Page 18 of Hell Storm

“And what do we have here?” he crooned. “I do believe Elle’s appointed herself as your wingman, Julian.” His grin widened as he turned to address her directly. “Well played.”

With Levi’s seal of approval, Elle smiled too. “Thank you. Seemed worth the try.”

I, on the other hand was not so amused, and also regretted being so forthcoming about my feelings for Corina. Seemed the entire household was aware by now.

“I won’t be visiting her room, but thanks for that bit of information, Elle.” I turned to stare out the window, focusing on the huntsman’s pack as they darted between silhouetted tree trunks.

“I didn’t mean to upset you, Your Highness.”

That hadn’t been her goal, I knew that, but it didn’t change the fact that I was in no mood to be the butt of anyone’s joke. With each hour that passed, my concern for Roman grew.

“It’s fine,” I grumbled. “I trust you made sure Corina had everything she needed before she turned in for the evening?”

“I did.”

“And she finished her dinner?”

I hid that I was concerned she hadn’t eaten much. Her appetite seemed promising at breakfast, but after Roman’s outburst, she hadn’t gotten to finish.

“She ate half her sandwich and an entire apple, so I’d say we’re making progress.”

The relief that crossed Elle’s face after she answered was hard to miss.

“That’s good to hear. Perhaps you can get a grocery list from her in the morning, and find out what she likes.”

Elle nodded. “I’ll add a sheet of paper and a pencil to my basket.”

That was her routine, she’d visit Corina each morning with a basket of‘goodies’as she called them. Mostly it was clothing, infused oils for Corina’s daily baths, and various accessories.

Just short of latching the door after bidding us all good evening, Elle paused and lingered for a moment. She eventually poked her head back inside.

“Excuse me, Your Highness. Would it be all right if I made a suggestion?”

I nodded, granting her permission and she stepped in before closing herself inside the study again.

“During our walk this morning, I did some thinking. It was quite clear that Mistress Corina hasn’t seen much of our world, the finer side of it, and I thought it might be nice to, I don’t know, get her accustomed to her new life here. Perhaps a shopping trip?”

The hopeful smile she gave told me more than her explanation had.

“And I’m guessing you’d like to do some shopping as well?”

I laughed a bit at how transparent she was. One of her favorite pastimes was scouring the forums for the latest fashion trends. I saw no harm in indulging her obsession over the years, as she evolved into her own person.

She shrugged, a new gesture for her. “I mean, what girl likes to shop alone?”

Just as I thought.

“Sure. I’ll arrange it.”

She nearly squealed with excitement. “Thank you, Your Highness! On behalf of myself, and the new lady of the house.” Elle turned and bounded from the room.

The smile on my face faded a bit, hearing Corina referenced in that way. However, considering the facts, it only took a moment to accept the truth Elle had just spoken.

… Corinawasthe lady of this house.

***

Corina

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