“You said my name. I didn’t hear a question.”
“Surely you heard the tone.”
“If you say so,” she says, tossing her braid over her shoulder and rising. “You shouldn’t be in here.”
I hold my hands out. “Well, I am.”
She scoffs before tucking a stray tendril of hair behind her ear. “Father isn’t home. You have no business in his study, prince or not.”
So she does remember. What’s different this time? I tilt my head. “Shouldn’t you be off having tea or something? Why in the gods’ names are you cleaning the floors?”
I don’t miss the flash of anger in her eyes before she dons a mask of indifference.
“Lady Astoria likes to keep me busy.”
“And what of your sisters? I don’t see them cleaning the manor.”
Her shoulders stiffen. “I presume they are too busy planning weddings and the like.”
My glass clinks as it hits the stone coaster on the table, and her eyes follow the movement. I jump to my feet and prowl toward her. Her brow crinkles, and as I step closer, she takes a step back.
“What are you doing?” she breathes.
I reach out and grab one of her hands, inspecting it, then holding it up to her face. “Your hands are cracked and bleeding. You mean to tell me your father approves of this?”
She tugs her hand away. “It’s none of your concern, Your Highness.”
The bitterness in her tone gives her away, and I’m inexplicably angry on her behalf. “I think I’ll have a word with Lady Astoria about this.”
A flash of fear lights up her eyes. “No. Please don’t. She would only find a way to take it out on me.”
Ah. Thisisthe lady’s doing. I step back. “If you insist.”
“I do.” Lady Raelyn straightens again. “Sorry to bother you, Your Highness. I’ll get out of your hair and leave you to your drink.”
She picks up her bucket and nearly collides with Lady Astoria and the butler in her rush to leave the study.
Gods help me. My time has run out.
“Fool girl,” the lady chides. “You almost ruined my gown!”
“Apologies,” Lady Raelyn mutters before escaping.
The disdain written all over Lady Astoria’s face makes me irrationally angry. Why in the realms would she loathe Cary’s daughter this way? Whatever did she do to her?
“Your Highness,” she says stiffly. “What a surprise to see you here.” She drops into a halfhearted curtsy. “Is there something I can do for you? My husband is out of town, as you are aware.”
“I believe the lord has information for me. Would you happen to know where he left it?”
Confusion flares in her eyes. “I’m afraid I have no idea what you’re talking about, Your Highness.”
“What a shame,” I say. “To think I wasted my time coming out here for nothing.” I desperately wish to say something biting about her treatment of her stepdaughter, but I also want to respect Lady Raelyn’s wishes. I’d hate to make things worse for her.
Lady Astoria huffs in annoyance. “Pardon, Your Highness, but your presence has caused quite an interruption in my day. If there is nothing else I can do for you, I suggest you leave.”
Shock at her disrespect sends a surge of anger through me. “Do not forget yourself, my lady. I’d hate to let the king hear of your lack of hospitality.”
“Apologies, Your Highness. I was not expecting to entertain today.”
