Page 111 of A Crown Without Mercy

He nodded, and they opened the gates; a stable boy took her mare’s reins and walked her to the front entrance. “I will care for her, milady.”

“Thank you.” She walked up the steps, and when the doors opened Sylvana was standing in the middle of the parlor with her arms crossed, looking as mad as a spring hare.

“Milady,” a young lady-in-waiting said as she motioned toward the chair near the door.

Venthana took a seat and looked at Sylvana with a questioning expression.

“It’s a thing Riordan has,” Sylvana replied.

Once they were done, Venthana walked over and took Sylvana’s hands in hers. “Someone’s a little heated.” She winked. “What happened?”

“Not here,” Sylvana stated as she furrowed her brow at the guards.

Another one of the young ladies approached and curtsied. “Milady, may we fetch you and your guest anything?”

“Yes, a decanter of cherry wine. And is there a private sitting room?” Sylvana asked.

“Yes, milady. Follow me.”

They followed her down the opposite hall and she opened two elaborate doors and stood aside. “Damn,” Venthana said as she looked around. “I have never seen such opulence and I’m a member of the court.”

“Neither have I,” Sylvana replied as they took a seat.

“Miladies,” one of the young maids stated as she set down a silver tray holding a glass decanter and two matching goblets. After filling the goblets, she handed them over and curtsied. She then pulled a small gold bell from the pocket of her skirt. “We will be right outside the doors. If you need anything ring.”

“What are your names?” Sylvana asked.

“I am Lysa and she is Delia. We are a few of your personal chamber maids, milady.”

Once they shut the doors the Sylvana and Calista looked at each and giggled. “Ring a bell?” Sylvana questioned.

“I don’t even have a bell.” Venthana picked it up in a joking manner and shook it and there was a soft knock on the door and Lysa and Delia walked in and curtsied. Venthana hastily cupped it in her hand. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to ring it.”

“Tis all good, milady,” Lysa replied.

Once she left, they fell into a heap of laughter.

Venthana jokingly tugged on the silk rope. “A new fashion statement?”

“No. They threatened to tie me up with it when I tried to sneak out and go home. Seduction at its finest,” she joked.

Venthana laughed aloud. “I had no idea being friends with you would be so entertaining.”

“I’m glad you’re amused.” She chuckled.

“Don’t keep me in suspense. What happened last night?”

“I don’t know where to begin, so I’ll just say it. “I mated Riordan, Nicolai, and Kieran last night.”

Venthana’s jaw dropped, and her eyes widened.

“Say something, anything,” Sylvana urged.

“I—umm. I’m sorry, I don’t know what to say. I am truly at a loss for words.”

“Is it that bad?” Sylvana asked.

“Bad? Hell no. It’s fabulous! I just—I’m shocked is all. There was no announcement?”

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