“Smile. Laugh at their pathetic jokes, and be polite,” I replied dryly.
She took hold of my hand and squeezed it a little. I wasn’t sure if she was trying to be comforting or perhaps giving me a
warning to behave. Either way, I was not prepared for what I would see when I entered that room.
I hoped I’d see a familiar face. Perhaps Lord Cole or even a lord I had grown up with. Maybe some of the daughters had
joined them. Nerves kept my feet moving, and if it wasn’t for my mother practically dragging me into the room, I would have
stayed firmly outside.
P leasantries and making conversation about the weather were two of the things I hated the most. Mother kept a close eye on
me as I pretended to listen to one lord while he discussed his love for investing in gold and how he didn’t make it a habit to
befriend those ‘below him’.
Rolling my eyes and trying to smile was proving difficult. Any other day, I may not have made it plain as day on my face
that I wasn’t interested, but Lord Cole was standing next to Norok as they laughed and chatted with my father.
Part of me wanted to ask him questions. Questions that involved a certain shadow man. But then again, I really didn’t want
to come across as the crazy person in the room.
We were surrounded by many different lords. Along with either their siblings or guardians. Uncle Dorian watched intently
as he sat with my mother. Both of whom were clearly planning which one I’d be married off to.
I was grateful once our head of staff announced lunch would be served in the smaller reception room today. I was hopeful
that Talia would come and join us. That way I could talk to her about my ‘dream’, and also find a way to distract myself from
looking at Lord Cole.
Entering the dining hall, my father had hired one of the city's piano players, who filled the room with soothing music. They
played a motif in F major. I made a mental note to learn it, as the song was beautiful.
Taking my usual seat, my mother coughed and shook her head as she pointed towards a seat further down the table. Clearly,
I was to sit at the centre of the table, so all eyes were continuing to be on me.
Sighing as I sat down and a napkin was laid across my lap, my one companion took the right seat, and another took the left.
“Well, hello, your highness. Lovely to finally get a chance to speak to you.”
Lord Cole.
A blush filled my cheeks as my mood suddenly lifted. I was hoping he and I would get a chance to talk, even if I did have to
try to stay on the topic of marriage and life at court.
“Good afternoon, my lord. It was a surprise to see you here when I arrived.”
“I hope it is a nice surprise.” He winked at me as he laid his napkin on his lap.
Taking a sip of my drink, I watched him from the corner of my eye as he waved over a footman and uttered something under