Page 90 of The Fifth Life of Alicia
“Ah, you noticed that.”
“I would be ashamed of myself if I didn’t.”
“How so?”
“Have you ever attended a tea party? Or witnessed how ladies speak to one another at balls?” I asked. “There’s almost always a scheme of some sort brewing. It’s little more than a game of one upmanship.”
“A game those nobles appear to have lost against a worthy opponent, then,” Kalon replied, amusement tinging his tone.
“Indeed. If they wanted to trick me, they should have sent the viscountess. Given that we’re of similar age, I might have believed that she approached me out of a desire for friendship.”
“Well, if you would believe that…” Kalon paused and turned to Sir Hayes, who promptly handed him a letter. “Viscountess Evsea requested this letter be delivered to you.”
I took it from him. “Why?”
“I suppose you’ll find out when you read it.” He motioned for Sir Hayes and Bella to take a step back as we entered a small circle area of the gardens.
A large fountain shaped like a phoenix—Stein’s symbol—was the centrepiece, and Kalon guided me to sit down on a bench next to it. He took a seat next to me.
“Would you like me to open it for you?”
“Oh, yes, please. I don’t have anything with me.” I handed him back the letter.
He adjusted his jacket and pulled out a dagger from a hidden sheath at his waist.
“Whyever do you need a dagger on your person during a council meeting?” I asked, blinking at the small weapon.
He met my gaze. “You’d be surprised at what I’ve had to do with a weapon during a council meeting.”
“Surprise me, then.”
“Are you sure?” He sliced open the top of the letter before returning the dagger to its hiding place. “Here.”
“Thank you. And yes, I’m sure. You’ve piqued my curiosity.”
“After I became the Grand Duke, some of the previous duke’s subordinates were still in place. We needed to weed them out, so we deliberately restricted the nobles’ access to me. At the start, the only way those who hadn’t helped us in the war could meet me was during a council meeting. One of the lower nobles acted rashly and tried to kill me, so I borrowed Sir Hayes’ sword, and the man met a swift demise.”
I paused. “So, you beheaded him on the spot. In the council room.”
“Yes.” He eyed me. “Does that bother you?”
“That you killed someone who tried to kill you? No.” I tilted my head to the side. “Although I do feel sorry for whoever had to clean up your mess. You really should consider the servants. It’s a nightmare to get blood out of rugs and upholstery, you know.”
“I’ll take my beheadings outside next time, then.”
“A wise choice.” I turned to him, and a small smile was teasing the corners of his lips.
Ugh.
If he could just never smile again, that would be great.
He was far too handsome when he did such a stupid thing.
I cleared my throat and turned my attention to the letter from the viscountess. It was written on thick, smooth paper that practically screamed expensive, and her handwriting was like something right out of a fairytale.
Dear Lady Alicia,
It is my honour to welcome you to Stein as our future Grand Duchess. I have heard many good things about Your Ladyship, and I was most pleased to be invited to Stein Castle as a key member for your monster attack refugee aid plan.
