Page 15 of House of Blood and Roses: Vol. 2

"I think Luca is fine," he responds. "Considering what you know about me."

"Something I intend to keep to myself," I assure him.

"I know, Marcus told me. He also said that you're the reason House Vermatchi got an invitation this evening." He spins me under his arm.

"I wasn't aware he knew that." Or that Linc had seemed it worth telling Marcus.

"It seems the brothers we've come to care about share a lot about their secrets," Luca says. "Perhaps that makes us friends, of sorts." He moves us past several of the other dancers with ease. His extra years at court no doubt helping with his dance abilities.

"At the very least allies," I respond.

"You've proved a worthy one so far, Lady Beatrice."

"It should be Beatrice if I'm to call you Luca," I respond. "If we're to be friends, then we should act like it."

He nods. "Well, I should thank you. My father is pleased that we got an invitation this evening. House Rothorne is very influential."

The dance comes to an end and I step back, dipping into another curtsy. "Enjoy the rest of the ball," I say.

"And you." He dips his head and leaves me, disappearing over to where Marcus is talking with a woman I don't know.

I look around, searching for Linc, but he doesn't seem to be here yet. I can't help but be disappointed, I want to spend as much time as I can with him this evening. Thankfully, my gaze does land on a familiar face, and I make my way over to Emilia at the refreshments table.

With our etiquette classes no longer as frequent, I don't get to spend as much time with her as I'd like and I should change that. Though I suppose it will be changing once I'm married and she takes up her position as one of my ladies-in-waiting.

"Beatrice," she says brightly when she sees me approach.

"I'm glad you could come," I say.

"Oh, Father is delighted by the invitation. And that you've asked me to become a lady-in-waiting. He really thinks it will help improve my social standing. And that of House Hexamble in general."

"I'm glad to hear it." I should ask Marcus to dance with her at some point. The attention of a prince should also help, even if I know he's not going to be interested in her.

"And it's a beautiful ball."

"It is," I agree. Lord Fallmartin has outdone himself. There are several centrepieces featuring real roses displayed in an impressive display. And the food looks like art rather than anything to actually be eaten. If he's trying to show off House Rothorne, he's managed perfectly.

"What are you doing here?" a snide voice asks.

I turn around to find Lady Harriet and her friends approaching. Perhaps I should have given my father a list of people who I didn't want to invite, she would be at the top of the list. As would some of the other women from etiquette classes, but Lady Harriet is the worst.

"It's my birthday ball," I respond evenly, making sure none of my thoughts show on my face. "Why wouldn't I be here?"

"I wasn't talking to you," Harriet says, looking past me to Emilia. "What are you doing here?"

I stand up straighter. "Lady Emilia is my invited guest and my future lady-in-waiting," I respond. "You will treat her with the respect due to her."

"You picked her?" Harriet demands. "You should have chosen someone from a far more superior House."

"Like yours?" Emilia asks. "Didn't your brother just cause a huge scandal by trying to have your father assassinated?"

I try not to react, but I'm honestly shocked by Emilia's revelation, especially because she's normally more reserved than that.

Horror flashes over Harriet's face, presumably at the surprise of having her House's dirty laundry aired in front of her friends. "I don't know what you're talking about."

Emilia just smiles at her, not saying another word.

"Enjoy the rest of the ball, Lady Harriet," I say, turning and taking hold of my friend's arm and guiding her away. "How did you know that?"