Page 98 of House of Blood and Roses: Vol. 2

My father takes a seat opposite us, a serious expression on his face. "Of sorts, though it is House Rothorne business that I'm here for."

"Thomas?" I ask.

He nods once, not even looking slightly uncomfortable. I have to wonder if he truly is as unflappable as he seems, or if he's spent years perfecting his front so that he can appear that way. I have to assume the latter, and if that's the case, then it is good news for me. I can learn how to replicate it for myself if so. I would much rather people not be aware of my thoughts the moment they tell me something.

"Once the ball and your wedding festivities are over, I will let it be known that Lord Vermouten is dead."

"I see."

"Do you?" There's no accusation in his tone. He genuinely wants to know if I've worked out his reasoning for the timing.

"You don't want the risk of showing that House Rothorne can be divided while everyone is still focused on my marriage into the royal family," I say.

He nods. "The timing is unfortunate."

"Especially for Thomas," I say pointedly.

"Do not think I don't regret his passing, Beatrice," Lord Fallmartin says firmly. "Lord Vermouten was someone I had great respect for, and was a keen ally of House Rothorne."

"Even though they're a lesser House?" I ask.

"Never underestimate the power of lesser Houses," he responds. "Something I'm positive you've already understood."

I look down, before fully realising that he's complimenting me.

"You can't rely on a lesser House as your only ally, but combined, their power can match a more powerful one. If dealt with correctly," he says.

"So how do we deal with House Vermouten to ensure we don't lose their support?" I ask.

"Now that is the right question to be asking. It will start with knowing that it is best for no one to know about the circumstances around Lord Vermouten's death. The only people who should know are the three of us, and Bastian himself."

"What about Lady Isabella?" Linc asks.

"I believe it's best that the truth of the situation is kept from Bella," Lord Fallmartin says.

"He was her husband," I protest. "She deserves to know."

"I can understand the sentiment, Beatrice, and I can understand why you don't wish to keep this from her, but that is precisely why you must."

I purse my lips. On the one hand, I can see what he's saying. Bella isn't exactly rational at the moment, and that means that her learning the extent of Bastian's involvement is probably against our best interests. But her emotions are important too. She loved Thomas even if she said she wasn't in love with him. If something happened to Linc, I'd want to know the truth, even if it hurt, and I've been with him for a lot less time than Bella has been with Thomas.

"I can tell you don't agree with me," Lord Fallmartin says. "But I am asking you to trust me, Beatrice. I am saying this for everyone's good, including your brother's."

I nod curtly, though I'm still not entirely sure how I feel about the situation. It doesn't feel right to be keeping secrets from Bella, but I also don't want to cause her distress. Or find out what she'll do to Bastian in retaliation.

"Once the ball tomorrow night has passed, I'll announce it. From then on, Bella should be introduced as Lady Isabella Fallmartin of House Rothorne," he instructs.

"Understood." At least that confirms what I've been doing by continuing to introduce her as Lady Vermouten as correct.

"Once we have done that, I shall arrange a funeral, which shall have a banquet for Lord Vermouten. The two of you should be guests of honour."

"Thus showing that House Rothorne values House Vermouten," I say.

Lord Fallmartin nods.

"Will the new Lord Vermouten be there for the banquet?" Linc asks.

"That is unclear. They will be informed of Lord Vermouten's passing. Whether they will attend the banquet is another matter."