Page 7 of The Time Of Queens

Which meant he was either going to recognise me as the girl who left him or as the maid he just met. Either way, this was my only bet at getting a coin. Although, that didn’t make it any less nerve wracking the closer to the huge manor house we travelled. One that was getting bigger by the second.

“You will do fine,” Pip said, then cast unsure eyes at her husband. I didn’t miss the slight shrug of his shoulder, prompting her to pat my leg and say, “Perhaps it’s best leaving all the talking to us.”

I nodded, refraining from commenting about how bad things must be if that was the plan we were going with. Usually, it was Sophia and me saying that line to her.

I saw the servants all lined up outside, ready to receive us, and my breath caught in my throat at the sight of Draven emerging from inside, looking masterful at the top of the stairs. His dark suit wasn’t surprising, neither was how good he looked in it. His long legs were encased in the same style trousers Adam wore, along with the jacket, waistcoat, and cravat. However, unlike Adam, Draven wore no difference in colour to his outfit, and it seemed to match his dark mood.

He was a brooding, handsome sight to behold.

I barely even realised that Vincent and Sophia had joined him, as he stole all of my attention in an instant. But when I finally could tear my eyes away, I saw them both looking far happier than their brother. Sophia looked stunning in her light-peach coloured dress, one I would have called a gown, yet was most likely considered a casual style, despite how big the skirt was.

As for Vincent, he wore light-grey trousers and a blue jacket. Which also meant he was looking as dashing as ever. I wondered for a moment if Sophia was alone and without her husband at the present, that was until he joined them, walking up behind her and whispering something in her ear that made her blush. This was before coming to stand next to her, so he could tuck her hand through his arm. He too looked very noble, with his dark-green jacket and trousers that had a green checkered pattern on them. As if he was ready for a hunt or something.

His long white hair was tied back, and he was without the tattoo down his cheek. Which also meant that there was nothing to hide the scars that marred one side of his handsome face. I wondered what people thought of him in this time period, and whether or not they were shocked at his appearance. Although, I doubt many would have been brave enough to comment, as he was an intimidating sight to say the least.

“Okay, time to get the mojo a-flowing!” Pip said, clapping her hands and rubbing them together. Then when the carriage stopped and the door opened, she winked at me and said, “Showtime, buttercup.”

Adam got out of the carriage first, stopping to help his wife down. He hesitated then, stopping himself from helping me, as I guess that would have looked odd seeing as I was the hired help. Pip being Pip, didn’t give a shit about propriety and she simply ran towards Sophia as she too was stepping towards her. The joy it brought me to see how they embraced each other was utterly heart-warming. Draven watched this too, showing the smallest reaction, barely a grin playing on his face, there one second and gone the next.

This before he stepped forward, descending the steps ready to greet Adam first. Someone who had his hand out ready to shake Draven’s in return, and then his brother, before offering Zagan the same welcome. Pip and Sophia were chatting as Iclimbed out of the carriage, a cloak around my shoulders getting caught and making me stumble a step.

“Whoa!” I cried out before I could stop myself. Great, so much for an uneventful first appearance. Well, at least I didn’t fall flat on my face, although it wasn’t like this little comedic arrival act went by unnoticed. The shorter parts of my hair fell in front of my face as I missed a step. Which meant that when I pushed my hair back, I looked up to find everyone now looking at me.

But more importantly…

Draven was now staring at me.

Intensely.

To the point that I quietly gasped and found my hand going to my chest. I could do little but hold my breath as I waited for recognition to show on his face before he swept me up in his arms and called me Catherine.

However, this didn’t happen, as Pip took it upon herself to intervene, telling everyone,

“Oh, that’s right, you haven’t yet met my new lady’s maid. Everyone, this is Miss Keira Williams.”

I didn’t know what to do, so I offered a little wave, thankful for the gloves Pip had given me. As I think by this point a big cut across my palm would have been a dead giveaway. However, it was Pip that made a motion for me to bow, making me stupidly mutter,

“Oh yes, of course.” Then I bowed, making only Vincent and Zagan respond, as they both dipped their head to me.

The more polite Draven brother said, “Pleasure, Miss Williams.”

As for Draven, he seemed to be stuck for words and was yet to act like his brother. No, instead, he simply turned on a heel and strode back into the house without saying a word, leaving all of us to watch in shock at his abrupt departure.

“Forgive my brother, for he seems to be out of sorts this past day or two, but come, let the servants show you to your rooms,” Sophia said, linking her arm with Pip and talking about how she couldn’t wait to show off her new conservatory. Zagan followed silently, grinning at his wife’s back. As for Vincent, he glanced behind at me questioningly before Adam took his attention, asking about some type of business.

Which just left me, looking up at this grand old house and silently asking myself…

What was in store for me this time?

“Well, that went well, I think.”God bless Pip, but seriously?

“In what way exactly?” I asked, groaning as I let myself fall back on her bed and tossed an arm over my head. I felt her do the same next to me.

“He could have tossed you up over his shoulder and ran off with you… I love it when Adam does that to me,” she offered, making me lift my arm up enough so she could see my questioning look.

“He does seem rather grumpy, doesn’t he?” Pip added, and I sighed before sitting up, scrubbing a hand down my face.

“Yeah, just a bit.” The sarcasm was lost on her as she told me,

---