Page 149 of The Fifth Life of Alicia
Perhaps it was because my friends had all picked up on my discomfort, but their greetings to her were quite chilly. Even Lillia seemed marginally taken aback by how cool they were, especially Vivi and Georgina.
Right.
In the book, they’d become her closest friends once Alicia had started to torment her. After a particularly nasty discussion, Lillia had run away, and Georgina and Vivi had happened across her crying and helped her.
Hmm. I really had fucked up the story, hadn’t I?
Never mind.
At least I’d messed it up in my favour.
“What can I do for you, Lady Lillia?” I asked. “I didn’t expect you to come and see me.”
“Ah.” She shuffled her weight from one foot to the other. “I was hoping I could speak with you for a moment.”
“Very well.”
“We can come back later, Allie,” Georgina said, moving to stand.
I waved my hand. “No, it’s fine. It won’t be a very long conversation. Please, stay.” I smiled at her before turning back to Lillia. “Let’s step outside for a moment.”
Lillia nodded and went out, and Rina stepped forward. “My lady, please allow me to accompany you.”
Right.
This was her job.
“Keep your distance,” I ordered. “I’m sure I know what this is about, and I doubt she’ll talk to me if you’re too close.”
Rina bowed her head. “I will stay within stabbing distance, my lady.”
Yep.
She was one of Kalon’s knights, all right.
“What is it about?” Sasha asked, staring at me with wide, curious eyes.
I smirked. “The fact I caught her trying to give Kalon her handkerchief earlier. She insisted it was a misunderstanding, but given that she’s here, I doubt it. I’m interested to see what her excuse will be this time. I’ll be back shortly.”
“The audacity,” I heard Georgina mumble as I left the tent.
Lillia was waiting for me a few feet away, and she turned as I approached. “Oh, are we not alone?”
“Rina is my knight,” I explained. “Don’t worry, she’ll keep a distance from us. Our conversation will remain private.”
“All right.” Lillia’s gaze was full of uncertainty when she looked back at Rina, but she brushed it off quickly. “Do you mind if we walk?”
I did.
Why did we need to walk?
Was I being too paranoid right now? It was all because of that weird feeling I’d had in my tummy all day—not to mention that I’d read enough books where the love rival steers the heroine to a secluded area, only for something to go wrong.
But was I the heroine or the love rival in this situation?
What a peculiar turn of events.
“Not at all,” I answered, falling into step beside Lillia. “What is it you wish to discuss?”
