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“Splendid. Please lead the way.”

Rather than being led to the main ballroom, she was taken down a long, wide hallway, filled with people of the king’s court already chatting away. They were acting merrily, but she noticed their gazes peek at her when she walked past.

She didn’t feel the need to lift her chin. She didn’t want to seem like she was snubbing them, but she did carry a firmness in her shoulders.

There were large windows to the left, while the doors to a few rooms were open to her right, allowing her the opportunity to peek in as they passed. More people were littered inside of them.

Valerie was taken to a large room with an assortment of seating. Women sat with their husbands at a large round table, conversing with each other and laughing. Lounges allowed those seated to speak with those on the floor, or to those standing close by.

From the corner of her eye, she could see Vermont speaking with a small group of men on the balcony.As much as I want to keep an eye on him, it does not seem I will be able to.

“Perhaps you were wise in your decision to not wear blue, Lady Cecily.” Victoria giggled from beside her.

Charlotte was wearing a bright blue dress, while a ribbon of similar colour tied most of her hair back. Savannah had opted for a brown dress, but the fascinator hat and gloves she wore were blue. Wyetta wasn’t as obvious, but she wore a blue ribbon around her throat and waist.

“I wonder if he will appreciate the colour once these two weeks are over,” Valerie whispered, keeping her face straight.

“That is quite funny! I surely doubt it.” Victoria’s laughter gained them attention.

“Ah, Lady Cecily, we have been awaiting your arrival,” King Bradwick said from his seat in front of the ladies.

“My apologies, your Highness.” She gave a small curtsey as she approached. Victoria fell back to no longer be a part of the conversation but remained close by. “When I retired to my room last night, I was so tired from my travels that I did not think to unpack.”

His blond hair was tied over his shoulder again, but today’s attire was black with golden stitching and red felt buttons.

“Understandable.” His brown eyes lit up when he grinned. He tapped the arms of his chair. “Well, now that you are here, we may start the day.”

It was only when he leapt to his feet and stepped forward that she noticed his guard moved in reaction, wanting to follow the king.

The suit he wore was dark navy, but she thought it was strange that a simple guard would wear something so extravagant. Although there was a stitched design, the twelve buttons on this coat were attached to chains that ran around his body and fastened at the back.

He was wearing clothing like a lord, and he would likely have needed assistance to be dressed. It didn’t match the worn sword belt and scabbard he wore around his hips.

She still didn’t know his name, and she wasn’t interested in discovering it.

“Come, ladies,” Bradwick demanded, while offering each of his arms. “Let us walk around the palace and get to know each other, shall we?”

The three women leapt for his arms, making him chuckle. Wyetta had been lucky enough that she was the closest to his left side and managed to thread her arm through his. Charlotte elbowed poor Savannah out of the way when they both launched for the other.

Valerie patiently waited for the embarrassing show to be over, her hands clasped in front of her waist.

Upset, Savannah walked away from the brown-haired woman to link arms with Wyetta, which meant... She tried not to crinkle her nose and was thankful she’d managed to stop herself.I will have to walk with Charlotte.

Geryon walked behind King Bradwick and the four women, listening to them and the people they walked past.

Each of the noblewomen were taking a turn answering the questions asked by Bradwick. Although the conversation was underwhelming, he was following because this is what he always did inside the palace – when he could be bothered.

He was either protecting the king, or he trusted he would be safe while he spent valuable time by himself. With people he didn’t know in the palace, Geryon felt more comfortable remaining by his side for now.

“How can you possibly enjoy winter over the other seasons?” Bradwick laughed, shaking his head like he found that bizarre. “I can think of nothing worse than freezing snow. I would much prefer to be warm, so I do not have to worry about having fire, or if I accidentally leave my coat somewhere.”

“It is far easier to warm up than to cool down,” Cecily answered. “I would much rather seek heat than be desperate to escape it.”

“Come now, ladies, you must disagree.”

“I much prefer spring,” answered Savannah.

Charlotte had already agreed with Bradwick about summer being the best season – she agreed with everything he said.