Chapter 35 Escorted Out

Chapter 35 Escorted Out
Not wanting to be one of the first to arrive, she waited in her room. It was almost time for the last meal when she finally emerged. 

Sapphira escorted Lucy even though she knew the way. She liked not having to walk through the palace alone, never knowing what lurked behind every corner. 

Most of the guests had already arrived, a sea of faces that Lucy was beginning to recognize more and more. 

Caen was not there, and Lucy socialized with the vampires. She made a point to speak with them away from Bethias, as she would hate them to think she was hiding behind her. 

To her annoyance, lord Hamus, Lady Calenda, and Lady Jasmine made an appearance. The trio flounced into the grand dining hall with their head held high. Their clothes could easily cost a small fortune, making Lucy wonder how much money the vampires actually had. Each meal was a new dress and new jewels. 

They took no notice of Lucy or the Duke, opting instead to converse only with other vampires. 

It would be hard for Lucy to gain their respect, although she didn't necessarily want it. Even if she wed Caen, she doubted their opinion of her would likely change. 

Their attitude was one she knew well, thanks to her stepmother, and something she wished to avoid. Without saying it, she knew they believed themselves to be superior. 

When Caen arrived, the nobility snapped into place. Their relaxed stances had given way to focus as they calculated their next move. 

He walked in, not sparing anyone a glance as he went straight to his seat. As he stood in front of his chair, allowing the others to gather to their seats, his eye caught Lucy’s as he sat down. 

Still, he was dressed in plain clothes while the court sparkled with their jewels. 

It felt like a victory for Lucy as Lord Hamus, whose spot was near the king, tried to engage in conversation. The king only offered gruff, short responses of disinterest. Not even meeting his eye. 

“Thank you for allowing us to join you this evening,” Lady Calenda said, trying to draw the king’s attention after he ignored her husband. 

“You’re welcome,” He said flatly as the first course was served.

Lady Calenda was not giving up yet. “It is nice that Jasmine was able to come with us. I do enjoy her getting to see the palace.” Her voice was loud, allowing Lucy the ability to hear what she was saying as if she were making an announcement. 

The king did not bother with a response and instead turned to another Lord to speak on other matters that Lucy could not hear. 

Lucy was not blind to what was happening before her, but she wondered why such a bold move was being made when the king was betrothed. A betrothal of his own choice, as he had sent the messenger. 

As she looked around, she began to wonder who was in charge of the seating, as the king was at the very end, and she was in the middle. Not too far from as he was sight but definitely not close, and any conversation would create the need for her to raise her voice. 

Bethias had been seated a few chairs down; however, Lucy was sitting next to Aquila, who was a friendly face. That could have been her personality or her respect for Bethias, which led her to follow her lead. Either way, Lucy did not question it. 

Aquila engaged in friendly conversation with Lucy and explained each dish as it came out. Some she already knew but listened anyway, thankful for her explanation. 

Some of the nobles around her asked her about her journey and her home in Osteyria, but it was just polite conversation. 

Throughout the meal, Lucy made an effort to observe how everything was done, from the way the food was served to the table's decoration. 

The crystal sparkled in the night. She knew it was different from others that had been used and well as the flatware that had been shined to perfection. She looked at how it was placed on the table. Each piece serves a purpose.

Her knowledge on such matters was limited, as she dreaded the lessons with her stepmother or her lady's maid. Everyone’s name had been written in perfect script and placed at each of their seats. 

Every night had been different, different arrangements, dishes, and decorations. There was a lot for her to learn if she wished not to make a fool of herself. 

It required all of her attention, leaving her none to think or look at the king. As the meal drew to a close, she expected Caen to leave immediately, but instead she found him speaking with Arlo, who was seated next to him. 

The table had been cleared, but he still sat. The guests could not contain their surprise. She wondered what it was that Arlo could be saying that had him so engaged. 

Her hearing was not near that of the vampires, but it looked as if Jasmine tried injecting herself into the conversation. The king kept his eyes fixed on his cousin, paying her or her family no mind. 

When the king did ride, the rest of the table did as well. He walked towards the door but stopped and turned, holding out his arm. “Lady Lucinda?”

Without hesitation, Lucy crossed the room, wrapping her arm around him and allowing herself to be led from the room. 

“As your betrothed, I thought I might escort you tonight,” he said before adding, “I wouldn’t want any delinquents roaming about to bother you.”

He said it in a mischievous way that reminded her of Arlo. Perhaps there was a family resemblance after all. 

“Thank you for your concern, your majesty,” Lucy said, looking down as she smiled. 

At her chambers, he untwined their arms and kissed the back of her hand before bidding her a goodnight. 

“You don’t look bad,” he said over his shoulder as he walked away. “Sweeet dreams, kitty” 

She stood there speechless for a moment before remembering herself and walking into her chambers. 

Getting ready for bed, Lucy just replayed the moment over and over again in her mind. She mechanically stepped out of the dress when prompted. In her bath, she sat there till the water turned cold, and she had forgotten to bathe. 

Perhaps he was making an effort, maybe even suggesting they could be friends. It was a possibility she did not want to allow herself. 

Once in her nightgown, she dismissed the maids as she mumbled her thanks, slipping beneath the sheets to sleep.