Page 99 of The Fifth Life of Alicia
“Please don’t joke about it.” He shuddered. “I have nightmares as it is.”
What a drama queen.
“Anyway,” he continued, clearing his throat. “Rina must be at your side every time you leave the castle, even if you’re only walking in the gardens. It would be advisable to keep her with you even as you move about inside, especially if you’re leaving the east wing. I’m sure it goes without saying that she and other knights will join you on any visits to the town or another estate. Other than that, she will be attending training as usual each morning, so please inform her in advance if you need to leave the castle prior to ten o’clock so she can apply for an exception.”
That was reasonable. “Am I to assume she’ll be travelling to the capital with us in a few days?”
“Yes, my lady. Rina and I will be heading a small group of knights to protect the Grand Duke, Your Ladyship, and the mages who will joining us.”
“The mages are coming?”
“Yes. His Highness requested that Lady Aerwyna go, and she’s decided to take the time to build some relations with the Sada Magic Tower.”
“Hmm.” I tapped my finger against my lips. “I think I can help her with that.”
He frowned. “How?”
“I have connections.” I grinned. “Is that all?”
Sir Hayes nodded. “Yes, my lady. Oh—the Grand Duke would like you to join him for dinner so you can go over your itinerary for the trip.”
I thought we were having dinner anyway. He was the one who’d requested it, after all, and we’d had dinner together most nights since then. Even when we didn’t because he was busy, he made sure to remind me again the next day.
“I thought we were anyway,” I replied. “But yes, you can tell him I’ll see him then.”
Sir Hayes bowed. “I will leave Rina in your care, my lady.”
“Thank you.” I shuffled the papers in front of me. “If you see Bella or my maids on your way out, can you please ask them to bring some tea?”
“Of course.” He bobbed his head before slipping out of the door.
“I will be guarding the door outside, my lady.” Rina smiled and reached for the handle.
“Wait, Rina.”
She turned. “My lady?”
“Come and sit.” I crooked my finger for her to come closer.
“Pardon?” Her eyes widened like I’d caught her stealing.
“We’re going to be spending a lot of time together from now on, and I’d like to get to know you a little bit.”
“That’s really all right, I—”
“Fine. Then I shall have to call you Dame Draper.” I sniffed. “Nicknames are for friends.”
She froze. “I’ll sit.”
“Excellent!” I grinned and rested my chin on my hands. “Where did you learn to wield the sword, Rina? I enjoyed watching you during training. You have a wonderful control over it.”
She blushed. “Thank you, my lady. My father, Count Draper, was a renowned swordsman when he was younger. He would have become an aura sword master if our bloodline possessed any mana at all, we were told. The Imperial Family even tried to recruit him to the Imperial Knights, but he rejected the offer as my mother was sick after my youngest brother was born.”
Impressive. “You have siblings?”
“Four, all brothers. Three older, one younger.”
“Are you all knights?”
