Whether she would try to kill me now that she has an alliance with Aidon remains to be seen. Seems stupid to me, but Ashford trying to kill both Aidon and Karin by setting the two upon each other was also stupid, and yet he still did it. Last I heard, his bones were burned in the furnace of Aidon’s basement while Karin and Aidon were merrily dividing up Ashford’s territory.
“It’s my honor, Your Sovereign. I hope your parents are doing well.”
“They are enjoying retirement. The last I heard my father was taking art classes. He had to find a hobby before my mother committed some heinous act against him.”
“I did send them an invitation, but given your father’s health, perhaps he was not well enough to travel?”
I see she’s fishing for information. “They’re both doing great, thanks for asking. I see that some of my retinue is flagging after the cross-country trip. Perhaps we could discuss our family in greater detail after my people are situated. I want to hear all about your delightful daughter.”
Karin Vieth had hid her daughter away, only to deploy the girl at the right moment to lure Aidon into an alliance. It was as if the daughter had been created for that entire purpose.
“The newlyweds are swimming in happiness. You will see at the breakfast tomorrow.”
“I can’t wait.”
“You don’t sound that enthused.”
I pat my mouth as if covering a yawn. “I’m fatigued, and that is the only reason that I’m not conveying the full scope of my delight. Tomorrow I promise you will see a different man.”
At that, Zero starts to move which means we all move. Karin has to either step away or be mowed over. Irritation flashes across her face and then calculation. I guess I’ll be paying for this perceived slight in some way.
“Be steady,” I say quietly to Zero, remembering how the woman downstairs had affected my man.
“Yessir.” His neck pinkens.
Well, shit. Am I going to have to send Zero home? The staff file into their own rooms, leaving me with the bodyguards, my chef, and my butler. Two bodyguards remain outside while the other two enter the room, sweeping it again.
“Everything’s clear,” the head announces to Zero. They then melt away, presumably to guard the entrances. The chef takes my order for food while the butler lays out my shaving kit and evening clothes.
“Will you be having guests tonight?” Parker asks.
“No. I’ll shower, have my meal, and review some paperwork. I’d like to see the floor plans of the Palace and review the security detail. Do you have the guest list?”
Zero nods.
“Perfect.” I roll up my sleeves. “Let’s get to work. I want to plant a spy here.”
“Do you think that they’re planning something against you?” Parker asks in an offended tone.
“Maybe? Let’s be on the alert.” I draw Zero aside. “Do I have any reason to be concerned?”
His face turns to stone. “No, sir.”
“Okay. I mean, there’s nothing wrong in admitting you’ve encountered an enemy that poses a threat to you. After all, it took less than a week for Aidon to fall into the hands of Vieth.” I clasp Zero’s shoulder. “If you need to go, there’s no shame in that. After all, that’s what these Vieth Orphans are trained to do. Bring men to their knees.”
Chapter Four Mackenzie
“I can’t breathe.” It’s bad enough the contraption she has me wearing to try on these dresses is trying to suck the life out of me. Never mind how fitted the dresses are on top of that.
“That’s the point,” Jewels says through laughter. I don’t know how they wear this stuff all the time. They make it look easy.
“There is no way I’m going to be able to wear this all night.” Jewels huffs out a breath but unzips me. The relief is instant. “I think this is a sign that I shouldn't go.”
“You’re going.” Paulina jumps in, grabbing another dress for me to try on. This one is covered in diamonds at the top, the bottom flaring out all the way to the ground. I might be able to get away with not wearing heels in this one. It’s a stunning yellow that reminds me of summer.
I let the other dress drop to the floor, taking the next one. The problem is I’m a little thicker than the rest of the girls. I’m not sure I’m going to be able to fit into anything of theirs. No matter how much they try to stuff me into one of them. I step into the dress, pulling it up. I have to give a small wiggle to get it over my hips.
“Wow,” both Jewels and Paulina say at the same time.
“That looks good against your skin. You’re glowing,” Paulina says.
“Some girls have all the luck. That’s not even a spray tan, and she never goes outside. How is she so golden?” Jewels pretends to be annoyed. I really think she’s trying to make me feel good about this. Besides, I don’t know what she’s talking about. Jewels is a knockout. She is the one that has all the luck.
Paulina zips the back up for me, and I’m happy to report that I can still breathe. I turn to look in the full-length mirror at myself. I do look like I’m glowing. I spin around, making the dress flare out for a moment. I don’t think I’ve ever looked this beautiful before.
“I feel like a princess.” I’m actually getting excited about the ball now. I move my hips, letting the dress sway back and forth. I think I might even look sexy.
“We’re queens, girl.” Paulina bumps her shoulder with mine. “So we have a winner.” She unzips me so I can step out of the dress, and hangs it back up. “We’re also going to do your hair and makeup.
