Page 74 of The Fifth Life of Alicia
She was indeed qualified to guard Alicia, but why did Alicia ask about her specifically?
“Hmm. Ark, did you say my fiancée is in her office?”
“Yes, Your Highness. If not, she should be in her bedroom.”
I stood and pushed away from my desk. “I should greet her, don’t you think?”
Hayes dropped his chin to his chest and peered over at me. “Are you upset she wasn’t outside to accept your wyvern?”
“Upset? When have I ever been upset, Hayes?” I shot him a cold look and walked out of the door. “Mind your words before I cut out your tongue.”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
“The offering isn’t a custom known outside of Stein, so I’ll forgive it.” I adjusted the collar of my jacket. “Don’t you think it’ll be far more entertaining to offer her something even bigger at the Royal Hunt in a couple of weeks? We can put on a nice show.”
“Your Highness, you will upset the Empress,” Ark warned me.
“I’ve been upsetting her since I could talk and see no need to change that now. You know how I feel about consistency.”
“Of course.”
I smiled.
How amusing.
I could scarcely believe that Alicia was making me come to her. I’d only ever yielded to two people in my life—my mother when she’d been alive and my father. Yet, this strange woman was drawing me in like a moth to a flame.
What a peculiar feeling.
The maid standing outside the door dropped into a curtsey as soon as she saw me. “Welcome back, Your Highness.”
I frowned. “Who are you?”
“My name is Bella. I’m Lady Alicia’s lady-in-waiting.”
That explained why I’d never seen her before. “Is my fiancée in her office?”
“Yes, Your Highness, but she’s requested that nobody disturb her.”
“There’s no place in this castle I cannot go,” I said harshly, grabbing the door handle.
Bella squeaked. “She’s taking a nap!” she blurted out, then quickly covered her mouth with her hands.
Hayes coughed to cover up his laugh.
“She’s doing what?” I asked. “She’s sleeping?”
Bella squeezed her eyes shut. “She worked late yesterday, then woke early as the castle was so busy.”
“Ark.” I looked at him. “Tell the staff to work more quietly near her bedroom.”
He bowed his head.
“Oh, I didn’t mean—” Bella pressed her lips together. “She’s been working quite hard, Your Highness, and complained of a headache before she dismissed everyone. Do not disturb my lady, I beg of you.”
“She’s right,” Hayes said. “She’s extremely dedicated to this project.”
“Don’t worry. I won’t disturb her.” I eyed Bella. “I see why she brought you along. You’re a loyal maid.”
