Page 150 of The Fifth Life of Alicia
“I would like to apologise for earlier,” she said softly. “My actions have been weighing on me, and Your Ladyship was right to scold me in the manner you did. It was not my personal handkerchief you saw in my hand, but one I was indeed offering to the Grand Duke.”
“At least you’re wise enough to admit your wrongdoing.”
“Baroness Kilgard told me I should offer a handkerchief to a gentleman who caught my eye, but I wasn’t aware that it was a gesture of romantic interest. The Grand Duke was so kind to me at the ball last night that I merely wished to offer it as a symbol of my gratitude.”
It was a smooth lie.
Unfortunately for her, I could see right through it.
Mostly because Kalon hadn’t beenthatkind to her last night.
“I understand you were upset by my actions, and I—”
“Lady Lillia,” I said coolly. “Do you take me for a fool? Perhaps you’re unaware, but Baroness Kilgard was once my etiquette teacher. She’s a diligent woman who wouldn’t send you off into high society without ensuring you were fully aware the meaning of all your actions. You and I both know what you were doing when you offered your handkerchief to him, so please do not insult me by insisting otherwise.”
She stilled.
Gotcha.
“Contrary to your belief, I was not upset by your actions. You’re free to express your interest in anyone you like, whether it be platonic or romantic, but it would be best if you did so after considering your position. I chose to play along with you earlier because it’s your debut, and a lady’s debut should be a time of joy and excitement, but if you continue in this manner, I will no longer be doing such a thing.”
She dipped her head, clenching a fist at her side.
“However, my advice to you still stands. There’s nothing I can do if you hold a romantic interest in the Grand Duke, as your feelings are your own. In fact, you may even approach him and inform him of your position if you so wish. There is little I can do to stop you.” I clasped my hands together in front of me as I stopped at the edge of the forest and turned to look at her. “With that being said, you should seriously consider your actions. Our engagement is not one that came about on a whim. I am the eldest daughter of House Vermillion, and not only is Kalon the Grand Duke of Stein, but he’s the First Prince of the Sada Empire. His Majesty released an Imperial Order for our marriage just two days ago. If you think to pursue him even after this, there is a very high chance that my father, Marquess Vermillion, would consider your actions to be an insult towards our house. You would also be blatantly disregarding an order from His Majesty.”
She met my eyes, and this time, her gaze burnt red-hot.
She wasn’t even trying to hide her annoyance.
Good. I didn’t want her to hide it.
I wanted her to show me who she truly was—because she was certainly not the sweet, wholesome person I’d expected her to be. And it was much, much easier to deal with people when they were honest.
“What is it that you’re trying to say? Because forgive me for saying so, my lady, but I feel as though I should take your words as a threat,” Lillia said, a chill running through her tone despite the smile on her face. “Are you concerned that the Grand Duke may be interested in me? Is that why you’re warning me to stay away from him? Everyone has been saying they can’t believe your marriage was arranged with how close you appear to be, but you seem quite insecure, my lady.”
My, my.
If this was how she wanted to play it, then so be it. It was time I dropped all pretence of concern—if she was going to show me who she really was, then I would do the same.
“Aren’t you bold, Lady Armand?” I took a step closer to her, something that forced her to look up at me. “Are you deliberately ignoring that I told you you’re free to approach myfiancéand share with him your interest in courting him? You may take my words any way you see fit, but you should keep in mind that I don’t make threats I don’t intend to follow through on.”
“What do you mean by that?”
“If you choose to disregard my words, House Vermillion and His Majesty will be the least of your concerns. If you approach the Grand Duke and he rejects you the way he did your handkerchief, and you continue to pursue him, you’ll have to deal with me first.” I stepped up next to her, laying my hand on her shoulder, and leant in close. “I have never once shown mercy to those who covet what’s mine. And make no mistake, His Highness is most certainlymine.”
Lillia tensed, and I squeezed her shoulder before withdrawing my hand and walking away.
So much for intending to stay away from her. Why was everything messing with my plans? All I wanted to do was live, damn it.
Then again, perhaps threatening her wasn’t the smartest idea in the world. That wasveryBook Alicia of me, but I could barely stand it. I couldn’t listen to her lies anymore. She knew what she was doing when she offered Kalon that bloody rag of hers, and she knew that I knew.
My initial impression of her at the ball had been correct, and I’d been right to be wary of her.
I sighed, resting my hand against my cheek as I walked. I wasn’t cut out for all this. Despite my ability to shut people down, I was too soft-hearted for this face-to-face bitchy nonsense.
In my next life, I really was going to be a cat.
A scream tore through the air, and I turned in the direction of it. A little girl no older than eight tumbled on the floor at the edge of the forest, and a young boy who couldn’t have been much older was tugging at her arm. She was crying, and before I knew what was happening, my feet were already moving, and Rina was calling after me.
