By the time Walter had had breakfast and come down to meet the lords in the study, he was sure the entire household knew Lady Steinhouse was in his room last night. From the servant that had come with the water for his bath, to the one who delivered his breakfast, all gave him knowing looks.
He sighed as he descended the stairs and made his way toward her study. The lords were already inside and went silent as he enter. Looking at their faces, Walter sighed inwardly.
“Not you two as well,” he said and the lords smirked.
“As well? I guess by the way she ran out of your room this morning, the entire house knows you slept with her,” Lord of Merve said as he sipped his cup of tea.
“Define sleep,” Walter said as he took a seat.
“I saw when she entered your room last night,” Lord Morge answered.
“I saw when she left this morning,” Lord of Merve continued.
“Then the fact that you both grew up with her must be made up then, what great friends you are, letting her enter my room last night,” Walter said as he stretched. Probably because he had interacted enough with the lords, he felt relaxed with this conversation.
“She is a grown woman; she should know what she wants,” Lord Morge answered said.
“If you had stopped her last night; as a good friend should have, she would not have...” Walter started to say.
“...What? Slept with you?” Lord of Merve asked.
“Define sleep. You both are thinking too much,” Walter answered.
“Are you saying you did not touch her? You were a perfect gentleman and gave her a spot to sleep till the next morning?” Lord of Merve smiled knowingly.
“The noise from your room last night said otherwise, Walter. We know you fucked her. We don't care,” Walter sighed at Lord Morge's crude words.
“Fucked her, No. But I never said anything about touching her,” Walter said and Lord of Merve choked on his tea. His gaze at Walter was full of respect. All that noise and you only touched her?
“What happened in the city?” Walter asked changing the topic. They had gotten too comfortable to start using crude words and he did not want to talk about Helen in that manner. One thing was sure; he needed to stay away from that woman.
“The entire city has been shut down. This morning, some city guards came and informed us to stay indoors. Apparently, some assassins tried to kill the prince and they are hiding in the city. We're just going to have to wait till things calm down before we can move her safely,” Lord Morge answered.
“What are the odds the prince gets attacked the same day we take her?” Walter said.
“I know what you mean. Lady Wickshire had said the woman lying up there is the Teel family head. She said the next queen is her daughter,” Lord Morge thought it suspicious too.
Stolen novel; please report.
“We have no idea when the lady intends for us to return her to her daughter if she even intends to have her returned,” Walter said thoughtfully.
“We'll wait. I'm sure we will be informed soon,” Lord of Merve said.
***
Lucy enjoyed a cup of tea while she awaited Shilla's return. She had not received information from the lords and Walter about the success of their mission. She ignored her maid, Mrs Muburg, who stood aside and made no sound. The door opened and Shilla entered. She bowed to Lucy and glanced at Mrs Muburg standing on the side.
“Ignore her. She does not want to become like Taylor,” Lucy told Shilla. Shilla could see the elderly maid made no attempt to dispute the lady and she harrumphed.
Taylor's disappearance overnight and the letter claiming she had quit her job to stay home was suspicious. It was so badly written and the lie was not even fully thought through. This elderly woman knows to keep her mouth shut.
“The capital is under curfew, but I was still able to meet with him. He said the king of Northern Lan is so agitated, that he sent superior martial artists to block any mysterious high-grade martial artist from entering the capital. He said the blood knights were personally handling this,” Shilla said.
“Blood Knights... They should do. They may not be capable of stopping that man, but he is already travelling injured. They should be capable of holding him off for a while,” Lucy said. Shilla did not know who the lady wanted to keep away, but she understood it does not matter; as long as Lady Steinhouse marries Walter before he gets here.
“I could not reach Madame D'huile to have her prepare a wedding dress. But, what about the lady's measurements?” Shilla asked.
“Madame D'huile should have it with her. After all, she was fascinated by Lady Steinhouse's perfect proportions. Worry not, this curfew will not last,” Lucy smiled.
“Will you be returning Lady Teel to her daughter?” Shilla asked.
“Change into that dress I had you pick up; I am sending you to the palace,” Lucy said and Shilla took in a deep breath to calm herself.
Shilla had changed into a luxurious dress. It was nothing she had ever thought she would wear in her entire life. She stood before Lady Wickshire to receive instructions. As excited as she was to go to the palace, she understood she was doing a job, so she calmed herself. Mrs Muburg kept her mouth sealed as she helped Shilla dress.
She had heard what the lady and Shilla were saying and could not understand a word; but, she had now understood that this lady was not like the others. Shilla going to the palace motivated her; if she worked hard, would she go to the palace too? Don't even mention going to the palace; she was just happy she did not disappear like Taylor.
“I’m ready, my lady,” Shilla said bravely.
“Use my carriage and my token; you will be let through the curfew. You are not going there to see the king, you will be there for the next queen; her name is Lady Raine. Tell her where her mother is and have her go retrieve her mother herself. Tell her I send her well wishes,” Lucy said and Shilla frowned. Is that all? To go all that way only to tell her that? Couldn't they just send a message?
“I know what you are thinking, Shilla; but this, you must do well. The Teel family and the Jade hand are organizations I have set my sights on. Usually, one would just go themselves to show sincerity, but I’m not so free to handle such trivial things myself. Sending you is already giving them much face,” Lucy said.
“Yes, my lady,” Shilla nodded.
“Do you know why I have you well dressed for this? You are not only going as a messenger, but you are also going as my representative. What you say there is what I mean to say,” Lucy said and Shilla stiffened. Talking for the lady, that is too much pressure; what if she makes a mistake?
“Then I will take responsibility,” Lucy said as if reading her mind and Shilla stared. “Say as you please, I will take responsibility,” Lucy said and Shilla felt more pressure, instead of feeling relieved. This task, she must not fail.
“Do you understand now, Shilla? That dress is me saying to you to keep your head high. I have never bowed before to anyone. You must make sure they understand, when they see you, they see me,” Lucy said and Shilla nodded. Taking in a deep breath, her eyes hardening with determination...