Blair’s gaze hovered on Rina for a moment, then she looked at me questioningly.
“Oh, I’m sorry,” I said, realising. “You haven’t met, have you? Blair, this is my personal knight, Dame Alexandrina Draper. Rina, this is Lady Blair Rainforth, the daughter of Marquess Rainforth.”
Rina’s eyes widened, and she stared at Blair for a moment before quickly regaining her composure and bowing. “Lady Rainforth, it’s an honour to meet you.”
Blair gasped and rushed to her, grabbing one of Rina’s hands with her own. “Oh, my goodness. Dame Draper, I’m so pleased to make your acquaintance.”
Rina’s cheeks flushed bright pink. “You are?”
“Of course! You’re a female knight, and I’m quite aware of your father’s prowess on the battlefield.”
“I’m sure it’s nothing compared to your family’s accomplishments, my lady.”
“Nonsense. Your father would be an aura sword master if he possessed the ability to use mana, no? He’s exceptionally talented, and so is your brother!”
“You’re acquainted with my brother?”
“I am. I often visit the Imperial Knights with paperwork for my father when he’s busy, and we’ve crossed paths on several occasions. Sir William has even visited our house and sparred with me once.” Blair’s eyes sparkled. “I’m sure you’re just as talented as he is! Oh, I’d love to talk with you while you’re here, if it’s possible.”
Rina opened her mouth to reply, then quickly stopped and coughed into her hand. “It would be my pleasure, my lady, but I’m afraid I’m on duty at the moment.”
“Oh.” Blair’s shoulders drooped. “I understand.”
“Actually, it’s all right,” I said and motioned for my hat from Bella. “I was thinking I would take a walk around on my way to find His Highness, so why don’t you two have a chat while I do that?”
“You can’t possibly go alone, my lady,” Rina protested.
“I won’t.” I tied the ribbon under my chin and reached outside of the tent, giving Sir Otto’s arm a yank, much to his surprise if his yelp was anything to go by. “I’ll take Sir Otto with me,” I said brightly, pointing to him. “See? I won’t be alone.”
Rina hesitated.
“If His Highness says anything, I’ll make sure to tell him you stayed behind on my order.” I touched her arm. “Rina, Blair is one of my closest friends and a passionate swordswoman. Female knights are almost impossible to find in the empire, so it would make me very happy if you’d talk with her.”
She stared at me for a moment, then sighed. “I can’t possibly argue with you when you ask me so sweetly, my lady.”
I beamed at her. “Thank you.”
“Sir Otto.” She turned her icy blue gaze on him, and he straightened as if someone had smacked him on the back with a ruler. “If as much as one hair on my lady’s head is harmed, I will hunt you down and gut you like a fish. Do you understand?”
He bent stiffly at the waist in deference. “Yes, Dame Draper.”
“Good.”
I smiled. “Bella, are you coming?”
“Yes, my lady.”
“Then let’s go, Sir Otto!” I patted the pocket of my dress where my handkerchief for Kalon was carefully folded and headed out of the tent with Sir Otto and Bella on my heels.
It was so busy. I had no idea how I was supposed to find Kalon in these circumstances, and I said as much to my two shadows with an instruction to keep their eyes and ears open for himandmy family.
I couldn’t believe how many people were here and that carriages were still arriving. There were people of all ages, from young babies to the elderly, and I smiled as a group of young boys darted past me cheering loudly. They were quickly followed by two frazzled nannies begging their young masters to slow down, and even Sir Otto chuckled behind me.
“My lady, Lady Sophia is heading this way,” Bella said, briefly tugging on my sleeve.
I cast my gaze around until it landed on my sister’s smug face. As Bella had said, she was on her way to me like a woman on a mission, and I was surprised to see she was only being accompanied by her maid, Ruby.
That alone said how strict the restrictions placed upon her by Father were.
