Page 109 of The Fifth Life of Alicia
Father coughed into his fist. “While I don’t disagree with your sentiment, son, perhaps we should refrain from such outright violence. They are only rumours.”
“Then see to it that they’re corrected,” I said, moving my hand so I could link my fingers through Alicia’s. “I won’t have anyone speak ill of my fiancée, no matter who they are.”
He waved his hand. “It’s all a matter of politics, Kalon. Alicia’s achievements will speak for themselves in time. You’re much like your mother in your desire to protect those close to you, but reacting impulsively to these rumours will only serve to make them burn more fervently.”
Not if those talking about her were dead.
The only thing burning would be their bodies.
Alicia reached over and laid her other hand on top of our clasped ones, smiling lopsidedly. “Do you think me so weak that I cannot withstand such rumours?”
Oh.
That wasn’t what I meant.
“No, I—” I clenched my jaw.
“Just as you told me you don’t need me to behead your enemies, I don’t need you to de-tongue mine.” Fire sparked in her eyes, as drunk as she was, and she almost looked excited. “On the other hand, tearing those pompous bastards to shreds with my own hands will be quite fun.”
Oh.
I was right.
She was excited.
She really was a fascinating woman. Was it any wonder why I was enthralled by every single thing she did?
Father laughed, leaning back in his seat and placing his hand on his stomach as he guffawed at her declaration. “That’s the spirit, daughter. Put those idiots who oppose you in their place.”
Alicia blushed. “Y-Your Majesty, please be mindful of your words.”
“I see why Kalon is so enamoured with you, Allie. Oh, may I call you Allie?”
“Of course.”
“Tell me, Allie, dearest daughter, how do you deal with his tantrums?” Father’s eyes practically glittered as he asked. “Did you know that he once cried because I chose to ride his favourite horse? I even gave it to him instead, but he was inconsolable!”
I pinched the bridge of my nose. “Father, please. I was nine.”
“You cried?” Alicia gaped at me, then quickly burst into giggles. “Heeheehee! I can’t imagine you crying!”
Father shuffled his chair around the table to be closer to her and grabbed the wine bottle. “Want to see it? I can make him cry.”
Good grief.
“I think you’ve both had enough wine,” I said, standing and taking hold of the neck of the bottle. “We have to leave for the hunting grounds in the morning.”
“One more glass,” Father said. “That’s an Imperial Order.”
“Milton!” I shouted. “The Emperor is abusing his authority again!”
My father gasped. “How dare you tattle on me to Milton?”
The door to the room burst open and Milton appeared, touching one fingertip to his monocle. “Please explain, Your Highness.”
I looked over at him, refusing to relent my grip on the wine bottle. “He issued an Imperial Order so he could continue drinking with my fiancée, but it’s my humble opinion that they should both retire for the evening.”
Milton surveyed the scene—including the two empty bottles of wine on the table in front of us. “Your Highness is quite wise. It appears His Majesty has overindulged himself in his excitement and should retire to his quarters before news of his frivolity escapes the palace.”
