Page 46 of The Fifth Life of Alicia
Fate, A Heartless Bitch
“Lord Ezra Alansia for you, my lady.” Caldwell bowed as he stood in the doorway to the sitting room.
So, he’d kept his promise.
I flicked my gaze from Caldwell to the impeccably dressed Ezra. He’d clearly come dressed to impress today, just as I’d suspected he would. His crisp white shirt, navy cravat, and matching navy waistcoat were framed by a black coat slung over his shoulders. The gold detailing on the waistcoat and his outercoat was as exquisite as I’d expect from the House Alansia, and I could barely believe this man was both heir to the most powerful dukedom in the empire and a black-market mage.
It blew my mind.
It also blew my mind that the handsome devil was single.
Somethinghadto be wrong with him.
“Thank you, Caldwell,” I said, smiling warmly as I stood to greet my guest. “Lord Ezra, it’s an honour to have you visit. I’m sure you must be very busy.”
“I’m never too busy to see you, my lady.”
Well, that was a load of bullshit, and he knew it.
He took my offered hand and kissed my fingers with as much care as he had on the terrace at the ball. “I believe it is I who must thank you for sparing me your precious time.”
Smooth.
Caldwell eyed him suspiciously, but I caught Bella’s light blush at his slick words.
“In that case, you’re most welcome. Please have a seat, my lord.” I sat down and looked to Bella. “Pour the tea and leave us.”
“Yes, my lady.” She did as she was instructed after daintily pouring two cups of tea.
Caldwell hovered for a moment, but ultimately gave in and shut the doors.
He was absolutely listening on the other side of them.
So was Bella.
I didn’t care.
I cleared my throat. “I hope the tea is to your liking, Lord Ezra.”
“I’m sure poison would be to my liking if you served it to me, Lady Alicia.”
I stared at him. “I shall remember that.”
He laughed, stirring sugar into his cup. “I have what you asked for here.” He held up a brown paper envelope, and I reached for it, but he yoinked it out of my grasp. “Although, before I give it to you… My father informed me that the marquess reached out to him regarding a potential marriage discussion. Am I to assume that’s your blackmail, my lady?”
I shook my head. “I can assure you that it is not. My father saw us together at the ball and approved of you as a suitor. It has nothing to do with me knowing all your dirty little secrets.”
“Hmm. I still wonder how you know about them.”
“Unfortunately, sharing that information with you would put me at a great disadvantage. I also rather enjoy the fact that I know something Illusion’s infamous guild master doesn’t.”
“Then perhaps I won’t hand this over.” He waved the envelope. “It seems as though it’ll work in my favour if your father approves of me as a son-in-law. No need to complicate things by letting other men grab your attention.”
I sipped my tea. “Calm yourself, Lord Ezra. He’s also contacted Duke Trelawney regarding Lord Leon, so you’re hardly running away with the competition.”
Ezra leant forward. “Ah, that’s right. Didn’t you also catch the eye of both the Crown Prince and the Grand Duke at the ball? You’re in high demand, my lady.”
“I would rather be caught by a raging beast than catch their eyes,” I answered honestly. “Are you going to hand that information over or not?”
