Chapter 34 The King as a Child
Chapter 34 The King as a Child
It was not long after Lucy arrived back at her chambers that Sapphira appeared with a pile of books in her arms. “Where would you like them, my lady?” She asked.
Lucy did not know how she had managed to open the door. “On the desk is fine.”
The vampire effortlessly set them down as Lucy began to thumb through the titles.
Some of the books contained maps, while others featured lineages.
She picked up one that was promising, finding her reading chair, she settled in. Patricia brought her tea to sip on while she read.
As the night passed, she opted again to stay in her chambers, not wanting to engage in small talk. Her mind was tired, and she did not feel like keeping up with the mental gymnastics that would be required for a meal with the vampires.
The next day, they continued their lessons. Expecting to discuss landscape or food, Lucy was surprised by Bethias’ announcement.
“Today, we shall focus on court life, such as etiquette and expectations. While no one has complained about your absence yet, they will eventually. It will be expected that you are present after you wed.” Bethias gave her a pointed look, almost like that of a governess scolding a child.
Lucy wanted to groan. Did the vampires really care if she was there or not?
As if Bethias could read her mind, she continued, “If it were not an expectation, then we would never see the king.”
“Does the king prefer to eat alone?” Lucy wondered aloud, thinking about how he always seemed to wish he were anywhere but at the dining table.
“The king prefers to be left alone. He has been that way since he was a child.” The vampire clarified. It was a statement as if it were a known fact. Based on the king’s demeanor at court, Lucy guessed it was well known.
“Did you know him as a child?” She wanted to know more about Caen; he was such a mystery to her in the way he behaved.
Bethias looked away as if she were looking into the past. “Yes, his mother and I were good friends.”
“What was he like?” Hoping that changing the subject back to Caen would help her not dwell on the loss of her friend. Lucy understood that the loss of someone dear was a wound that could not easily be healed.
It seemed to work, as Bethias looked back at her and smiled, as if she had remembered a happy thought. “A lot like he is now, but not so much of a bad temper. He was very adventurous, always wanting to explore. That could be why he loathed palace life as he does.”
Lucy let out a laugh. “I don’t imagine patience is his strong suit.”
Bethias echoed her, “I think you’re right.” A smile played on her lips as her eyes looked as if they were thinking back to a time long ago.
Lucy knew Bethias had a daughter who was no longer with her. She did not want to add the despair that no doubt weighed on the vampire’s heart, so she tried to steer clear of the subject entirely.
The two turned back to the subject at hand. Lucy took detailed notes, hoping not to forget the protocol and what it will be once she weds.
She learned the proper times to curtsy and when she would need to curtsy towards the appropriate ways to address the nobility.
They were working on learning the noble houses when the midnight bell chimed.
The midnight meal was the usual. The king arrived last and left as soon as he was done. Arlo and Ethaniel entertained Lucy with tales of their activities throughout the meal.
Bethias tried to scold them for their mischief, but would often find herself laughing.
Lucy locked herself away in her chambers to continue her reading. She studied the notes from the day’s lesson, hoping to practice them at the last meal.
The midnight meal had far fewer guests than the last meal, as many nobles would travel in from the capital to dine with the king.
Bethias had explained it to Lucy that day. It would be her duty to organize such events after she was wed. Since the king had no interest in such matters, the task fell to either the highest-ranking nobles or the highest-ranking servant, the butler. The butler handled the day-to-day meals, but events, such as Lucy’s arrival, were handled by Bethias or another vampire.
It made Lucy nervous to think about being in charge and organizing such affairs. Bethias promised to take her with the butler the next day and explain every step.
There were also political aspects, such as not serving Lord Garrick wine from Lord Japhar's estate, as the two did not get along. Her first real test of ability would be her own wedding.
They could not wait to begin preparations as the messengers would be back before she knew it. Once the treaty was official, the wedding would take place as a symbol.
Lucy could not focus on reading as her worry overtook her. She set aside the book and began to pace the room. Her fears crept forward. Unable to take it any longer, she threw open the balcony doors, allowing herself to breathe.
She missed her old tree, which would greet her like a warm hug in times like these, when she did not know if she could handle the life that had been bestowed upon her.
A deep breath in and a deep breath out. She allowed her lungs to fill with the crisp night air.
She focused on the sight below. Her chambers were high up, giving her an advantage of being able to see.
It was hard to see the city life, but she could see the stars. She stared at them and pretended she was back at the manor.
When she felt calm enough, she returned inside. It was time for her to begin getting ready. Patricia would be there soon.
While she was waiting, she explored her wardrobe looking for what to wear. Some of the dresses were gifts from the king, while others were from her stepmother. Both were impeccable.
She opted for a black gown with gold embroidery along the bodice. Pulling it out, she set it over a chair for Patricia to help her later.
Once the maid arrived, they made quick work of pinning her hair up with gold adornments and slipping her into her dress. Sapphira came as they were finishing up, giving her a look over to see if anything was out of place. Except for a few hairs, nothing was missed.
With uncomfortable shoes on, Lucy was ready to go.