Page 31 of The Time Of Queens

“I know for certain Vincent will come when he hears what our brother has planned,” Sophia added, confirming my suspicions.

“Yeah, I don’t get the impression he likes me too much,” I said. Sophia joined me on the bed, coming to sit next to me.

“Don’t take it personally, he simply worries for our brother and wishes to keep him on the right track in finding his Electus. Trust me, if Vincent knew it was you, he would be acting quite differently… we all want my brother’s happiness,” Sophia replied, adding this last part softly, before patting me on the leg.

“And yours too, don’t forget our future queen,” Pip interjected, now coming to sit on my other side. Which is why I threw my arms around them both and hugged them close.

“I love you guys!” I said, making Sophia scoff as she went stiff as a board, whereas Pip melted into me.

“I am no man,” Sophia argued, making me giggle. “Yes, yes, it’s a future thing,” Sophia interjected before I could.

“Aww we love you too, Toots,” Pip added, making me turn and ask,

“That reminds me, how did you know to call me Toots?”

“The same reason I turned up to save you… I had a dream and in it, I called you Toots, although I have no idea why.”

I smiled and told her,

“Me neither, you have always called me it. Although I promise that as soon as I get home, I will ask you.”

At this she gave me a beaming smile and I hugged her closer to me. I took this moment to thank the Gods for bringing these two amazing women into my life. As whenever they were near, I knew that no matter what…

I wasn’t alone.

The next morning,and not long after I had finished my breakfast, I was surprised to find some of the other servants had actually started talking to me. The girl I had helped, her name was Fanny, she had been the only one so far. Always passing me the bread with a smile and starting friendly conversation. As for the cook, the horrible Mrs Weathers, whenever I saw her she would openly scowl at me, making me roll my eyes at her.

However, when I did it this morning, one of the other girls pulled me aside and warned me,

“You shouldn’t vex her so.”

“She’s a bully and deserves more than a dirty look,” I informed her, making her look shocked at my words before telling me,

“Yes, but she holds a high position as head cook and has got many a girl removed from service before.”

My eyes widened at this.

“But why?” I asked, wondering if there was a reason beyond her just being an evil bitch.

“Because she is jealous of anyone younger, thinner, and prettier than her, that’s why.”

I shook my head in disbelief at how insane that was, wondering how many poor girls had lost their jobs due to the green-eyed, devil cook.

“So, she’s basically jealous of everyone then?” I asked, making her scoff a laugh before telling me,

“Just take care, that is all I will say.” Then she looked towards the cellar we were standing near and shivered, rubbing her wrists as if a memory had gripped her. Which is when I became concerned, placing a hand at her shoulder before asking,

“Did she hurt you?”

Her expressive eyes found mine but before she could open her mouth to speak, that same harsh voice that had me scowling snapped her name,

“Betsy! You don’t get paid to stand about crackin’ a yarn!”

“Yes, Mrs Weathers,” she said, rushing back to the kitchen and leaving me to stare down the bitch who’s fists were twisting her apron as if she was envisioning it being my neck. So, I gave her a cocky salute, making her eyes narrow to the point they nearly disappeared, and I walked away laughing. Purposely knowing it would piss her off even more.

When I rounded the corner I found Sophia coming the other way. She was dressed in what I assumed was a riding habit. An outfit that consisted of a tailored cropped jacket in a deep teal colour, and a matching, long bustled skirt. She also wore a top hat that had a thick strip of the same teal material above the brim. This with its long ends hanging down the back like a scarf had been tied around the hat. Her abundance of black curls were all gathered to the side and, no doubt, to make room for the elegant accessary. She was also soon telling me in a rush,

“I brought this to you, as I fear Vincent kept me far longer than I anticipated. Which means Dominic will be waiting.” She thrust my own outfit into my hands, which was a daring dark red colour, and also came with its own hat.

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