“He wouldn’t tell me. Just that whatever issue he was working on is resolved, so I’m not supposed to worry.”
“Well, that’s a relief at least,” she says.
There’s a knock on the door. “I’ll get it,” Antonia chirps.
Juliette storms in before anyone has a chance to say hello. She stops in front of me, hands on her hips. She starts ranting so fast it’s hard to make out her words.
“He’s marrying me off to some old guy. Apparently, there’s someone who doesn’t care about my past misdeeds and even thinks it’s endearing. Whatever that means. How could anyone be interested in me after the things I’ve done? How much worse do I have to act to keep them away from me?”
“Slow down. Who is making you marry?” I ask.
“And who’s the old guy?” Charlotte asks.
“The emperor. He’s making me marry the Earl of Fleur. He’s not even a well-connected noble. He’s not important to the empire. He’s already loyal. There’s no reason to do this other than to get me out of sight and try to tame me. But they’re in for a surprise. I will not be tamed.”
“Maybe we can talk to him?” I ask.
“Is there someone better you could suggest?” Genevieve asks. “But you have to make it seem like it’s his idea. Men love it when they think it’s their idea.”
We all look at her.
“It’s true,” she says with a shrug.
“There isn’t anyone,” Juliette whines. “Unless you know someone who would leave me alone and let me be. I have no desire to tie myself to any man.”
“Don’t worry, yet. When is this wedding supposed to happen?” I ask.
“After Darkfall.” She plops onto the window seat. “He’s coming here for the celebrations, and then the emperor says we’ll marry before he returns to his estate.”
“Alright. We have a little time.” I try to sound encouraging.
“How am I going to get him to change his mind?” she laments.
“I’m not sure yet, but in the meantime, do you want to swing a sword around or throw some knives?” I ask.
She looks at me like I’m insane.
“What are you talking about?” Antonia asks.
“The prince wants me to learn to fight,” I say. “I could use some company. It might be good for you.”
Juliette stretches her legs across the cushion. “I’m not going anywhere. I want to wallow.”
“Alright. Anyone else want to join me?” I offer.
“Fighting is the man’s job,” Antonia says. “I can’t afford to risk word getting out about me training to fight. I might frighten off suitors.”
“She’s got a point,” Charlotte says.
“If you require us to go, I’ll go. But if we have a choice, I’d rather not,” Genevieve says.
“I’ll try it,” Katherine offers.
“We’ll be back soon,” I announce. “There’s breakfast in the dining chamber if you’re hungry.”
Brevan is waiting for me in the hallway. He’s got dark circles under his eyes, and his cheeks have no color.
“You look terrible. You sure you should be teaching lessons today?” I ask.
