Elysia raised her voice loudly, “Oh, of course, Hannah, I wouldn’t dream of being a bother! I will have to come see my mother later then.”
The girl’s eyes widened, and Elysia gave a wink.
Heels pounded the floor, and the door flung open, poor Hannah barely escaping its path. Not that Georgia Parker noticed.
Her mother was wrapped in a tulle and silk concoction of black with a waist sash of red. The black and red reminded their guests she was the Crown’s woman through and through. Elysia admired the dark creation and wondered at how what would be both garish and far too girlish on most women was a refined statement upon her mother.
Georgia pulled Elysia into the room and lightly kissed each of her cheeks. Guiding her over to the crowded sitting room, she demurely announced, “Elysia Parker, everyone, my daughter and a most valued member of the Crown.”
Elysia kept her face fixed. Her mother loathed her recentdabblingoutside of her father’s assignments. Even though it’d been just the once, and ultimately, still for the Crown, she’d much prefer Elysia use her considerable skills to build upon her and her father’s legacy rather than sift through the mud she found within the city.
Today was not for standoffs between mothers and daughters, though.
Today was a day for gaining secrets and bringing grown men to their knees.
Elysia smiled softly at their guests. “An honor to have you in our beloved home. Have you seen much of Relaclave?”
There were four in total.
Four overstuffed men in boring clothes with golden rings and dirty cigars stinking up her mother’s beautiful sitting room. Diplomat Scarzan had the teeth and eyes of a rat. She continued to smile gently even as his eyes raked over her.
So, it was tablesandwomen for him then, she noted sourly.
The man to his right sat with a stiff back and his black hair coiled to perfection. She could almost admire his beauty if not for the words that came out of his mouth. He ignored her polite question altogether, turning to her mother instead.
“I had always thought you Kavians had gotten it right with your women, unlike the Bellians.” He eyed Scarzan derisively, who grunted and muttered his agreement in spite of the criticism against his people. The Peretian diplomat continued, chuckling as if what he was about to say was absurd. “I’ve heard your daughter often sits in on Jack’s business dealings. That she goes so far as to whisper counsel in his ear. Verging on inappropriate for your customs, isn’t it?”
What. A. Dick.She was surprised his ego could handle the affront it must be to have to review his schedule with her mother right now.
But the gentleman with the perfect hair and deep complexion from the land across the great waters, Peretia, did no more than speak the opinion of the masses in Kava. And it seemed the women in Peretia did not fare much better if his comments were any indication.
Elysia blinked her eyes a little slower, letting out a throaty laugh.
“You’re so kind to worry, Diplomat Batar.” She gave a teasing smile. “But I promise you, my position is secure.”Barf.Her mother was clearly made of steel because five minutes in and she wanted to smash their heads against the castle walls.
And yet, if her smile was that of a mouse, then her mother’s was that of a barracuda.
She ran her fingers over Elysia’s dark, loose waves. The gentle touch of a doting mother.
Georgia’s voice flowed like cool water. “Elysia, the prince mentioned he was unavailable for cards this evening. I imagine you are the one who is stealing him away from our fine guests?”
She forced a blush, letting her eyes shoot to and away from the diplomats. “My apologies—I hadn’t realized. His days are always so full. I can’t bear to say no when he finds a little time.Iactuallywas wondering if I could borrow some jewelry? We’re going out this evening.”
The twinkle in her eyes was real this time as she looked on imploringly—her mother’s jewels were legendary. Sapphires. Diamonds. Golden cuffs. Silver rings. If it gleamed when the light hit it, then Georgia wanted it in her trove. Jack Parker was a merchant, after all.
Elysia could hear the men twitter, laughing at her wide eyes and innocent air. She was just a girl. A girl who wanted silly things like jewels. Her father must indulge her because there isn’t a thought inside her pretty head.
Vapid faces hide brilliant minds.She should make that the Parker women motto. Men like these were no bother. They saw what they wanted and acted accordingly. Frankly, that was the truth of most people. It was rare that anyone truly paid attention. And she thanked the undead gods for it. Made her job that much easier.
Georgia pulled a small key from within the folds of her dress and waved Hannah back over. “Please escort Elysia to my rooms.” She pressed the key into Elysia’s hand and gave her a knowing smile. “Enjoy your evening with the prince, darling.”
Elysia turned to follow Hannah, but was stopped by the sound of Scarzan’s voice.
“Ms. Parker, will you be joining us for our farewell party?”
She turned on her heel. “Of course, Diplomat Scarzan. My mother has worked very hard to create a lovely occasion for you all.”
His returning smile made her insides slick with dread. “Then you will save me a dance. I’ve heard such interesting things about you.”
