Chapter 8
The banquet hall blazed with light and music. Trumpets blared, drums pounded, and noble guests spilled through the grand doors in a swirl of jewels and
silk.
As I stepped inside, I was met with warm smiles and familiar greetings–some genuine, others merely polite. A few guests turned to look at the girl beside me, curiosity lighting their eyes.
“And who might this be?” someone asked with a raised brow
lace. “I’m Beatrice Thorne, a cousin of Lady Eleanor’s. I’ve been staying at Hawthorne Manor.”
Beatrice dipped into a graceful curtsy, her voice soft as lace. “I’m
The guest gave a nod but glanced away quickly, his expression flickering with unease
As we took our seats, the tension only sharpened. People who had greeted me with cheer now avoided Beatrice entirely. When she tried to join a conversation, they made excuses and slipped away. Her smile began to strain, her eyes flicking toward me with confusion and growing frustration. “The King approaches!”
Everyone rose as the monarch entered, flanked by guards and lords. He waved a hand wearily, bidding the crowd to sit
Beatrice moved to take the empty chair beside me, but a steward stepped forward with a polite bow. “My lady, this seat is not yours.”
Beatrice blinked, then frowned. “But she’s my cousin–why can’t I sit here?”
The steward kept his voice low. “Seating is arranged by rank, my lady. As you hold no title nor court affiliation, I must ask you to follow me,
Beatrice shot me a furious glance, lowering her voice to a hiss. “So this is why you let me come–just to humiliate me?”
1 sipped calmly at my tea and didn’t bother replying. She had no choice but to follow the steward, cheeks flushed
As wine flowed and laughter grew louder, the hall warmed with merriment Somewhere in the haze of candlelight and toasts, a familiar voice drifted to my side.
*Drinking alone, Lady Eleanor?”
1 looked up. Sir Julian stood beside me, his smile languid and far too knowing.
“It’s just rea,” I replied, setting the cup down.
*Mm,” he murmured. “I happened to notice your cousin slipping off toward the royal gardens. The Fourth Prince is out that way too.”
1 didn’t flinch. “She’s not under my guardianship. Whatever happens, I trust the court will judge accordingly.”
He poured himself glass of wine “I also heard you’ve sent men to York. Loolding into something, are we?”
I didn’t respond, but the shift in my posture gave me away
He smiled again. “No need to worry. My men were simply passing through–brought word back by accident, really.”
exhaled slowly, then gave him a pointed look. “What is it you want, Sir Julian?”
“Must every gesture be met with suspicion?” I said, feigning offense. “I thought we were friends.
I lifted my cup in a hall–toast “Then here’s to friendship,”
Before he could press further, noise erupted near the hall’s ed
Murmurs spread like wildfire.
“Have you heard? A lady of no title was found alone with the Fourth Prince–In the royal gardens, of all places. His betrothed witnessed it herself.” The whispers turned to gasps as servants dragged a girl into the hall–hair disheveled, checks flushed with slap–marks, tears streaking her powdered
Beatrice.
Behind her stood the Fourth Prince and his betrothed the latter ley with rage, the former watching the scene with faint amusement.
“This young woman,” the future princess spat, “was found trespassing in the royal gardens–alune, and without escort. Her conduct is a disgrace to the dity of this court,”
H
The King, already half–asleep on his thron
darone, waved his hand lazily. “Let the Queen handle it ”
The Queen turned to me, eyes glinting “Violating royal decorum cannot be overlooked. A formal reprimand must be delivered.
GoodShort
Beatrice froze, her face draining of color.
“Please, Your Grace, have mercy- she began to cry.
Then she turned to me in desperation. “Eleanor–help me! You promised to watch after me. Aunt Margaret said you would!”
The murmurs began at once.
“They say the girl’s been treated more fondly than Lady Eleanor herself.”
“No wonder she took up arms instead of a husband.”
1 rose calmly and gave the Queen a bow. “Her conduct is regrettable. But the fault lies not solely with her. She was raised under my mother’s care, perhaps too gently. Still… public discipline would do more harm than good.”
Beatrice’s eyes brightened, thinking I had come to her defense,
I continued, my tone measured. “Half the punishment would suffice. Let her be removed from court and placed under house censure. She her actions there–and she shall not return to royal grounds again.”
Gasps again
Beatrice’s lips parted in horror. “Y–you’re casting me out? What man would marry me after this? Eleanor, you’re ruining me!”
Before the Queen could reply, the Fourth Prince raised his voice.
may
reflect on
Silence fell like a blade.
*I will let her remain as mine,” he said smoothly, “I shall take her into my household as a companion
The hall went still
For a moment, no one moved.
Then Beatrice dipped her head, voice barely above a whisper. “If Your Highness so wishes… I am honored.”
