Page 93 of The Fifth Life of Alicia
Exactly.
I opened the envelope and scanned the little note Sir Hayes had added, telling me to choose my top three candidates for an interview.
Right.
This shouldn’t be too difficult.
It wasn’t the first time I’d hired an assistant.
I pulled out the contents and looked them over. There were eight options, all of noble birth—some heirs, some second or third born, and all qualified.
And all men.
“Bella.”
She looked up from the monster book she’d been reading. “Yes, my lady?”
“Did Sir Hayes say where the Grand Duke was?”
“In his office, I believe.”
“Excellent. Let’s take a walk, shall we?” I swept up the papers and tucked them against my body as I stood.
Bella hurriedly put down the book and darted to the door to open it for me. The Grand Duke’s wing was in the northern section of the castle with the western area blocked off for governmental affairs, which was quite convenient for me being on the east side.
“Lady Alicia.” The knight standing guard outside Kalon’s office bowed.
“I’m here to see the Grand Duke,” I said.
He shifted uncomfortably. “His Highness is very busy and—”
“I don’t remember phrasing it as a question.” I knocked twice on the door before pushing it open, and the three men inside all stilled and looked at me. “Forgive my interruption.”
Kalon raised his eyebrows. “What brings you here in such a rush, darling?”
Ugh.
Darling, my arse.
I wanted to roll these papers up and smack his handsome face silly.
“I need to speak with you about this.” I held them up instead of turning them into a weapon.
“Of course.” He turned to the young man next to him. “Sir Leslie, have you met my fiancée yet?”
He shook his head. “I haven’t had the pleasure, no, Your Highness.” He turned to me and bowed. “Sir Leslie Brewford, my lady. I’m a knight of House Morver.”
“It’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Sir Leslie. I’m Lady Alicia Vermillion.” I smiled. “I apologise for interrupting your meeting.”
“Not at all, I was only delivering a letter from my lord. Now that I’ve done so, I’ll take my leave.” He turned back to Kalon. “I will pass your message on to Count Morver, Your Highness.”
Kalon nodded. “You may leave. Hayes, Bella, give us a moment.”
“Yes, sir.” Sir Hayes ushered the other two out of the room and shut the door firmly behind them.
Kalon sat back in his chair and met my gaze. “It appears my guard is lacking for you to be able to waltz in here as you please.”
I waved my hand. “Do you really think one lousy knight could get in my way? Sir Hayes himself would have trouble stopping me.”
