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“Sharp of mind as well as tongue,” he answered truthfully.

“Is she funny? She appeared to be when I spoke with her, and I do so love that in a person.”

“The conversation did not allow me to know.” Geryon never called him by his title or spoke formally, like everyone else was forced to. He couldn’t remember if the words ‘your Highness’ had ever fallen from his mouth.

There was a silence between them. The men at his feet began to pull apart her looks. They were studying both the negative and positive aspects of her face and body.

Geryon crinkled his nose at the turn of the conversation and ignored them. Instead, he brought his gaze forward to sweep over the court.

That’s when he connected eyes with Cecily, and she blatantly held his. Surprised that she would, he raised his brow and folded his arms, expecting her to avert her gaze.

She didn’t.She has the nerve to stare me down?He couldn’t believe the audacity, even more so when she further deepened it by narrowing her eyes.

This woman is dangerous.Not to the king, but to a man like him. He ran his tongue behind his lips before tonguing the point of a human canine tooth.

Her look had been a warning, but he saw it as an invitation to cause mischief. He didn’t like being told what to do, and it was unfortunate he couldn’t cross any boundaries with her.

She could potentially become the queen consort.

“I am not surprised she hates you already.” Bradwick snorted. “How do you manage to make everyone dislike you without ever needing to speak to them?”

Geryon chuckled, turning his head down to him since he was being spoken to. “They sense I am hazardous without understanding why they feel that way.”

His eyes fell back to the woman, expecting to find her joyfully dancing with her uncle.

He almost growled when he realised the same gaze she had just given him, she also gave to other men around the room. He didn’t like that what he saw as an invitation was given so freely to others.

She refused to look at him for the remainder of the evening.

Valerie separated from Vermont so he could lead them back to her pillar once the other ladies disappeared. He left to grab her a drink at her request and eventually returned with two women in tow.

“Cecily, I would like to introduce you to Countess Nicole of house Celoncrea, and Baroness Victoria of house Ashwold.” They all bowed lightly in greeting to each other. “Nicole and I have discussed it quickly, and Cecily, my dear, Victoria will be your lady-in-waiting while you are within the palace walls.”

What is a lady-in-waiting?Valerie tried not to show her lack of understanding.

“Each of the invited nobles was assigned a court assistant,” Nicole said. “We were not sure if all of you would turn up, but King Bradwick made sure we were prepared.”

“Of course. I expected the head of the house for the king would be so organised,” Valerie answered smoothly.

“Thank you, I do try.” She leaned forward to cover her mouth as she whispered, “The fact that he has finally decided to marry means I won’t have to do so much. I can finally relax.” Her smile was warm and genuine behind her hazelnut hair and blue eyes. “Now, if you will excuse me, the evening grows late, and I must take my drunken husband from the room before he embarrasses me.”

Nicole departed, leaving Victoria behind, who stood clasping her hands together like she was awaiting something.

Valerie was interested in the countess, considering her current path. She was making a steady beeline straight to the king and the men at his feet.

She curtsied for Bradwick before she crooked her finger at one of the men, who gave a roll of his eyes. The man who had been sitting closest to him on the floor got to his feet with a huff.

“You wish to dance, dove?” he said with obvious cheer, boisterous enough that even Valerie could hear him.

Nicole gave a shake of her head, but he grabbed her hand and forcefully spun her around. His hold on her was tight as they began to waltz. He drunkenly stumbled over his own feet, but she indeed laughed, letting her head fall back.

Court is not as serious as I thought it would be.She’d always been told functions such as these were boring and proper.Perhaps only for those who are not a permanent part of the court.

“Uncle, the hour is late, and I wish to retire to my room.”

“Yes, my lady,” Baroness Victoria answered instead. “We have already arranged for your chests to be brought up to the room, and I am happy to escort you if you are ready.”

“Are you ready to retire yourself, my Lord?” a male said as he stepped into Valerie’s view.