eggs in someone else’s basket.
“Honestly, I’m not sure. I have only known him since he came to the ball the other week.”
“Wait, how is that so? I got the impression you have been friends for a long time.”
He looked at me a little confused, as if he knew he wanted to say something, but the words weren’t coming out. Strange. I
couldn’t recall where I believed them to be friends for a long time. I just had this strange feeling that we all knew each other.
“I’m not sure. I feel as if we’ve been friends for a long time. He’s very easy to get along with.”
This all seemed rather odd seeing as I had gotten the same impression from Lord Cole during our small meetings. I felt as if
we had been friends or known each other for a very long time. Perhaps he frequented the same circles but only now had
stepped into court.
“Hmm, perhaps. Well, we best head back in, I’m sure Hector is annoyed I am late for my lessons once again.”
“Why do you still entertain these lessons?” Norok asked as he stood up and held his hand out to me.
Linking my arm back through his, we took the long way back into the castle. We headed towards the library where Hector
was no doubt, waiting in.
“Mother would say one can never learn too much. And as I am a future wife to someone, I must be able to converse in all
topics.” I laughed a little as I mimicked Mother’s voice.
Norok rolled his eyes and laughed back. He may be outspoken to me and somewhat harsh in his words, we had a friendship
that was more than just siblings. Growing up together, I knew I could always rely on him and him, me.
“That makes total sense. Although, I don’t think you will be just become someone’s wife,”
Turning me to face him as we reached the library door, he placed both his hands on my shoulders and looked at me with a
very serious face. Which in turn made me laugh once again as he was never good at it.
“Seriously, Ornella, I think if you are to marry someone, you will be treated as their equal. I know Mother wants you to
behave as a lady should. I will just tell you now, those types of ladies are boring, and no man truly wants them. It is just out of
duty we must,” he paused again, the corner of his mouth lifting into a soft smile, “If it is Lord Cole you wish to seek out,
despite the rumours and what I said the other day, he would make a fine husband to my dear sister.”
Winking at me, he then kissed me lightly on the cheek and turned on his way. Leaving me with his words and knowing full
well, I was most certainly not going to concentrate in my lessons while I thought about Lord Cole.
Chapter 10
ORNELLA
“I ’m going into the markets today, Kathlyn. I also have to go and visit the committee to make sure the final touches for the
festival and the tournament are ready.”