Page 83 of House of Blood and Roses: Vol. 2
I laugh despite the heaviness of the evening. "Probably not, no. But it's your fault, you're the one who let her in here."
"I'd say I'll learn from my errors, but I don't think I'll be able to say no to her adorable face." He leans over and scratches the top of her head, getting a happy sigh from her in response.
I smile at the sight. There's always something heartwarming about seeing the two of them interact, and I think that's only going to be more true now that we live together.
Linc holds the covers open for me, and I slip beneath them, appreciating it when he puts his arm around me and pulls me closer. I should have taken my nightgown off before getting in, but the exhaustion of being roused from bed after a wedding, including a ball, sets in so quickly that I don't have much time to be frustrated about it.
FIVE
I'm not entirely sure what to do with myself now that I have a receiving room. And more than that, a place where people are congregated. I know these are my ladies-in-waiting, and that they're supposed to wait on me, I'm just not entirely sure what that means. Lord Fallmartin spent a lot of time helping me make the list of women I should surround myself with, but he didn't give me any pointers on what I'm supposed to do now they're here.
I nod to Lady Wentworth, not truly knowing what to make of having a former assassin being one of my closest attendants. I know she's in the employ of Lord Fallmartin, I'm just not fully sure what that means yet. He claims she's supposed to act as a bodyguard, but I'm sure there's more to it and she'll be reporting to him. That's what I'd have happen if I were the one who hired her.
I glance over the other ladies. I don't know most of them well, and I'm sure at least another of them is in the employ of Lord Fallmartin, while some will no doubt be spying for the King, the Queen, and dozens of other nobles I haven't even met yet.
Despite being in a room full of people, I feel more alone than ever until my gaze lands on Lady Emilia Hexamble. Of all of those assembled, she's the one I could consider my friend. I'm sure her father will want reports out of her, but I don't think that will undermine our friendship.
I head over to her and smile, somewhat surprised when she dips into a low curtsy, something she's never done when we've greeted one another before.
Then again, I've never been a princess before.
"Your Highness," she says.
"Lady Emilia," I respond. "I'm so grateful you accepted a position amongst my ladies."
"It is an honour to have been considered," she responds.
"Come, sit with me," I say, gesturing to a gaming table.
"I don't know how to play," she admits.
"Me neither. Maybe someone will eventually take pity on us and teach us how." It feels fake to be speaking like this when my insides are still torn from last night. I'm not sure what to make of the events that transpired, especially because those around us have no idea what is happening.
Emilia laughs. "I can ask someone when you're busy, and hopefully, I can then teach you. Unless I find myself too confused for that."
I smile. "Then we shall make up our own game, even if it is just to make it seem like we're playing." I take a seat on one side of the table, allowing her to take the other. "In truth, I'm not really sure what to do with myself when I'm in a room with this many people."
"I suspect you'll get used to it," she assures me.
"True. A lot has changed since we arrived here. Sometimes, I think back on my life before and it seems like a dream, even though it was most of my life, and not that long ago."
"I know what you mean," Emilia says. "I haven't had to wash a single sheet since I got here. I'm even losing my callouses." She lifts her hand to show me.
"I hadn't even noticed that," I respond, looking at my own hands. Between not doing the chores that have led to them in the past, and the healing properties of drinking blood, my own are starting to fade too.
The door opens and I start to rise until my friend shakes her head. "Only if it's one of the other royals."
"Oh, I didn't even realise. No doubt there's more etiquette lessons for me to take."
"My father gave me a book when he found out you requested me to be your lady-in-waiting. He thought that if I knew these things and could advise you, then it would make you see me as important."
"I already think of you as important, Emilia," I promise her, having no intentions of casting her friendship aside.
A page enters the room. "Lord Fallmartin of House Rothorne, and Lady Isabella Fallmartin of House Vermouten," he calls out.
I wince. Lord Fallmartin must not have announced Thomas' death yet. I know he'll want to do it at the right time, but I want to be sure of what that is.
The two of them enter, and my heart immediately breaks when I see Bella. She looks like she hasn't slept at all, and has only just stopped crying. Perhaps that is the truth of it.
