Page 107 of House of Blood and Roses: Vol. 2
Bella comes to join me and we slip through into the adjoining room.
"So everyone knows?" she asks Lord Fallmartin before he has a chance to say anything else.
"Soon enough," he responds. "I started the rumours last night by getting the servants to talk."
"Yes, I heard that," I say.
He looks at me with surprise on his face. "How?"
"Didn't you know, Uncle Gerard? She has a spy master now," Bella says.
"Interesting," he responds. "And rather impressive. It took me a year to start my spy network."
I glow at the praise, even though we're supposed to be having an important conversation about Thomas and what happens next.
"If you would like, I can tell anyone who comes to ask for a betrothal that you're concentrating on supporting Beatrice in her new position before you're ready to take a new husband," Lord Fallmartin says to Bella, a hint of compassion in his voice.
She doesn't hide her surprise very well. "You would do that?"
"It's in our best interests to," he says. "And you know that when the family's interests align with yours, that is the best way."
She lets out a hollow laugh. "You want to save me in case Beatrice can get me a better marriage than otherwise."
"That would be best for the family. But I do understand that you might want time."
"Thank you." The words are so soft that I barely hear them. I can't imagine what she's going through right now, but it can't feel good.
"So, what happens now? Do we just let the rumours run around court?" I ask.
Lord Fallmartin nods. "We'll have the funeral tomorrow, and after that, we'll move to the banquet. You'll both have your roles to play there."
"And the new head of House Vermouten?"
"I've sent a letter," Lord Fallmartin responded. "Ideally, the new head of House Vermouten will be able to arrive in time for the banquet in Thomas' honour." I think it's the first time I've heard him say Thomas' name since he died, and there's a softness to it that I don't expect. I shouldn't be surprised, my father has exhibited an occasional bout of compassion during my time at court.
I nod. "We'll do what we need to."
"Excellent. I should get on with the arrangements. I would wait a few moments before returning to the receiving room, and perhaps you should retire for the rest of today, Bella." He doesn't wait for either of us to respond before leaving.
"Are you all right?" I ask Bella.
She shrugs. "No. But I will be. It's not the same as the first time." The expression on her face says differently, but I know better than to push her on it. She'll tell me in her own time if she wants to. "I think I will take Uncle Gerard's advice and retire."
I nod. "Let me know if you need anything."
"And distract you from your plotting? I don't think so. You have the court's loyalty to steal. Who would I be to stand in your way?"
"I was rather hoping you'd help me," I admit.
The ghost of a smile lifts at her lips as she turns and leaves the room. I'm not sure exactly what that means, but I have to assume she'll help me. Bella pretends to be indifferent, but I can tell she's not.
And that she'll welcome the changes I want to make.
FIFTEEN
I step closer to Linc and pull my cape shut. Snow drifts down around us, and is making the trek into the forest harder. I'm not sure what I expected a vampire funeral to be like, but I definitely didn't think it would involve a hike through the woods while wearing a veil.
Eventually, Bella and Lord Fallmartin come to a stop inside a semi-circle of stones. They look similar to the ones where weddings are held, but I know they're not the same just by looking at them.
