Page 14 of House of Blood and Roses: Vol. 2
I nod, knowing that's likely to be true. There are always a variety of drinks on offer, and Lord Fallmartin is using this to show off the wealth and might of House Rothorne, and the heights to which we're reaching with my marriage to Linc.
It's all part of the carefully orchestrated plan he has to raise House Rothorne to the most powerful it's ever been, and all of us around the table are part of that.
SEVEN
Lord Fallmartin leads the way into the ballroom with Bastian and Ermentrude behind him and me at the back. I know it's normal for us to be entering this way, but I feel self-conscious about the fact I'm on my own, even if I know it's only going to be for a few more balls. After that, I'll be entering on Linc's arm, and I won't have to worry about ever feeling this way again.
There are already hundreds of guests in the room, and all of them turn to see our entrance. Which makes sense when this ball is being held in honour of me and Bastian.
Lord Fallmartin heads to the front of the room. "Welcome all," he calls.
The entire room falls silent at the sound of his voice, and I have to admit to being impressed by the fact that he can command the room so easily, it's almost as good as when the King does it.
"Thank you all for coming this evening to celebrate the twenty-second birthday of my son and heir, Lord Bastian Fallmartin of House Rothorne," he says, gesturing to Bastian.
My brother pushes out his chest and lifts his chin in the picture of arrogance. I almost roll my eyes in response, but manage to resist when I realise that the whole room is also going to be staring at me.
"And my daughter, Lady Beatrice Fallmartin of House Rothorne, soon to be of House Soveguine," he says, looking in my direction with a slight smile.
I can feel all attention shift to me, even if it's probably in my head.
"Let the festivities begin." He gestures to the musicians who begin to play.
I look around the room, searching for Linc but not being able to find him. I try not to be too disappointed that he isn't here yet. He said he would be, and so he will be.
"The Prince will be here shortly," Lord Fallmartin says, seeming to sense my thoughts.
I nod. "He said he was coming."
"He would be a fool to miss an event such as this," Lord Fallmartin says. "It's important for both of our Houses."
"I know." Though I don't add that I don't think Linc's plan to come to the ball has anything to do with House Soveguine, and has everything to do with the fact that I don't think he'd want to let me down.
"I would appreciate it if you stayed at the ball until at least midnight," he says.
"Of course." It's longer than I want to be here, but that's only because I want to spend more time with Linc, I don't actually mind the balls themselves. "Will there be a feast tonight?" I should have thought to ask him while we were still in the confines of the House Rothorne apartments, but it didn't cross my mind with everything else going on.
"No. It's not traditional to have feasts at events like this, and I know you dislike them. I would be a poor father to force you to do one at an event that is supposed to be celebrating you."
"Thank you," I murmur, not really sure how else to respond to the statement. While I sometimes think about Lord Fallmartin as my father, he doesn't really feel like a parent other than the fact he has the power to decide my fate.
He nods succinctly. "One of your guests is here."
I turn to find the heir of House Vermatchi heading towards us in his best suit. He looks somewhat nervous, which makes sense given the fact I know his deepest secret and I belong to a powerful House.
"Lady Beatrice." He bows surprisingly deeply to me, adding another to Lord Fallmartin.
"Lord Luca," I respond. "It is a pleasure to see you here."
"It is an honour to be invited. May I have this dance?"
I glance over to Lord Fallmartin, who is watching me with interest. "Of course." I put my hand in his and let him draw me onto the dance floor. Even though I know it's fine, I still find myself wishing that it was Linc I was about to dance with.
The music starts and I dip into a curtsy before letting him lead me through the steps of the dance.
"Thank you for the invitation this evening," he says.
"You're welcome, Lord Luca."
