Page 62 of The Fifth Life of Alicia
“This is Your Ladyship’s bedroom.” Ark bowed and opened the door to reveal a bedroom that was larger than my one at Vermillion House.
The four-poster bed was so large that you could fit four people in it and have room for twenty cats. Intricate windows stretched across one wall, providing the most beautiful view of the castle gardens backed by the snow-capped Stein Mountains in the distance. The fireplace was already in use with a fire happily burning away in it, and the log store next to it was rammed full of perfectly stacked wood.
It was overwhelming.
“The Grand Duke was hopeful the space would be to your taste, my lady,” Ark said quietly. “Please let us know if that isn’t the case, and we’ll have it redecorated to your preference.”
“Oh, no, no.” I held up my hands. “It’s quite beautiful.”
And it was. The walls were just off-white enough that it wasn’t harsh, but still white enough that they weren’t the hideous magnolia I’d lived with in my past life. The light blue accents of the curtains and furniture brought it to life, and I could see how much care had been taken by the staff to prepare it for me thanks to the pretty fresh flowers that were dotted throughout the room.
Ark’s eyes shimmered. “I’m happy to hear that. I understand that you’re feeling tired, but please make yourself comfortable while we talk.” He motioned to the seating area in front of the fire. “Pippa, attend to Her Ladyship. Helen, bring some tea.”
I peered over at the blonde maid as Pippa helped me remove my winter cape. “Ooh! I’m not sure if it’s possible, but I visited the Alansia estate for a tea party and was served a rare tea from Stein that was brewed with roses from the mountains. It was given to Duke Alansia by the Grand Duke. I don’t suppose you have any, do you?”
Helen nodded. “We do, but I believe it’s all in His Highness’ private tea collection, my lady.”
“Oh, if it’s that rare, then—”
Ark raised his hand. “The Grand Duke’s private tea collection is your private tea collection, per his orders. Helen, bring a pot of Rostein tea.”
“Yes, sir.”
“A small pot is fine,” I added. “Thank you.”
She left the room with a click of the doors.
“Ark, Pippa, please sit.”
Ark sat down while Pippa continued to hover in the corner.
“Pippa, you’re making the place look untidy,” I said, smiling kindly. “Please take a seat.”
“Yes, my lady.” She perched somewhat uncomfortably on a chair in the corner.
I’d take it.
“Now, Ark.” I rested my hands in my lap. “Please give me as much information about the castle as quickly as possible.”
Chapter Fourteen
Settling In
“You said that you’ve been instructed to treat me as if I were the Grand Duchess already,” I continued. “I was informed before leaving Vermillion House that I would be allowed to choose more maids, but I wasn’t aware of the other positions you mentioned.”
He bobbed his head. “Yes, my lady. The Grand Duke made it clear to us all that your engagement is merely a formality, and you will be married as soon as possible.”
Yeah.
We’d see about that.
“I’d like to hear more about the staff.”
“Your Ladyship was correct regarding your attendants. You will be able to choose four further attendants from the staff here at the castle—two will be become your ladies-in-waiting under Bella, and a further two will be your personal maids alongside the young lady, Annie.”
Six people seemed excessive. What could I possibly need that many for? I’d survived this long with only Bella. Wouldn’t they all just end up tripping over each other?
“I hope there will be no offense if I take my time in choosing,” I replied as there was a knock at the door. “Come in.”
