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“Oh, you don’t have to—”
“Excellent idea, Clemencia,” Roar interrupted in a tone that told me a noble lady would expect such actions and it was time for me to start acting more like a noble. “We should all freshen up.”
I played along, shuffling into my bedchambers. The spacious chamber had a large bed, its own hearth in the corner, and small seating area in front of it that would be perfect for reading. An armoire and dressing screen dominated the wall opposite the hearth. Next to the armoire was a door leading to a personal toilet and bath. I went and sat on the bed and fell back. The mattress was softer than anything I’d ever slept on, including the bed at the warden’s estate.
“Lady Neve?” Clemencia followed me inside. “If you’d rather rest, I can have your trunks wait.”
“No, you can have them brought in and . . .” I rose and pointed to the armoire. “Put them over there, yes? Then, put the body creams and powders in the bathroom. Anything else, well, I trust you can figure it out.”
“Are you sure?” Clemencia gazed at me, knitting her brows.
Little did Clemencia know I’d spent most of my life owning nothing. Though I found it nice to have dresses and luxury items to beautify myself, I didn’t need them. Nor did I really care where they placed my effects. As long as they were in this room, I would make do. “Please just make sure the books are by the bed.”
Clemencia chuckled lightly. “You won’t have much time for reading, my lady.”
“I’ll make time.”
She smiled. “Alright then. If you insist, I’ll—”
A knock sounded on the door to the suite, and I stood to go answer it.
“Allow me.” Clemencia rushed out of my room. “It’s more proper.”
But before she could see who was calling, Roar rushed across the seating area and opened the door himself.
A male brownie dressed in House Aaberg colors bowed and held out an envelope. “Lord Lisika, this is for you. From King Magnus.”
“I was wondering how soon I’d be hearing from him,” Roar replied. “Thank you.” He took a letter and shut the door. “The king has already heard of you, Neve. Let’s see what he says.”
The snapping of a royal blue wax seal captivated the silent room as everyone held their breath. Roar’s eyes scanned the paper, the corners of his lips tightening with every second. “I’ve been called to speak with him right away.”
“Should I come?” I shuffled closer to him.
“No. I want to keep you from the king’s eyes for as long as possible. You just relax and unpack.” Roar flicked his eyes to me. “If you wish to roam, do so, but perhaps have a maid escort you both? Clemencia has not been here either.”
“Certainly,” I replied as Roar pulled on the jacket he’d been riding in. Unlike me, he’d been on a horse for days, and I assumed he’d rather be in fresh attire, but the king waited for no one.
“I’ll see you soon, my love.” Roar grinned roguishly before slipping from the room.
Clemencia watched the door wistfully. “You two are perfect.”
“Thanks,” I said, giving her a small smile. “I’m going to bathe.”
The castle had modern plumbing, and everything in my private toilet looked extravagant and lovely. I marveled at the small soaps that smelled of pine and a flower I could not name. With a deep breath to soak in the aromas, I turned on the water to hot. As the copper tub filled, I studied my room in greater depth and had discovered a pretty jewelry box when a knock came at the door. The trunks, no doubt.
Or at least I thought so until a confident feminine voice called out. “Lady Neve, I hope you’re decent!”
I startled. That had not been Clemencia’s voice. But who then?
The answer arrived as a slight female faerie with pink hair, black shimmering wings, creamy, pale skin that seemed to glow, and bright blue eyes opened the door and walked in. Her deep blue dress looked elaborate, but not so much so that it seemed out of place in the late afternoon. When she met my eyes, she smiled.
“Who are you?” I asked.
The female faerie cocked her head. “The better question is, who are you?”
I frowned. “You said my name.” At that moment, Clemencia tiptoed in, and with wide eyes, shook her head.
But I was too distracted by the girl’s loud laugh to wonder what Clemencia might think so inappropriate. “Stars, we’re going to get along swimmingly. Especially if you use that tone on my king Father. Please do it when I’m around. I love seeing his eyes bulge out of his head.”
