Page 70 of The Fifth Life of Alicia
I pulled a fresh sheet of paper towards me and dipped my pen into the ink pot, then scribbled out a quick note.
Bella took it from me and frowned. “‘Ark, please tell the Grand Duke that I apologise for not greeting him, but I am trying to draw up the emergency aid plan for the refugees. I am happy to see His Highness’ safe return to the castle and will await our reunion.’” She looked at me. “Is the Grand Duke your fiancé or your butler?”
I shrugged. “Have it delivered to Ark as soon as possible.”
“I shall take it myself, lest anyone else see it and think ill of you.” With a shake of her head, she folded the sheet into four and tucked it into the pocket of her dress. “Please excuse me, my lady.”
I waved my hand for her to carry on and leave me be. Truthfully, I had no intention of greeting Kalon on his return from the expedition, and that would be the case even if I hadn’t taken on this task of coming up with an aid policy. This was merely a convenient excuse.
Quite frankly, I was being petty. He hadn’t greeted me or sought to delay my arrival to Stein so that hecouldgreet me, so I was going to offer him the same treatment.
It wasn’t as if I wanted him to like me.
I didn’t even need him to care about me.
Still…
I got up from my chair and looked out of the window. The city centre was visible from where I was, and I only had to wait a moment before the parade of horses returning could be seen from my vantage point.
It was a large group, and the people on the street were all celebrating their return. They waved their arms—some held brightly coloured stretches of material they swung above their heads, and what looked like flowers were being thrown into the road in front of them.
A peculiar feeling spread across my skin as I leant against the window and traced their journey with my eyes. It was almost as though I could feel the love the people had for their lord as he returned with his honourable knights, and a wave of gratefulness washed over me.
After all, Grand Duke Kalon Stein was rumoured to be a fearsome man, ruthless in his pursuits, cold and unfeeling to everyone.
A harsh warlord.
A murderous general.
A living nightmare for the enemy.
Yet these people were happy to see him.
“Strange,” I murmured as his group approached the castle.
Hmm.
I really should have been waiting in the courtyard with everyone else.
“My lady!” Annie burst into the office without knocking, with Lydia on her heels. “Are you really not going to greet His Highness?”
“Sir Ark has asked you to reconsider!” Lydia gripped onto the thick doorframe. “You can make it if you hurry.”
I sat back down at my desk. “I’m sure the Grand Duke would much prefer I work on the emergency relief fund than greet him.”
“But Lady Alicia—”
“Annie, if you and Lydia would like to welcome His Highness back to the castle, you may do so. Do not concern yourselves with me. I am willing to take responsibility for my actions.” I stared at them both. “As it stands, I am no genius mathematician, so I must focus. I believe I have made my position clear. Your interruption is quite unwelcome.”
They both froze.
“Lydia, you should greet the Grand Duke,” Annie said. “I will stay here to wait on Her Ladyship.”
“Whatever you’re doing, do it quickly,” I ordered, touching the tip of my pen to my cheek.
Lydia quickly left, leaving Annie behind with me.
“My lady, may I watch their return from the window?” Annie asked, wringing her hands.
