Page 146 of The Fifth Life of Alicia
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 hereorat 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.
Evidently there was.
“Don’t make that face, Sasha.” Georgina hugged her arm and leant in close, fluttering her eyelashes at her. “Wouldn’t it be so fun if we were sisters?”
“Yes, but must I hear about your dates with my brother? I think I might be allergic to it,” Sasha replied, patting Georgina’s head. “As long as you’re happy.”
