Page 106 of House of Blood and Roses: Vol. 2
"Anything on any of the other things I asked you?"
Emilia shakes her head. "Only that Lord Vermatchi has been offered a new contract for his cloth."
"Oh?"
"He makes cloth, I'm not sure exactly what kind, or for what use, but that's where his money comes from. Most people believe it was you choosing Lord Luca as your champion at the joust that influenced it."
I nod. "Who is the contract with?"
"Lord Florshire. He's a middling lord. Wealthy but not hugely influential."
"How has he not gained influence if he's wealthy?" That doesn't seem like it fits with the way court works.
"Supposedly he's terrible company and no one can stand dining with him for more than ten minutes."
"Ah." I should remember that for if I need to invite him to an event, and ensure that whoever is sat next to him is an ally I can afford to lose.
The doors at the other end of the room open, and a man who looks strangely familiar walks in, though I don't believe I've ever met him before. The reason becomes evidently clear when a woman with curly dark blond hair and her head slightly bowed enters. Because I do recognise Lady Violetta Vermatchi. She arrived at Castle Sanulieon at the same time I did, and the two of us shared etiquette lessons together, though Violetta was always something of an enigma to me. Perhaps she's simply the nervous type.
All of which means that the man in front of her is Lord Vermatchi. And he seems familiar because I've met both of his children. The lack of physical aging past his midtwenties gives it all an eerie feeling. I have no idea how old Lord Vermatchi is, but he appears to be no older than Luca. Then again, I suppose I consider Luca to be my age even though he's certainly not.
Lord Vermatchi heads towards me and bows deeply. "Your Highness."
"My Lord," I respond.
"I believe my daughter was summoned for an audience," he says, not even looking at Violetta.
I smile and nod. "I wished to speak to you about whether you wanted to become one of my ladies-in-waiting, Lady Violetta?" I direct my question towards her, mostly because it was always intended to be for her.
She opens her mouth to speak, but her father cuts her off.
"She accepts," he says loudly.
"I'm glad to know you support her appointment, Lord Vermatchi, but I would also like to hear Lady Violetta's thoughts on the matter."
Her eyes widen as if she hasn't considered that I might ask. "It would be my honour, Your Highness," she says, a slight squeak entering her voice.
"Then please, welcome." I wave to the room.
I know she isn't really getting a choice in this, likely not much more than I do about any of this. Her father will want her to do what's best for her House.
But if I want to change that, then I need to amass the most power I can. No one is going to listen to someone who doesn't have it.
Lord Vermatchi looks a combination of pleased and annoyed at the same time, which is kind of fun. I wouldn't mind seeing that expression on more of the powerful lords around the court.
Before I can continue the conversation, the doors open again, and Lord Fallmartin walks inside. He takes one look at Lord Vermatchi and nods in my direction, surprising me with his approval. I suppose he did say that he thought it was worth getting and keeping the loyalty of some of the smaller Houses, and this is the one I've chosen to start with.
"Your Highness," he says, bowing his head to me. "Would it be possible to have a moment with you and Lady Isabella?"
A couple of whispers pass between the surrounding ladies, no doubt as they work out what it means that he's addressing Bella that way.
I search for her, hating how uncomfortable she looks at the announcement. I don't blame her. She's already known that Thomas is dead for a week, but now everyone else knows he's no longer around too.
And that means that she's going to be available for betrothals, something I know she hated last time she lost a husband.
"If you would excuse us, Lord Vermatchi, I'm afraid we have family business to attend to," I say to him.
"Of course, Your Highness." He bows and backs away, leaving me to let out a shaky breath. I'm not entirely sure that I'm dealing with a lot of these situations right, but given that Lord Fallmartin's expression hasn't changed, I have to assume I am.
