Total pages in book: 142
Estimated words: 137017 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 685(@200wpm)___ 548(@250wpm)___ 457(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 137017 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 685(@200wpm)___ 548(@250wpm)___ 457(@300wpm)
“So cunning she didn’t initiate the proposal either?”
“She didn’t anticipate that Allie was actively looking for a husband, nor did she think that I would ever step up and propose on my own before the palace could. Not to mention there were convincing rumours I would marry a noble lady from Stein.” I pushed off the tree and plucked a leaf from my saddle so I could mount my horse. “Now that an Imperial Order has been issued for our marriage, she’s running out of time. She doesn’t know that we’re not getting married right away, so she may act rashly.”
Ezra nodded, mounting his horse, too. “Lady Abalon is still her lady-in-waiting, and the Empress seems to value her quiet nature. Communication is risky, but that’s how we found out about the poison during the spring ball.”
Ah, yes. That feeble attempt to get rid of me. Clearly, my delightful stepmother had forgotten I’d built up a fair tolerance for most poisons courtesy of her attempts to kill me.
It’d be stupid of me not to.
After all, she’d poisoned my mother to secure her own position. There was no reason to think she wouldn’t do the same to me to guarantee her son’s.
“See to it that she’s compensated. The guild will be getting a delivery of magic stones next week.”
“Of course, sir.”
“One more thing before we go.” I looked over at him. “Find out anything and everything you can about the de Armand family, especially the daughter, Lillia.”
“Aren’t they a barony outside the capital? Who wants to know about them?”
“Me.”
“Why?”
Because her very existence was upsetting to my fiancée, and that was unacceptable.
“Because that woman debuted this weekend and isn’t being shy about her interest in me. Allie was shaken by the mere sight of her at the ball last night before we were even introduced, and I want to know why.” I gritted my teeth. “Put Jinx on it. I want a preliminary report before we leave.”
Ezra bobbed his head. “Understood, Your Highness.”
“Wait for a few minutes before leaving.” With those final words to him, I clicked my tongue and set off back towards where Hayes was waiting for me.
I needed this hunt to be done with.
The sooner it was over, the sooner I could get Allie back home to Stein and out of this pit of vipers.
Chapter Thirty-Three – Alicia
God’s Gift
Something was wrong.
Ever since I’d left Kalon to prepare for the hunt, I’d had the worst feeling in the pit of my stomach, like a caged animal trying to claw its way out.
I didn’t know where it’d come from. As far as I knew, nothing bad was destined to happen hereor at the autumn hunt, but that didn’t really mean a lot given how much had already changed.
If Lillia could appear five months before I expected her to, then something bad could happen here today.
Anything was now possible.
“Where is Lady Elisa today?” Sasha asked, focusing a little too intensely on the plate of biscuits in front of her.
“She’s a guest of Marquess Huntingham. Apparently, his second son took a liking to her at a party recently and requested that her family be able to share their tent,” Georgina replied. “I believe he’s only a year older than her.”
“I can’t see Count Sayle finding him a disagreeable match for her,” Vivi said, touching her fingertips together. “They’re a respectable family, and societally speaking, it’s quite fair.”
Right. Of course. Lady Elisa was their niece, so to marry the second son of a middle-of-the-road marquessate wasn’t a bad deal for her at all.
Would I ever get used to these marriage politics?
“Have you seen your family since you’ve been here, Allie?” Georgina asked me, motioning to her maid to pour more tea for her. “I was quite surprised to see Lady Sophia out and about, I must admit.”
“I’ve seen a few of them,” I replied. “I saw my father briefly after he met with Kalon to discuss business yesterday, and aside from an unfortunate run-in with Sophia earlier, I met Vincent by chance and saved him from the affections of some very enthusiastic young ladies.”
Vivi pressed her fingers to her lips. “Ivan’s tent was close to Vincent’s, and I did see him getting swarmed by handkerchiefs.”
“Really? He didn’t have any when I saw him.”
“Yes, I believe he rejected most of them, but he was quite flustered.”
Sasha laughed softly. “I can imagine. I know he’s your brother, Allie, but he is handsome and the heir to House Vermillion. Why wouldn’t young ladies be vying for his attention?”
“Goodness, Sasha, you’re not interested in him, are you?” I teased.
She sipped her tea. “I might have been if not for your stepmother and sister.”
A wise choice indeed.
“Speaking of brothers…” I looked from Sasha to Georgina. “Is there any progress between you and Lord Egan?”
Georgina blushed, and Sasha made a ‘yuck’ face.