Page 42 of House of Blood and Roses: Vol. 2
"Ah, Beatrice," he says in a way that makes it clear he's been looking for me, rather than just stumbling across me.
"Good afternoon."
"You were missed at breakfast," he says.
I swallow hard. "I had breakfast with Prince Lincoln this morning." In his rooms while only wearing one of his shirts, but I don't think Lord Fallmartin will want to hear about that. Nor do I have any desire to share it with him.
"Excellent. I'm glad to hear that the two of you are getting along."
"Yes." Perhaps a little too well, if I'm to listen to Bella, but I'm not entirely sure she believes everything she says about love. She's a romantic, she just doesn't want to admit it.
"Perhaps the two of us could have a talk," Lord Fallmartin says, coming further into the room and taking a seat opposite me.
I close my book and set it to the side, a little nervous about what he might want to say to me, especially when he hasn't summoned me to his office like he usually does when he wants the two of us to discuss something.
"Your wedding will be here soon," he says.
"Yes. I have my final dress fitting tomorrow," I respond.
"I wanted to speak to you about what will happen afterwards."
Nerves jump up within me. "I see."
"The King has requested that the bedding ceremony not be held for you and Prince Lincoln," he says. "I agreed. I am assuming since you and the Prince find the feasts distasteful, the thoughts might extend to a bedding ceremony."
"I'm not even sure what that is," I admit.
He sighs. "After you are married, you are expected to consummate your union."
"Why is that necessary if chastity isn't something that vampires care about?" The question slips out before I can think about whether it's a good idea to ask the man who is ultimately my father.
"Tradition, Beatrice. I'm sure you have gathered that is something that is important to vampires."
"Ah. Yes." It's hard to miss, considering all of the traditions I've already encountered.
"The bedding has become an outdated tradition over the past twenty years or so," he tells me. "So it is not a surprise that the King has seen fit to suggest not engaging in it. But you will be required to consummate your marriage to Prince Lincoln. I have to hope that won't be a problem?"
My mind immediately strays back to how it felt to be in bed with him this morning. The touches and the temptation are seared into my mind. I clear my throat, remembering where I am and what I'm supposed to be doing. "It won't be a problem."
"I'm glad to hear it." He gives me an appraising look, and I try not to feel too embarrassed about what he might be thinking in regards to my statement.
I don't want him thinking about anything that I might be doing with Linc, though I realise he probably has spies in the royal apartments. He's likely very aware of where I spent last night.
"There are other things we need to discuss about your coming change in status," he says.
"I know that my loyalty is still to House Rothorne," I say. It's been made abundantly clear to me.
"That was not what I wished to talk about," he responds. "Though I appreciate your dedication to this House."
I nod, not really knowing what I can say to that. The man in front of me is somewhat of an enigma. He's my father, but I barely know him, only having met him when I arrived at court a few months ago. He'd have left me to die on the night of the Golden Moon if it hadn't been for Bastian insisting that I came to live at court along with him. But now he's taken an interest in me. Now I'm useful.
That all contrasts with the fact that my life is far better now than it ever has been. And it's mostly due to the fact I'm now a member of House Rothorne. There is a certain amount of loyalty that is granted to the man in front of me.
"Before long, people will start petitioning you for things," he says. "It is recommended that you and the Prince appoint an advisor."
"And you want it to be you," I say, meeting his gaze. It isn't hard to work out where the conversation is going. Not when he's made it clear several times that his main goal is to ensure that House Rothorne rises even higher than it is already.
"An astute observation. I would recommend that you put my name forward when Prince Lincoln asks."
