Page 91 of House of Blood and Roses: Vol. 2

Surprise flits over her face. "I'm sure there are many reasons for Lord Fallmartin's choices."

"He chose you because of your past," I respond. "And your training."

She covers her surprise better this time and manages to nod.

"I'd like you to teach me how to defend myself," I say, touching the dagger at my waist again. "I know that's not what Lord Fallmartin would ask of you, but it is something I would appreciate." I look over to the door where the guards are stationed. I'm sure as my position in the royal family becomes more stable, I'll be assigned a bodyguard serving House Soveguine, but as Lord Fallmartin rightly told me, they would always serve the royal family over me.

"If that is what you wish of me," Lady Wentworth says.

"It is," I respond. "Would tomorrow afternoon work for you?"

"Of course, Your Highness."

I smile. "I shall let you know where." I nod my head and start to turn away.

"What would you wish Lord Fallmartin to know about this?" she asks, all but confirming that she isn't just tasked with protecting me, but also with reporting back to my father. As I suspected.

"Whatever you wish to tell him," I respond. I don't see there being any harm in him knowing that I'm learning to defend myself. It's likely something he would approve of. "Though I would appreciate it if you did keep this between ourselves for the most part."

"Of course, Your Highness."

I smile and the two of us part ways. Bella gives me a curious look as I approach.

"Just keeping myself safe," I say to her unspoken question.

"By speaking to Lady Wentworth?" she asks.

"By speaking to the former Lady Sariah Dagworth," I respond, watching Bella's face to see if she knows the truth about House Dagworth.

"Is an assassin safe?" she whispers.

"About as safe as anyone at court, I would imagine."

She makes an affirmative noise.

"You can come with me tomorrow and find out, if you'd like."

"All right, but partly because I think you need someone with you in case you're making some kind of mistake."

"I appreciate that."

"You should," she responds.

I catch sight of Lady Emilia behind her and gesture for her to join us too.

Bella groans. "What are you doing now?"

"More ensuring my safety," I respond.

She gives me a curious look, but I don't respond to it as Emilia appears.

"Your Highness," she says as she dips into a curtsy.

"Have you met Lady Vermouten?" I ask, grimacing at calling her that when I know it's not true, but until Lord Fallmartin tells us that it should be known that Thomas has died. I'm not sure why it's up to him, but Bella doesn't seem to be fighting him on it.

Emilia dips into a curtsy and greets her.

"This is Lady Emilia Hexamble," I say to Bella. "I was wondering if you'd heard any whispers about a few things," I say to my friend.