Page 63 of The Fifth Life of Alicia
Helen pushed a tray into the room. “Your tea, my lady.”
“Thank you.” I turned back to Ark. “It was only recently that Annie became my personal maid, so having more attendants will take some adjusting to. I’m certain that Ingrid can choose maids who can be put on rotation until I’m able to select them.”
“Of course, my lady. I will pass the message on to the Head Maid that your maids should be switched out on a weekly basis unless you say otherwise. Would you be amenable to providing a weekly report to her during the selection process?”
I paused, picking up the teacup Helen had just poured for me. “Yes, that should be fine. Please have her only send maids willing to attend to me.”
It would be more than fine.
I wasn’t so trusting that I’d choose just anyone or allow my closest attendants to be chosen for me. I was in a foreign land with people who may not like me, so I had to weed out those who weren’t interested in serving me.
Not that any maid worth her salt would turn down the opportunity to personally attend to the future Grand Duchess, mind you.
“Please explain further about the other positions available to me.”
Ark cleared his throat. “You will be assigned a personal aide who will fulfil a similar role to you that Sir Hayes does to the Grand Duke. They will work personally with your attendants to coordinate your schedule and will assist you with your duties.”
So, a personal assistant. “Will that be my choice?”
“Yes, my lady. We will set up interviews for qualified persons when you’re ready.”
“What about a personal knight?”
“You will be protected by the Stein Knightage, of course, but His Highness has decided that you should have a personal knight to be with you at all times.” He coughed into his fist before taking a drink. “Would you like to trial them in the same method as your attendants?”
“No need.” I sipped my tea and gently set the teacup back down on the saucer. “Ark, there was a young lady with the knights who came to greet me today at the magic circles, but I wasn’t able to get her name.”
He raised his eyebrows in what I imagined was his version of surprise before quickly cooling his expression again. “Do you know what she looks like, my lady?”
“I do. She has blue eyes and long silvery-blonde hair that was tied up in a ponytail.”
Ark paused, and something flashed through his eyes. “I will enquire with the knightage and have someone report back to you.”
Hmm.
What was with his reaction?
I was from House Vermillion, the Sword of the Empire, a noble house that produced a great many Imperial Knights—I knew a talented swordsperson when I saw one.
There was something about that young woman, and it wasn’t just how she looked at me. She held herself in a way that screamed powerful, and I neededpowerful.
“No need. I would like to visit the training grounds tomorrow to observe their training. Would that be possible?”
“Yes, my lady. I will arrange it.”
“Perfect. Thank you so much, Ark.” I set my teacup on the table. “I’ll rest now. I’d like to have my dinner in my room tonight.”
He got to his feet, and Pippa and Helen followed. “Of course, Madam. Would you like to bathe before or after you eat?”
“After. Please send Bella and Annie for that.”
They all left after Ark confirmed he would, and it wasn’t until the door clicked shut that I dropped down on the sofa and sighed.
As I’d suspected, I wasn’t mentally prepared for how crazy this role would be. It wasn’t even one I wanted, yet I’d been learning my staff positions for what seemed like hours.
One thing was for sure—Stein Castle was just like any other noble household. Politics were heavily at play, and there were those here who weren’t happy with my presence.
Sir Hayes couldn’t be the only one.
