out the words. I stood there like a statue, waiting for my announcement. Francis seemed to fall into the role I had given him with ease. His gaze—just like mine—was focused straight ahead, his features did not give away any emotion.
The door opened before us. My heavy, confident steps clattered on the marble as I made my way toward the table in the center of the room; the guards followed after us.
At the head of the table sat a man. His bright smile reached his eyes when he spotted me. His white—as snow—greasy hairfell down his shoulders, his wrinkled, oily skin made it difficult for me not to cringe.
He got up from his chair, sending me a curt nod; the smile did not leave his face.
I waited for him to bow—as etiquette required—yet he did not move a muscle. The fact that the guards fell into my perfect act should’ve been enough for me. Surely I wasn’t expecting the Duke to show me any respect.
“Dearest Cordelia,” William Barren exclaimed. His hands were outstretched as though he hoped for a hug. “What a pleasure it is to see you safe and sound. When the Queen announced our dearest princess had gone missing, mine and my son’s hearts truly broke, I must say.” He held his heart with theatrical hurt on his face.Dear Moon, free me from this nonsense.“The Queen told us you passed away, but when I learned the casket was empty...” A disgusting smile appeared on his face. “I knew you must have joined the dark side.” He gestured toward the chair opposite him, “Please, take a seat. I believe we have much to discuss.”
“Indeed we do,” I finally said to him, ignoring his foolish monologue. Francis moved the chair out for me to sit, yet did not take a seat next to me. He stood a few feet behind, acting as though my personal guard. “I expect you are aware of the matter of our meeting?” I crooked my head so slightly.
“Of course, my dear.” William said, taking his own seat. “But first allow me to offer you some wine.” He flicked his fingers for the maid to come.
“We do not have time for such luxuries, Your Grace.” My mouth went sour at the title I addressed him by.
“Surely one glass will not delay you from your—” he trailed off, studying me carefully. “What is it you are doing now,Cordelia?” His eyes narrowed. “Now that you have no dutiesto attend to.” A smirk grew on his face, making me sick to my stomach. “Does the Queen know about yournew being?”
“I am here on behalf of the Queen,sir.”My patience was slowly running out with each word that left this man’s mouth. “Our Queen personally sent me to attend to this matter.”
“How disappointing,” William tsked, pouring a glass of wine for himself. “And what about the orphan boy?” William addressed Francis and I prayed to all the Gods Francis knew not to anger the man. “So quiet, so collected.” Duke crooked his head, smiling. “Unlike the usual Francis I’d met before,” William laughed. “Surely, our dearest Cordelia’s presence has nothing to do with that.”
“Of course not.” Francis’ voice traveled past me. “You didn’t seem to appreciate my true nature during our last meeting, perhaps I changed for your sake.”
“Sir,” I addressed the Duke, interrupting Francis before he could say anything else. “We have no time for this. Are you here to waste a Royal’s time?”
