Page 123 of A Rising Hope

“Oh, don’t believe a word this brute says, I arrived just in time,” Florian joked lightheartedly. He took a step ahead of me, extending his hand to Lord De Villiar. “Florian Casteol.”

“Lord Frederick De Villiar.” Frederick shook his hand, pausing as he examined Florian once again. “Casteol, as in related to Valerian Casteol?”

“Yes. My grandfather,” Florian said with a soft smile, not letting the shocked look on Lord De Villiar’s face at the revelation bother him. He turned to the two ladies standing next to the gray-haired lord. “And this charming lady must be?—”

“Lady Fleur De Villiar.” Fleur gave him a very much lady-raised-in-royal-court smile. Her face was a lot more stoic than her husbands at the knowledge of Florian’s identity.

“My absolute pleasure,” he purred, reaching her extended hand as he landed a gentle kiss. He rose, meeting Aurelia’s prying glance.

“And who is this utterlybreathtakinglittle bird?” Florian sweetly cooed, eyes sparkling with excitement as he took another look at the angelic girl, dressed in her stretched out sweaters and long flowy skirts. Her big blue bow accentuated the silver in her long hair. The tight ringlets on the ends perfect as always.

“This is—” I opened my mouth to save Aurelia from Florian, but to my surprise, Aurelia took a step forward from her parents, raising her chin high like the proper lady she was, and extended her hand for a kiss.

“Lady Aurelia De Villiar,” she proclaimed confidently. Florian grinned, not hesitating even for a split second before he gently brushed a kiss against her translucent skin.

“Truly a delight, Lady De Villiar,” he purred, letting go of her hand.

“I like your bow,” Aurelia stated matter-of-factly, “Though it is rather simple, which is not typically my taste. I like my accessories to be louder.”

“Well, I must agree. I’ve taken a liking to yours much more. Perhaps once the boring talk is over, we could trade?” Florian gave her a crooked smile.

“Hmmm . . . ” Aurelia contemplated, taking a second scrutinizing look at Florian’s appearance. “Your bow and one of those cufflinks,” she bargained.

“A lady clearly with good taste. But only one?”

“Two is too much. Accessorizing has to compliment, not overpower, Florian,” she so casually scolded him.

“A bow and a cufflink, it is. Lady De Villiar, you got yourself a deal.” He chuckled, enamored by her.

“Oh good, the band is all together.” Xentar’s upbeat voice sounded as cheerful as I remembered from the first time meeting him as he trudged inside, along with Zora and Orest.

My eyes flashed with prying curiosity at those two. They stood a step unusually close to each other, too comfortable in each other’s presence. I found myself forcefully glaring at Gideon, who just shook his head.

Oblivious little fool. What did he know.

Xentar cleared his throat.

“Oh yes, um, Zora, Orest, Xentar meet Florian Casteol,” I introduced them.

Florian shook the male's hands. He then bowed low, attempting to kiss Zora’s hand who eagerly refused the gesture, grimacing even at the thought of it.

“Look at you, gorgeous, making new friends.” Florian straightened up, adjusting the collars of his shirt, “but I’ll always be your first, won’t I?” He winked at me over his shoulder.

“I’m her fucking first friend, Florian, stay in your lane,” Priya grumped from the long chaise where she plastered her outstretched legs. She rested her elbows on the armrests, hands folded on her stomach. “So, do you all need another moment to discuss the weather, or are you ready to talk about more pressing matters? Because I, for one, am sick of waiting.”

“I wish a lack of patience was your worst trait, but unfortunately, we aren’t so lucky.” Aurelia responded with a bite in her tone.

“The little bird has sharp claws, doesn’t she?” Florian leaned over to whisper in my ear as we watched Lady De Villiar give a reprimanding look at her daughter.

“Apparently,” I fought a little chuckle, enjoying this feisty side of Aurelia.

Priya narrowed her eyes at the girl, though she stayed quiet, which was a surprise of its own.

Xentar took a step closer to Florian and me, joining in on the whisper.

“So how much are you all betting there will be at least one dead by the end of this meeting?”

“We will be lucky if it’s onlyonedead,” I snickered. Gideon scoffed, overhearing our betting conversation, taking a seat at the table. His head pointed to the chair next to his, asking for me to come sit near him.

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