Page 2 of House of Blood and Roses: Vol. 2
I grimace. "Shall we not talk about that?"
She raises an eyebrow at me. "Perhaps we should talk about you and the Prince instead."
I clear my throat. "Carry on."
Bastian gives me a curious look but doesn't say anything as he drinks his morning blood. That's probably for the best. I don't think he'd have been nearly as amused as Bella if he'd been the one to catch me with Linc.
"It would be nice if Lady Ermentrude joined us for breakfast," I say.
My brother doesn't respond, making me hope that his wife is all right and he hasn't banned her from interacting with us or anything like that. Perhaps I should make an effort to invite her to have tea with us.
The door opens again, and I rise to my feet as I notice Lord Fallmartin striding into the room. I glance over at Bella, who seems a little confused too, which reassures me that this is something unusual and not just something I'm not aware of.
"Ah excellent, you're here," he says, not making it entirely clear which of us he's talking to.
I retake my seat and reach down to scratch Pip's head, glad she's here.
Lord Fallmartin gestures to one of the servants and they bring him a goblet of blood, making it clear that he's joining us properly for breakfast rather than just visiting.
I turn my attention back to my food, but I can't really taste any of it with the worry that's currently going through my head over what my father is doing here. I know I should be able to relax, especially as he's made it clear that he's not going to do anything that will impact my betrothal to Linc, and both Bastian and Bella are already married to people of his choosing, but I'm still a little worried.
"I wanted to talk to you about next week's ball," Lord Fallmartin says.
"I didn't realise there was one," Bella responds, the most at ease around him having known him the longest.
"It's for Beatrice and Bastian's birthday," Lord Fallmartin says.
"Our birthday?" I squeak.
Lord Fallmartin nods. "It is traditional to have events to celebrate important moments in the lives of one's heir, and as you are the future princess, and Bastian's twin, I see no reason that it shouldn't be a joint celebration for both of my children."
Across from me, Bella is doing a poor job of covering her surprise, but he doesn't seem to be paying any attention to her.
"Is a ball really necessary?" Bastian asks. "It will be expensive."
"It's nothing that the House Rothorne treasury won't be able to handle," Lord Fallmartin responds. "And with Beatrice's wedding next month, we need to make sure that everyone knows the station we're inhabiting."
I swallow hard. This is about showing off to the rest of the court that I'm the one marrying into the royal family, nothing more than that. I glance at Bastian, but from his expression, it doesn't seem as if he's come to the same conclusion.
"It will also be a good opportunity to properly introduce you both to allies of House Rothorne. As you become more accustomed to the way court works, you'll find such introductions invaluable," Lord Fallmartin says.
"Surely anyone who is worth my time will make sure that they're known to me," Bastian says. "I'm the heir to one of the most important Houses at court." He puffs out his chest.
"One of the most important," I say quietly. "Not the only one."
The surprise on his face suggests he's never really thought about it.
"Beatrice is right," Lord Fallmartin says. "And we're only one of the most important Houses because we've spent several hundred years amassing the wealth and connections to become that. The sooner you both start making those connections, the better."
Bastian leans back in his chair, clearly unimpressed by the turn of events.
"If there is anyone you wish to invite, you should let me know," Lord Fallmartin says. "An invitation is naturally extended to the royal family, and to the notable Houses, but if there is a personal connection you'd wish to invite, then I would be happy to oblige."
"Perhaps the Vermatchis," I respond, thinking about Marcus and how much he might enjoy being able to spend some time with Lord Luca at the ball. Or perhaps they'll be able to sneak off to the library. If the ball is in my honour, I doubt Linc and I will be able to make use of it.
Lord Fallmartin nods. "I wasn't aware you knew the daughter."
"I don't really," I respond. "I've met Lord Luca a few times, he's a fine dancer." I resist the urge to add that he's close with Marcus, even though that would be a point in favour of inviting them.
