AllFreeNovel
Share Us
I wrinkle my nose, unsure as to which majesty the girl references. Not that it would make a difference. “Even more of a reason. I refuse to wear a dead woman’s dress, especially after everything that happened last night.”
The girl stares at me uncomfortably, shifting her weight from side to side. I realize I’m putting her in a sticky situation. Sutherland would fire a maid that couldn’t dress her charge, without giving the girl a chance to explain. If I dismiss her, she could lose her family’s only source of income. “I’m quite comfortable in my pajamas and I have a coat to keep me covered, but I could use a pair of boots. My feet are killing me from last night’s heels.”
She lets out a heavy breath, relieved to be helpful. I doubt King Travers oversees a castle full of maids. He probably has a governess who will still be angry but shouldn’t punish the girl too badly since, technically, I am giving her something to do. “I can try to locate some. What size are you?”
“Seven, but I can make a half-size up or down work.”
“Yes, ma’am.” She scurries around me and sets the dress on my bed. Her head tilts as she notices the placement of my wardrobe, but she doesn’t ask questions. At least, not about it. “Do you need help bathing?”
“Thank you, but no.” I bump the heavy wood with my ass, pushing it back so I can open the door wider. “I’d appreciate you leaving the boots outside the door. Nothing against you, but I don’t like strangers in my space.”
“Oh.” She has that deer in the headlights-look again. “But, I’m assigned to you. I’m supposed to help you dress for breakfast and dinner. With all due respect, ma’am, please.”
I wish I didn’t understand her desperation, but I do. I’ve seen it in the eyes of our staff when I have to tell them we don’t have their wages. The fear and hopelessness is heartbreaking. I don’t want to add undue stress to another family.
I sigh, too tired to argue. “Come back this evening. I can’t guarantee I’ll have something for you to do, but I’ll see to it you keep your job.”
“Thank you, ma’am.” The girl curtsies and, thankfully, leaves before asking anything else of me.
I shut the door and walk into the bathroom to freshen up. I’ve only had time to brush my teeth and tackle my hair when there’s another knock. “Just a moment!” I call out.
“You really didn’t have to—” I start and then startle when I see Bash is outside, not the servant from this morning. “Oh, good morning.”
“Sleep well, little bird?” He stands at the entry, waiting for me to invite him in.
“I did, thank you.” I step to the side, tired and frustrated because I have to pee, but trying to be respectful.
Bash heads to the bed and lifts the gown the maid left with his fingers. “I heard you didn’t like the dress my father picked for you.”
I shrug. “I didn’t look at it. All I saw was layers upon layers and when she said it belonged to your mother, it was a hard pass for me.”
“Sasha said you requested boots.” Bash pulls his coat aside and releases a pair of black lace-ups from a clip on his hip. He sets them beside his mother’s dress and bites his lip. “Please tell me you aren’t venturing out in that today?”
I cross my arms, keenly aware of how hard my nipples are. The cold isn’t necessarily to blame, either. There’s something about Bash that’s both enticing and terrifying. “I don’t have much choice now, do I?”
“Dammit, woman.” Bash runs his hand down his face and groans. “Riot will be here shortly to escort you to the village. While you’re gone, I’ll have a locksmith add a turnkey to your door, but you can’t go out like that.”
“I can’t wear anything in that either.” I point to the wardrobe. “This is the only suitable piece of clothing in it.”
“I wouldn’t call what you’re wearing clothing.” Bash shrugs out of his jacket and drapes it over my shoulders. He lingers in my space, and I’m wrapped in the scent of cedar again. He takes my chin between his thumb and forefinger and tilts my head upward. His touch is both tender and commanding, coaxing me into a silent invitation.
One I refuse.
I step back, away from Bash’s hold, and he lets me go. This isn’t me. I don’t kiss handsome men in the middle of the night nor do I let them into my bedroom. Especially when they’re the prince. “Did you check on the other girls this morning, or just me?”
“Just you.” Bash ambles to the bedside table, where four books lay on their side. His fingers run down their spines, gingerly caressing the leather that binds them. My insides quake with jealousy and, as if he can feel my desire, he looks at me and smirks. “I should poke my head into their rooms and say good morning.”
“Might give everyone a complex if you keep giving me all this attention.”
Do I want this attention? Two days ago, I would have said no. I thought the prince would be a stuck-up prick with blind hatred for all Cerise, like his father. But the man I’ve met is kind. He’s open-minded, protective, and painfully handsome.
“No one gives a damn who I spend my time with, little bird.”
“That’s not true. The whole kingdom is interested in who you’re spending your time with. The lucky Lady could be our next queen.”
Bash rolls his eyes, unamused at my reasoning, and changes the subject. “I’d like to request your time this evening, little bird, before anyone else can.”
“My time?” I say through a laugh. “Who would want to spend time with me?
