“Horses or carriage?” Alex asks.
I groan, palming my face. “I’d love nothing more than to get a good ride in, but?—”
“I bet you would,” Alex retorts under his breath.
“Hey, I heard that,” I snap.
“If the shoe fits.”
Maybe thatiswhat I need. My vigilante-ing, as Alex calls it, has kept me from seeking out any female companionship for quite a while.
“Father would disown me if I didn’t show up with all the pomp and circumstance. Honestly, I think he’s using my need to find a bride as an excuse not to attend Lord Astoria’s wedding celebration himself.”
“Didn’t they use to be fairly close?” Alex quirks a thick brow.
“Yes, but I get the impression things have been a little strained between them,” I confess.
Alex shrugs. “Well, I guess it’s up to us to make up for it then.”
I snort. “I have the feeling Lord Astoria will be quite disappointed.”
The lush,rolling hills of the countryside whisk by as our carriage rumbles down the wide road leading out of the city of Elsmont. When we finally approach House Astoria, nestled in a valley that once boasted flourishing acres of vineyards and farmland, I’m reminded once again how much the estate hasfallen into disrepair. The hardship is evident despite the glowing torches and abundance of flowers and greenery that attempt to hide it. Is this the cause of tension between our families? Did Lord Astoria request help and my father denied it? It wouldn’t surprise me, but at the same time, Lord Astoria seems far too prideful to ask.
Alex and I are ushered in through the manor’s front doors, the scent of lilies so overpowering that Alex sneezes.
“You think they have enough flowers?” he complains.
I wrinkle my nose, sidestepping to avoid squashing one of many small pumpkins beneath my feet. “Definitely feels like they’re compensating for something.”
We follow the steady flow of partygoers toward the ballroom’s entrance, where an announcer is shouting lords’ and ladies’ names before they enter. As we approach, I shake my head firmly. No. I will pay my respects to the newly bound Lord and Lady Astoria, but I don’t want to make a big deal out of my presence.
“I owe you one,” I say to the announcer as we sweep into the room without a fuss.
I snag a drink off a tray, and Alex rubs his hands together. “Divide and conquer?” he asks, his hazel eyes gleaming.
“If you insist. Make note of any ‘eligible’ ladies I need to check out.”
The sarcasm in my voice elicits a bright laugh out of Alex, and a few heads turn in our direction. I give him aThanks for thatlook before making my way toward the happy couple. It feels somewhat frivolous to make such a big deal out of his second marriage—her third or fourth—but if this is how he wants to spend his newly acquired money, that’s up to him.
“Lord and Lady Astoria,” I say smoothly as I approach.
“Your Highness,” Lord Astoria replies, dipping his head in an insulting mockery of a bow.
“How wonderful of you to come tonight,” Lady Astoria croons. “Is your father here as well?” She looks behind me, as if expecting him to pop up out of nowhere.
Pompous ass that he is, he never arrives anywhere without the entire realm being made aware of it.
“He sends his regards,” I say diplomatically.
I don’t miss the twitch of annoyance that crosses Lord Astoria’s face at my response.
“I do hope he is in good health,” he replies.
“Yes, he is quite well.”
“Wonderful,” Lord Astoria says through gritted teeth.
“Perhaps we can arrange a visit in the near future,” Lady Astoria says demurely. “It’s been oh-so-long since I’ve had a chance to visit court.”
