Gelda looked at me with serious eyes and a soft smile. Yes, she was trying to stay in Mother’s good graces and possibly
run back to her with information.
“Is he? I can’t recall sharing maybe three words with Lord Cole, and even then, they were uneventful and uninteresting.”
Shifting a little, I could already sense where this was going. I had no issues or problems with Lady Gelda, but it seemed a
little evasive for her to ask such a personal question.
Most of the men around court acted the same with Father. Always trying to get in his good graces. Doing anything to stay in
favour of the king and queen was a good thing for one’s social standing.
“I do hope he attends the wedding. He’s a wonderful dancer, or so I’m told. I know Prince Norok has invited him to a
luncheon tomorrow to discuss some things, and formally invite him.”
Nodding in agreement, I knew I wasn’t going to get any peace if I stayed here longer, but soon enough Gelda took the seat
next to me and her ladies sat on a bench farther up. Though, still within listening distance.
“I am excited for the wedding. I tried on my dress this morning. It’s such a shame you were not available to attend the
fitting. I believe your bridesmaid dress was there as Talia tried hers on,” she paused brushing a strand of hair behind her ear, “I
am sure you will look lovely in whatever dress we put you in.”
Talia was back? I had no idea and hadn’t been notified. I assumed she would not be back for a few more days, so this made
me worried. Dorian was roaming the halls, and I had no idea if he was going to set his sights on her and do the horrendous acts
he did to me—to my sweet baby sister.
“That’s lovely news Lady Gelda, and I do apologise for not being there this morning. As I said, I had some business to take
care of.”
“Would that business involve Lord Cole?”
She winked at me, and my blood began to boil a little under my skin. I knew this game. Many had already tried to play it
with me, and they always ended up losing. This would be the same.
“Ah ha, as I said it was festival business.” I tried to keep my smile in place as she took hold of my hand, squaring her
shoulders and smiling a little.
“You can tell me, your highness, we are to become sisters after all. Your secrets are safe with me.”
Like a mouse in a lion’s den, she believed me to be the mouse, but my roar would always be far greater than hers.
“My apologies, Lady Gelda, but when did we become such good friends that I shared my ins and outs with you?” I asked
coldly.
Her eyes widened a little as she swallowed the lump clearly forming in her throat, her face reddening.
“And, I don’t recall giving you permission to be so informal with me. You may perhaps be marrying my brother, but we all