Page 37 of House of Blood and Roses: Vol. 2

My heart swells several times at the suggestion. It's not just that he cares about me, but that he cares for the things that make me happy too. It's a contrast to the world I used to know, even if I'm not fully ready to admit that out loud. I can barely think it to myself.

"I should go back before breakfast," I say. "Otherwise there'll be too many questions I'm not quite ready to answer."

"Fair enough," he responds. "But we still have an hour or so before then. You could stay longer."

"Good, because I have plans." I move closer in the bed, pushing my body against his and feeling him respond almost immediately.

"I like the sound of that," he murmurs.

I lean in and capture his lips with mine, kissing him deeply and trying to convey all of the things I'm feeling to him. I know I've said them out loud, but that isn't the same as this.

And I want him to know how I feel in every way possible.

SEVENTEEN

There's a part of me that's particularly nervous about returning to the House Rothorne apartments wearing the same dress as last night. Though thanks to the royal staff, and the fact it's only a day dress I'm wearing, no one outside of those who saw me yesterday and took note of my dress should be able to tell.

Of course, that will mean nothing when the servants working for the royal family start to gossip, but I knew that was a risk when I went there, and even more so when I stayed the night.

The bell rings as I open the door and I grimace, expecting everyone to pour out of their rooms immediately and start asking me questions about where I've been.

"My Lady," Jemima says as she appears.

"I need to change before breakfast," I say needlessly.

"Of course, Lady Beatrice." She falls in step behind me. It's strange to have her following me around, especially when I know that a few months ago I was even lower in station than she was.

I try to ignore that train of thought. There's no point in dwelling on what could have been, or what things were like. The best I can do is to make sure that I treat Jemima well and with the respect she deserves.

Pip jumps off the bed the moment I step into the bedroom and I lean down to scratch her.

"Have you been a good girl?" I ask.

She wiggles her tail happily.

"I had one of the servants take her on a walk last night, My Lady," Jemima says.

"Thank you, I appreciate it. I'm sorry that I didn't give you more warning that I would be out last night." I gesture for Pip to go back onto the bed and she jumps up easily, flopping down and looking like she'll be back asleep within a few moments.

"It's not a problem, My Lady." She pauses for a moment, and I can tell there's more she wants to say. "One of the other servants spoke about what happened with Lord Bastian and Prince Lincoln."

I grimace. "I see."

"I assumed that you were with the Prince."

"I was." I see no harm in admitting it, not when it's fairly obvious where I was.

Jemima nods and goes behind me to undo the laces of my dress. "He's a good match for you, My Lady."

"He is," I agree, a little in a daze over the turn of events.

"Not just because of his status. I know it's bold of me to say as much, but the staff were talking about how he talked to Lord Bastian about you."

I swallow hard. "They were?"

"It made me a lot less nervous about moving to the royal apartments, My Lady."

"I'm glad." I hadn't really thought about the fact it could be a stressful experience for her to come with me, and I should have. Next time a situation like this arises, I'll do better at making sure the staff are happy.