Page 122 of The Fifth Life of Alicia
A hand rested on my shoulder, and I turned to see Kalon taking the spot by my side.
“It’s a shame we aren’t sharing a tent during the hunt tomorrow,” Empress Eudocia said, holding my gaze. “But I would be greatly pleased if you would stop by the Imperial Tent for some tea with me.”
She said it as if she were inviting me, but it was an order.
“It would be my pleasure, Your Majesty,” I replied. “I will be sure to stop by after lunch has been served.”
“Excellent.” She pulled out her fan and unsnapped it, spreading it to cover the lower half of her face. “I will see you both tomorrow. Enjoy the ball.”
She turned and left with one regal swoop of her dress, and I all but sagged against Kalon.
“That looked like it was fun,” he quipped.
“Mm,” I replied, turning to look at her. “She was testing me, but I’m not sure if I passed.”
“You did. She wouldn’t have invited you into the Imperial Tent otherwise. Her circle is extremely tight.”
“I don’t know if I should be happy about that or not,” I mused. “Although, I think she helped me. Do you remember what the Emperor said last night? About the rumours around the aid policy?”
He tensed, dropping his hand from my shoulder and offering me his arm. “You mean those bastards who think to insult your intelligence?”
That was one way of putting it.
“She all but told me I should look inside my house.”
“Do you mean—”
“Yes. She wasn’t talking about the House of Stein.”
He met my eyes. “We’ll continue this later. An irritant is heading our way.”
That didn’t narrow it down in the slightest, but it was as apt a description as any when I realised who he was talking about.
Count Harver was a shameless lout with a bitter wife and three mistresses. He’d fathered nine children across the four women and was known for his hedonistic lifestyle. If he wasn’t a highly intelligent businessman in the hospitality sector, he’d be nowhere near any royal events, but he held enough power that there was no option other than to invite him.
He was also someone I was pleased to see, given that the countess had been one of the voices I’d heard tittering about us quite enthusiastically on our arrival.
“Count Harver,” Kalon greeted him.
“Your Highness, Lady Alicia.” Count Harver stopped in front of us and bowed. “Congratulations on your engagement.”
“Thank you,” Kalon replied. “I believe the same should be extended to you. I hear your eldest son is engaged to the second daughter of Viscount Hendwin.”
The count bristled with pride, straightening up. “Yes, they met recently at a banquet and hit it off. I have several business dealings with House Hendwin, so we were both pleased to agree to their marriage.”
“You must be thrilled.”
“Yes. My wife and I are very happy he’s marrying the woman he loves.” Count Harver glanced at me.
I smiled.I know what you mean by that, you lousy bastard.
Kalon nodded. “He is indeed very lucky. So few of us can say the same.”
“Many arranged marriages are happy ones, Your Highness. A union between House Vermillion and the Imperial Family is advantageous for the entire empire, so I’m sure you’ll be happy together.”
“Oh? You appear to be mistaken, Count Harver,” Kalon said, his tone flat.
The count flinched. “I’m sorry?”
