He gives me a shrewd look. "Just how much time have you been spending with the Prince?"
For a moment, I consider denying that we've spent much time together, but I suppose there isn't really any point. "We've spent time together most days since I arrived," I answer honestly.
He raises an eyebrow. "And what do you do together?"
A flush comes to my cheeks as I think about the kisses we've shared, and the reaction I have to them. I touch my tongue to my teeth to make sure my fangs haven't descended just at the memories, but everything is normal. "We haven't taken...liberties, if that's what you mean."
"No, Beatrice, it is not. No one will care if you've taken liberties with one another, even if you weren't to be married. I'm merely curious. The King was reasonably cautious about approving your match, but Prince Marcus swayed him by pointing out the changes in Prince Lincoln. So I suppose I'm merely curious about what you did that caused that."
"I didn't really do much, I don't think." Other than give him a ribbon to help him avoid drinking too much wine. But that's something I plan on no one finding out. Not because I don't want them to know, but because it doesn't feel fair to Linc to tell people. "He's helped me learn to read better, and has been teaching me some of the history of the castle and the Houses."
"Interesting." Lord Fallmartin leans back in his seat.
"Is it?"
"I wasn't aware that Prince Lincoln had an interest in such things."
"He does." I don't see any harm in admitting to it, especially when the alternative is to tell Lord Fallmartin about some of the other things we've talked about, and I'd much rather they remained private.
There's a calculating expression on Lord Fallmartin's face. "I see."
"Is it important that he does?"
"He's a member of the royal family," Lord Fallmartin points out. "And if anything were to happen to Prince Marcus, he would be the heir to the throne. So yes, I believe his interest in history and politics are of note."
"Oh." I hope I haven't made things more difficult for him by revealing them. "You don't plan for something to happen to Marcus, do you?" I'm not sure what makes me ask.
"I wouldn't threaten a member of the royal family," he says. "But I plan for every eventuality. Remember that this betrothal is not a kindness to you, Beatrice, even if it has the advantage of being that. I went forward with this because it puts you in a strong position, and therefore House Rothorne in a strong position."
I nod and look down at my tea.
Lord Fallmartin clears his throat. "I would much rather work with you on this than have you against me, Beatrice."
I look up, my surprise no doubt written all over my face. "With me?"
He nods. "Perhaps I dismissed you at first, and I will admit that I wasn't thrilled when your brother insisted that I had to bring you to the castle along with him, but it's clear that you're intelligent and capable of learning how court works. It doesn't hurt that you've caught a prince either."
"I wasn't trying to," I murmur.
"It doesn't matter, you can only do it once, anyway," he points out.
I pick up my tea and take a sip, mostly because I don't know what to do with myself otherwise. This isn't how I expected the conversation, or any interaction with Lord Fallmartin, to go.
"Now, your ladies-in-waiting," he says. "I have a few suggestions." He picks up a sheet of paper and holds it out to me.
"Thank you." I take it from him and look over the list of names, realising just how many there are on the list. "Do I really need this many people around me?"
"No. You'll extend an invitation to half a dozen or so. The others are there for your consideration. There's plenty of time to decide. The King has decided that your wedding will be part of the New Year celebrations."
"That's two months away," I say.
Lord Fallmartin nods.
"That's more time than I expected."
"It's a royal wedding," he responds. "That takes more time. Your betrothal will be announced at the All Hallow's Ball next week, and you're to be seen with Prince Lincoln at all of the official events afterwards, including your brother's wedding. Though I don't suspect that will be an issue, will it?"
I shake my head.
