Page 124 of The Fifth Life of Alicia
“Allie, do you remember when you said you’d behead my enemies for me?”
I peered up at him. “Yes. You told me you didn’t need me to do it.”
“It appears that I’ve changed my mind.” He met my eyes. “That was far more enjoyable than I thought it would be.”
“Well, bridging two factions of high society and using my knowledge as a weapon isn’t really beheading people. It’s more… cutting them off at the knees.”
“Then I shall gather the heads while you collect the kneecaps.”
“That’s beautiful. You should make sure to include it in our wedding vows.”
Kalon smiled. “Duly noted, darling.”
“That’s enough of that for tonight,” I scoffed.
“Lady Alicia, is that you?”
I turned and recognised the face of Baroness Kilgard. She’d once been the Original Alicia’s etiquette teacher, and they’d gotten along famously. She was the soft female influence my predecessor had needed. “Baroness, it’s lovely to see you again.”
She beamed but quickly froze and curtseyed. “Forgive me, Your Highness. I was too excited to see my former student and neglected to greet you.”
“Don’t worry yourself, Baroness. It doesn’t displease me at all to be overshadowed by my fiancée,” Kalon replied.
What a simp.
The black magic accusations were going to come any moment, I just knew it.
“Oh, my.” Baroness Kilgard touched her fingers to her lips. “The rumours of your love must be true.”
I cleared my throat. “How are you?”
“Oh, I’m very well, thank you. The Grand Duke and Stein seem to be treating you well, my lady.” She smiled.
“Yes, I’m very happy there. Everyone has been so kind and welcoming to me, I’m very lucky.”
“I’m so glad to hear it. If you have a moment, might I introduce you to someone? The daughter of a dear friend of mine is making her debut tonight under my care, and you’re around the same age.”
I raised my eyebrows. “It’s quite late for a debut, is it not?”
“Yes, but she’s from the countryside. Her household had some financial difficulties and wished to recover before she debuted. They recently had an investment pay off greatly, so they sent her to me for some lessons. I was, of course, happy to oblige.”
A chill ran down my spine.
That sounded all too familiar.
Countryside.
Financial difficulties.
No. It couldn’t be. It was too early for her to appear, and besides, that was a background that could apply to any number of low-ranking nobles across the empire. Fortunes were squandered much quicker than they were made, after all, and there were less opportunities in the rural areas when compared to the capital.
“Allie?” Kalon nudged me.
“Forgive me, Baroness, I’m still tired from our long journey here.” I smiled. “Of course. It would be a pleasure to greet your charge.”
The baroness’ face lit up. “You’re as lovely as I remember, my lady. She’s close by, so please give me a moment.”
“Are you all right? Do you need some air?” Kalon asked, bending down so his lips were right by my ear.
