Page 108 of House of Blood and Roses: Vol. 1
Linc clears his throat, his mind probably also straying back to us getting carried away while in the House Rothorne apartments earlier. "I'm not saying that's what we're going to do, but we are going to leave now. Maybe we can take Pip for a walk."
"Oh, yes, that would be nice."
Marcus rolls his eyes at us and says his goodbyes, disappearing back into the crowd.
"He's right, we should go," I say. "I really don't want to see Bastian kill again." And I don't want to see Linc do that when it's our turn either, but I don't know how we're going to get out of that one. It's a problem for in a few weeks' time.
"We don't have to stay," he assures me as he offers me his arm. "There are several places I'd much rather be than here."
"Same." I hook my arm through his, leaning into him and enjoying the proximity.
We make our way towards the double doors that join the ballroom to the entrance hall, and I feel like our escape is just within reach.
"Beatrice."
I freeze in place, not wanting to run into my father at this particular point in time. He's the one who sent me outside during the feast at the Golden Moon. He can't be surprised that I don't want to witness this one either.
"I can't ignore him," I murmur to Linc. As much as I wish I could ignore Lord Fallmartin, I don't think it's wise to, especially if I want to get out of the ballroom without attending the feast.
"Then don't. I'm right here," Linc assures me.
I nod and turn around slowly to find Lord Fallmartin approaching. I resist the urge to reach for Linc's hand and stand my ground.
Lord Fallmartin checks around to make sure it's only the three of us within earshot. "I know you might have some distaste for the feasts, but if you want to play the game of politics, then I would highly suggest turning yourself around and getting back in there," he says. "That goes for you too, Your Highness."
"It's not my pleasure, Lord Fallmartin," Linc says.
My father sighs. "I understand that. But you've been here for five years, you should know by now that succeeding at court is all about appearances. I'm not saying that you have to partake, but you should at least be seen to witness the feast."
"And when it's our turn?" I ask. "If we go back in there now, you'll expect us to do this ourselves."
Linc shoots me a worried glance, probably thinking that it isn't wise for me to say something like that to my father. I suppose that's fair. I probably wouldn't have a week ago. But after our latest conversations, I feel like it's safer to say what I'm thinking than to avoid it.
"I'm sure something can be arranged so you can avoid it. Perhaps the excuse that Prince Lincoln isn't his father's heir will do the trick. I'll see what I can do if you get back in there now."
"Why?" Linc asks, stepping forward. "Why help us?"
Lord Fallmartin almost looks as if he's about to sigh. "Because the more power you have at court, the more power I have at court," he responds bluntly. "And I can only wield that power if you trust me. So, yes, Your Highness. I will help you, and I will help my daughter, because it is in the best interest of my House to do so."
"And if we don't go back in there? Will you make us do the feast as punishment?" I ask.
"No."
The answer surprises me, and it must show on my face.
"If the two of you have to engage in a feast, the entire court will end up knowing how you feel about them, and that would be bad for the appearances of both of our Houses. So no, I won't make you do it. But I do still advise you to go back in there and watch your brother's. You have about five minutes to make up your minds." He doesn't wait for either of us to say anything and walks off, presumably to get something else ready.
"What do we do?" I ask, my voice cracking.
"I don't know," Linc responds. "I suppose it depends on whether you believe him when he says he'll try and make sure we don't have to do it."
"I think so." I glance back into the ballroom. "He's right, it wouldn't look good if we were made to do it. So I think he's telling the truth."
"Then what do we gain by going back in there now?"
"Power, I guess." I take a deep breath. "I don't want to be a piece other people are moving for their own gains."
"I know. That's why you came to the library that first day."
