Chapter 37 Three Days
Chapter 37 Three Days
The butler bowed to Bethias as he accepted the paper back, but Bethias did not spare him a glance. Her displeasure was evident, and the butler looked incredibly nervous because of it.
It seemed to Lucy that Bathias definitely out-ranked Lady Calenda.
Ignoring the butler, Bethias picked up pieces of crystal and passed them to Lucy, explaining the origins of each. Different techniques were required to make other pieces. Lucy did her best to remember, making notes along the way.
“We will come back again so you can practice some more,” Bethias told her, sensing her becoming overwhelmed.
Bethias took a turn in the room. “We will begin wedding preparations at once, Jetsun, so begin preparing samples.”
“Of course, My lady, when would you like those done?” The butler took a step in the direction the vampire had gone.
“Why are you asking me? It is Lady Lucinda’s wedding.” Bethias said, staring at the butler with perplexity.
The butler almost sputtered, but turned towards Lucy, “My lady, when would you like those prepared?”
Lucy straightened, not expecting to be brought into the conversation, and she voided her face of any emotion. “Three days, if that is an adequate "mount for you.”
“It will be done.” The butler said.
She could tell by the set in his jaw that he did not relish serving a human, but there was nothing he could do about it.
“After the wedding, Lady Lucinda will take over all meal preparations. There will be no more ladies of court overseeing it.” Bethias announced.
“Yes, my lady,” The butler said, unable to meet her eyes as if he were a puppy being scolded.
Before leaving, Lucy stopped by Regisus, informing him that in three days' time, they would like samples prepared for the wedding. The chef reported that it was no problem at all.
She smiled at him, thankful that he seemed not to mind her presence. He promised that the last meal would be especially delicious. Based on the smells emanating from the kitchen, she did not doubt him.
He sent them on their way with little pastries that were flaky to perfection and filled with something sweet.
On their way out, Bethias pointed towards the servants' quarters. “Your maid’s room is down that hall?” Bethias said.
They did not wish to intrude on the servant's private area, so they did not venture in, but Bethias pointed out the area.
She showed her the secret stairwells of the servants that allowed them to move about the castle undetected.
After leaving the servants' area, Bethias warned Lucy, “You must always be firm or else you will lose control before you know it.”
Lucy wondered how she would ever be able to make vampires submit to her. They could easily crush her.
“Yes, Lady Bethias,” She said.
“You will need to start checking in with Jetsun before meals so that he gets used to seeing your face. I will retire to my estate after the wedding.”
Lucy became sad, thinking she would lose her guidance. “Will I see you again?”
Bethias smiled, “We will visit, of course, and if you have any questions, Sapphira will be able to help you.”
The complete faith and trust in Sapphira was alarming in comforting, but it made Lucy suspect there was more to the maid than she knew.
Lucy nodded in understanding as they walked through the halls. “I will be back for the last meal,” Bethias said when they approached the front doors.
The footmen opened the doors, but Lucy could barely see into the darkness. What she could see was a carriage waiting bearing Bethias’ crest. After she climbed in, the vampire waved goodbye, and off she went.
How was she ever going to gain the vampires’ respect? Lady Calenda had already expressed her true thoughts. She doubted her marriage to the king would mean anything. Bethias seemed to think so, but Lucy doubted it.
The midnight meal was fast approaching.
Lucy did not attend the midnight meal; instead, she rested in her chambers. She took a nap since she had been on her feet since sundown.
She was too tired to eat, so the tray that had been brought to her sat untouched.
Patricia did not rouse her till it was time to get ready. Waking up in pitch-black darkness still felt strange to her.
Sapphira picked out a green dress for her to wear as she sat at her vanity, trying to wake up. As they fixed her hair and prepared her skin, Lucy was given a cup of tea to help rouse her.
By the time she was leaving her chambers, she was almost fully awake.
Lucy was one of the last ones to arrive. The king arrived shortly after, sparing Lucy a glance before taking his seat.
It seemed Bethias had been changing the seating arrangements as Lady Calenda’s family was on the opposite end of the table from the king.
What was more surprising was that Lucy was placed on the king’s left with Lord Garrick on his right. Arlo and Ethaniel were to the right of Lucy.
Bethias was playing with fire, Lucy thought. Lady Calenda was seething, and there was a high chance of a disagreement between Lord Garrick and the younger vampires. The king would need to be a peacekeeper.
“How was your day?” The king asked as the first course was served.
“It was informative. I spent the day in the kitchen and butler's pantry.”
“Oh?” He quirked an eyebrow, some of the most emotional she had seen him display, not even looking up from his food.
“I was learning how the palace operates a meal service,” Lucy told him.
He paused and thought for a second. “So did you choose the seating arrangements?”
Lucy turned beet red. “No, Lady Bethias had her hand in that.”
The king smiled at her with amusement. “I see.” He said before turning back to his food.
Throughout the meal, he asked her questions about her day. Lucy praised the chef, who was more pleased by her presence than the butler, who seemed indifferent to her.
Lord Garrick spoke to the king about matters of state and seemed surprised by the king’s interest in Lucy. Arlo and Ethaniel seemed to be on their best behavior as they did not speak to the older vampire.
The king asked Lucy how she liked every dish that was served to her. She praised the chef’s skills with each one. Caen seemed pleased by her delight.
When the meal was over, Lucy wrapped her arm through the king’s as he escorted her out of the dining room. She could not help but look back at Jasmine with a smile on her face as she stood, not pleased, next to her mother.
He walked her to her door and kissed her hand goodnight. She was unsure about this change in him, but she was starting to like it.