Their words lingered as I walked away, a reminder of what I couldn’t afford to do. Nurturing feelings might feel good in the moment, but it pulled focus from what mattered, which was protecting the court and solving its problems. That was where I could make a real difference, not in some poetic haze.
Why had I told Dominic I might want more?
Before I could make my escape, Lady Lydia Featherby appeared around the corner, moving with her characteristic flutter. Today she wore a soft pink gown scattered with embroidered roses, and her braids were woven with matching pink blooms. She took one look at my expression and immediately rushed over.
“Oh my dear, you look positively frazzled,” she exclaimed, her eyes full of worry. “These first days of marriage can be so overwhelming, especially when adjusting to court life.” She reached into the purse she carried, producing a wrapped piece of candy. “Here, this is my special honey drop infused with calming herbs. Let it dissolve slowly on your tongue.”
Savory tilted her head, eyeing the sweet with interest.
“And for your lovely companion,” Lady Lydia said, noticing Savory’s attention, “I have sunflower seeds blessed for good health and clarity of mind.” She scattered a few on her palm, and Savory hopped down to investigate.
She smells like healing gardens,Savory said as she plucked at the seeds.
“Thank you, Lady Lydia,” I said, touched by her kindness. “That’s very thoughtful.”
“Nonsense, dear. It’s what family does, and you’re family now.” She patted my hand. “If you ever need anything, and I mean anything at all, you come find me. I have a lovely jaylon blend that works wonders for wedding nerves, and my grandmother’s recipe for strengthening teathat soothes one after,” she lowered her voice and leaned closer, “vigorous intimate adjustments.”
Heat flooded my cheeks, but Lady Lydia’s expression remained perfectly innocent and caring.
“I’ll remember that,” I strangled out.
“Good girl. Now, you go enjoy this beautiful day, and remember, deep breaths and positive thoughts. Everything has a way of working out for the best.” She bustled away, her skirts swishing around her legs and her jewelry chiming like bells.
Savory’s soft chuckles echoing in my mind.Goodness is trying, even if they miss.
Lady Featherby is sweet, but the others? Trying doesn’t make them less exhausting.
Grace is a language the court will always hear.
She had a point. Learning to manage the various personalities here would be essential if I was going to thrive rather than just survive in this new role. And thriving meant leaning into my strengths as a strategist, not getting lost in personal entanglements that could cloud my judgment.
I found my way back to the third floor of the manor house, relieved to reach the familiar door of our private suite. The sitting room welcomed me with its comfortable furniture and warm lighting, a refuge from court life and erupting giggles.
Savory launched herself from my shoulder, gliding over to perch on the back of another chair.
The doors to the balcony stood open, letting in fresh air and sunlight. The view beyond showed the castle gardens stretching out below, a patchwork of colors even with the wilting sections.
I strode outside and settled into one of the chairs. Thebreeze felt wonderful on my face, carrying the scent of flowers and earth. Below, lords and ladies strolled through the gardens.
Giggles rang out.
I needed to think this through systematically. The laughter was affecting people randomly now, or so it seemed. Some who’d consumed tea and cakes had been impacted, but also Lord Primrose and Lady Daphnie who’d eaten nothing recently. That suggested either multiple contamination sources or something else entirely.
“I need to map this out properly,” I said aloud.
Savory flew out and landed on the balcony railing.Wisdom is always a blessing.Understanding comes when the pieces stop hiding.
I returned to the sitting room and searched until I found paper and a pencil in a desk near the left wall. Bringing them back to the balcony, I settled in again and stared at the blank page.
Where to start?
I began by creating a simple chart, listing everyone I knew had been affected by the giggling:
Dominic: wedding ceremony, breakfast, afterward
Me: after eating cakes in the kitchen
Queen Iberia: breakfast
