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Enjoy Lady Wyetta, your Highness.

Valerie was one of the first people to attend court in the morning.

Already, news about Wyetta was beginning to circulate, and Valerie was thankful any mention of her possibly being in the king’s bedchamber was being corrected.

When she didn’t see Wyetta, unsure when she would attend since she may have been awake rather late, Valerie decided to start exploring the other half of the second level.Today may be my last day to have such freedom.

King Bradwick was taking a break from the ladies to perform his royal duties for a day. She figured he’d been putting them off until he had spent personal time with each of them.

Valerie had the day to herself, and with how complicated the second floor was, it meant she could get as lost as she pleased – as long as she attended the dinner.

She had just stepped onto the second floor when she saw a certain dazzling guard coming from the direction she was heading.

She bowed her head in greeting, since she was feeling cheery this morning. “Good morning, Lord Geryon.”

“Morning,” he huffed, his narrowed eyes finding anywhere else to look but her. “How was your night?” She couldn’t help noticing the sneer in his words.

“It was rather enjoyable,” she answered with a small, cruel smile. “Have you not seen King Bradwick yet?”

His nose crinkled in obvious distaste. “No, I did not rise and approach him early this morning, unsure if I would appreciate what debauchery I would find.”

She came to the realisation that he was not aware of the true details of the events of the evening. She hadn’t appreciated the tone, nor the disgusted hint to it. He also was no longer wearing her earring proudly, and she was disappointed.

Valerie may understand that he was feeling a certain way because he believed a certain thing, but it didn’t permit him to treat her so coarsely. He had no proof she’d gone to bed with Bradwick, nor had he spoken to the man to have such a confirmation.Nor has he asked me.

She’d told him she wasn’t interested in the king.He should not have thought the worst of me.

“I am sure King Bradwick will have a joyful tale to tell you.” His eyes widened at her brazen words, taking deep offense to them. His bottom jaw even lowered slightly in shock. “Your impolite and insolent tone has been noted, Lord Geryon. I hope you do not come to regret your words, for they can have a lasting effect.” She gave him a bow before she started to walk away. “Enjoy your day.”

Valerie didn’t even care to turn her head back to know if she wounded him or not.

She pursed her lips together with agitation. It was only now that he deeply upset her to the point where she sincerely no longer wanted to see him again, she knew how badly she had wanted to.I will not allow a man to treat me in this manner and then reward them with my body.

During dinner, she’d grown excited at the idea of him touching her again. Instead, now the word ‘no’ sat at the tip of her tongue.

Valerie searched the confusing second level.I think I am starting to recognise the pattern.Everything on this floor was built in a specific gridlock pattern. There were four living areas only accessible from the bottom floor that held the four ladies and their dukes, whether they be uncle or father.

The second floor had to compensate for them and house the rest of court. The way it was designed created the largest spaces for rooms while having small hallways. They were split so rooms and apartments were not side by side, giving them some privacy.

“Good morning, Lady Cecily.” A cheery, masculine voice said from behind her. “You appear to be lost again.”

“Baron Daerk.” She turned and nodded in greeting.

Baron Daerk was a tall, dark, and very handsome man. He had a charm about him she had witnessed make most woman blush or run an appraising eye over him. He was an easy conversationalist and attracted both men and women to his side.

Valerie hadn’t minded speaking with him in the past in a large group. However, she’d never been alone with him before.

“No, I believe I have started to decipher the walls,” she continued.

“Surely not,” he laughed. “Please, allow me to accompany you. It would be dreadful if you were not to attend dinner again. I doubt King Bradwick will tolerate it a second time.”

Valerie eyed Baron Daerk. He’d been a nice enough gentleman to her in the very few times she spoke with him. She also didn’t mind his wife, a quiet yet sweet woman.

“I assure you, I am quite fine on my own. I appreciate the care, though. Your chivalry has been seen.”

“Come now, Lady Cecily.” He gave her a large smile. “I will walk with you.”

He placed his hand on her lower back. Her eyes darted down his body as he gently pushed her along. He always carried a sword, which she’d only seen a handful of men do so in court. She knew he was a war official, someone who would help guide the king should a war begin, or if he wished to incite one.