“Ah, thank you,” I said, taking her up on the offer of assistance. “Rina, are you not joining the hunt? You used to go out with your father and brothers, didn’t you?”
Her lips curved into a wry smile. “My lady, we aren’t in Stein. Women aren’t welcome to join the hunt here in the capital.”
Right.
Of course not.
Misogynistic bastards.
Maybe I could ply the Emperor with some more Evsea wine and talk him into loosening those old-fashioned laws a little bit.
“My mistake,” I said, releasing her hand when we arrived at the tent that was set up for me.
Unlike many other noblewomen, I had my own tent. This was a luxury I’d never been awarded before—even when Alicia had attended in the past, the tent of House Vermillion had been shared with another noble family, and it’d always been the Marchioness’ house which had been nothing but misery.
Which reminded me…
“Sir Otto,” I said, turning back to the front of the tent. “Would you come here a moment?”
The young knight stepped inside. “Yes, my lady?”
“If Marchioness Vermillion or Lady Sophia Vermillion approach the tent, please don’t let them in. Especially while the curtains are closed.”
He paused for a moment before nodding. “As you wish.”
“Thank you. You may return to your post.” I undid the ribbon beneath my chin and took off my hat, handing it to Bella. “We’re close to the Imperial Tent, aren’t we?”
“They’re directly across from us,” Bella said, setting my hat in a hat box to protect it.
“So, the Empress is keeping an eye on me,” I murmured, glancing in that direction. Their Majesties wouldn’t arrive until the last minute, although Crown Prince Torin was already here as he would be participating.
“Don’t be so sceptical, my lady,” Bella replied.
“Most likely,” Rina said at the same time.
“Dame Draper!”
Rina shrugged. “I would keep an eye on the woman who’ll be my daughter-in-law, especially if she’s marrying my stepson whom I have a terrible relationship with. And doesn’t she want to steal our lady for the Crown Prince, anyway?”
“You cannot speak like that here in the empire, Dame Draper,” Bella explained, holding up her hands frantically. “If anyone were to hear you, not even the Grand Duke could stop you being questioned.”
“Questioned? For what?”
“Treason.” I met her gaze. “His Majesty gave his permission for our engagement and issued an Imperial Order for our marriage when we arrived. Your words could be misconstrued as the Empress plotting against him, and to accuse Her Majesty of such a thing could be considered as treason.”
Her eyes widened. “How barbaric.”
“It may be best to keep those opinions to yourself until we return to Stein. Kalon may allow you speak freely there, but Bella’s right. Even he won’t be able to save you if the Empress sets you in her sights.”
She lowered her head. “My apologies for misspeaking. I will take heed of your words, my lady.”
“I thought I heard your voice, Allie.” Blair stepped up in the open doorway of the tent. “May I come in?”
“Blair!” I rushed over and hugged her tightly. “Of course, come in!”
“Thank you.” She returned my embrace before following me inside. “Bella, it’s good to see you again.”
Bella bobbed. “Hello, Lady Blair.”
