Page 94 of The Fifth Life of Alicia
“Did you desire to see me that badly?”
“If the thought of it makes you happy, I’ll allow such delusions.” I crossed the office and slapped the papers down on his desk. “What is this?”
He slid them towards him. “It looks like the shortlist for your chief aide that Sir Hayes delivered to you this morning.”
“Wrong. He gave it to Bella because they were both heading my way.”
“I will be sure to reprimand him for his laziness.”
“That’s hardly the point here,” I said. “Do you really not know what the issue is?”
Kalon flicked through the sheets. “Are they unqualified in your eyes?”
“They’re all men.”
“Yes, they are. They’re the most qualified men for the job.”
“Out of who?” I asked. “All the possible candidates? Or just the men in Stein?”
“Alicia.” He placed his elbows on the desk and linked his fingers, using his clasped hands as a rest for his chin. “What is it that you’re trying to say?”
“I fail to believe that there isn’t a single noblewoman in all of Stein who isn’t qualified to be my aide. Were they even considered when you drew up this list?” I raised my eyebrows. “Or was it assumed that a woman couldn’t assist me adequately?”
“Hayes!” Kalon shouted.
The door burst open. “Sir!”
“Did you include women when you were pulling together the list for Alicia’s aide?”
“No.”
“Why not?” I spun around to look at him.
He flinched. “I… didn’t think to, my lady.”
“Hmph.” I snatched the sheets from Kalon’s desk and scrunched them up, then walked over to Sir Hayes and handed him the paper balls. “I have no intention of allowing someone’s gender to influence my choice, but I can’t accept it if this hasn’t been done fairly. Please redo the shortlist, making sure to include noblewomen who are qualified. Judge them by the same parameters you do the men.”
Sir Hayes looked past me at Kalon. “Your Highness?”
“It sounds like you’ve been given an order, Hayes.” Amusement tinged Kalon’s tone. “You best get to it.”
“I don’t know whyyou’rehaving such a jolly time over here.” I crossed his office and stopped at the side of his desk, gripping the edge. “I just sent a letter to Viscountess Evsea regarding her offer and, as you wished, informed her that you’re an extremely jealous man and cannot bear my first official appearance being anywhere other than at Stein Castle.”
Kalon stilled. “You really did that?”
“You’re the one who said you didn’t mind rumours spreading about how obsessed you are with me.” I leant forwards. “So, my extremely jealous fiancé, what are you doing sending me a list that mostly comprises of young, single, handsome noblemen to be my aide?”
His eyes darkened. “Alicia…”
“It’s fine by me, for what it’s worth. I have no problem spending eight hours a day being advised and guided by a handsome gentleman who’ll follow my every order.” I straightened up and held out my hands in a shrug. “In fact, that sounds like an ideal situation.”
“Hayes.” Kalon’s tone was so cold a chill ran through the air.
“Y-yes, Your Highness?” Sir Hayes froze, still gripping the paper balls I’d shoved at him.
“Redo that list. If I see one man’s name on it when it comes back, I will cut off your head and let the children in the town use it as a football.” His eyes blazed with a deep-rooted fury that was kind of sexy.
Damn it.
