Could she be that brave? Trust in Brandth that much? Cruddy hell, everything had been so much simpler when her only goal in life was to kill her deceitful murderous husband.
Chapter Thirty-One
“The day was positively beastly. My favourite dressed ruined. The road turned to a river of mud under the carriage wheels. We were stuck for hours.”
It took everything Alia had to swallow the small sip of tea she’d just taken. Had she heard… her eyes darting to Lady Parkour, whose gaze was fixed upon her in turn. Her lips twisted up in a small smirk. Oh, yes, the word choice had been deliberate.
“That does sound beastly.” Lady Cannon repeated the auspicious word with an extra bite, her gaze likewise fixed upon Alia.
Well, well. It appeared her secret identity was secret no more. And unfortunately, there was no hope of making a hasty discreet exit.
The afternoon high tea party was being held on the banks of the river Tuye. Hosted by none other than the Queen herself. The bridal candidates and their entourages seated on an array of low stools and cushions in the inner most circle of the event, closest to her Royal Highness.
Sensing Perri stiffen on the cushion beside her own, Alia discreetly patted her sister’s ankle, they just needed to play this calmly. A few oblique references could easily be ignored.
“Speaking of Beasts.” Lady Evagene, dressed in an intricate silver creation that sparkled under the sunlight making her raven hair shine and her creamy skin glow, turned her beautiful head to also look in Alia’s direction. “I heard the most delightfully impossible rumour recently, Lady Alia.”
“Oh?” Alia’s response as bland as she could make it.
“Isn’t there a hideous creature stalking your lands known as the Beast of Gloomenthrall?” Lady Evagene’s dark eyes were raptor sharp, though a soft friendly smile played upon her lips.
“Beast of Gloomenthrall?” Alia repeated the words. “I’m afraid it doesn’t sound familiar. Perhaps my sister knows more about it. Perri?”
“No, I’m likewise drawing a blank.”
“Are you sure of your source, Lady Evagene?” Alia’s words even blander than the flan served earlier at luncheon.
“Very.”
Alia shrugged in response, hoping that would convey both her disinterest and lack of knowledge regarding this particular topic.
“A mysterious creature?” Dowager-Queen Cecelia broke off her conversation with her daughter-in-law, Queen Ostrellie. Avid interest making her flint coloured eyes sparkle. Her ears trained from decades of straining to overhear salacious gossip. The two royal ladies sitting on red and gold sofa chairs, a small low table between them laden with plates of delicate pastries, chocolates, and fine bone cups full of tea. All those in their immediate circle fell silent. “A beast? How interesting. Tell us more, Lady Evagene.”
Crud. Alia fought hard not to groan, it taking all she had to keep her expression unconcerned. Noting out the corner of her eye the sudden hushed silence of the eavesdropping crowd had caught the attention of Talac and several men. The group standing at the fast flowing water’s edge, studying the fishing prospects. All turning in the direction of the seated ladies, wondering what the fuss was about.
Light colour attractively bloomed in Evagene’s cheeks, she was enjoying being the centre of attention. “It is said the creature is hideous, hairy, and taller than two full grown men. That it stalks the Gloomenthrall woods at night, searching for warm blooded animals to slake its hunger. Using the bones of its victims to keep its teeth razor sharp.” Her eyes pinning Alia in place, triumph in their depths.
“It does sound particularly beastly.” Alia conceded. “I shall be sure to keep my distance if I ever stumble across it.”
“That might prove difficult.” Lady Cannon commented, her dark blue gown voluminous and suffering from an overabundance of ruffles that made it look like the lady was drowning on dry land, rather than sitting upon a cushion. Her tone particularly snide. “As I have heard tell that you’re the Beast of Gloomenthrall, Lady Alia.”
Choked laughter burst from Alia, widening her eyes, going for innocent, but she would settle for mocking amusement. “Me? This Beast?” She laughed some more, Perri joining in, along with several others in the crowd.
“It’s true.” Lady Cannon protested. Glancing Lady Evagene’s way, who suddenly was finding the bluebell crown she was twisting together in her lap fascinating. Lady Cannon’s voice going up two octaves, shrill. “You can see for yourselves how tall she is. How manly she is.”
“Lady Cannon.” Queen Ostrellie chided with a tone of gentle reprimand.
“I’m telling you, it’s true, she’s the Beast of Gloomenthrall.”
Sipping her tea, even though it was cold, Alia sent Lady Cannon a look of sympathy over the rim of the cup. Absently nodding at a servant who placed a fresh dish of pastries beside her on a low table.
“Are you in good health, Lady Cannon?” Talac had moved to stand behind his mother. “I think perhaps the heat of the sun has adversely affected you. Let us have one of the stewards escort you… and all your family, back to the Palace, where you might rest.” A hush fell over the crowd before everyone spoke at once in low fervid whispers.
The first bridal candidate and her family had just been ejected from the competition by the Prince.
Lady Rawn’s smile looked beyond strained, as she bid her sons to help their protesting sister to her feet, hushing her daughter under her breath. The family struggling to bear up under the embarrassment and scrutiny of everyone present watching the drama unfold with bated breath. No doubt recounting… and perhaps inventing new tales regarding madness running in the Rawn bloodline.
“This tea is remarkably refreshing.” Alia uttered the inane words, her gaze roaming over those partaking of the riverside event. Lingering for a moment upon Regal, reclining on a checked blanket, attended by four young ladies vying for his attention, though his beautiful eyes were currently fixed upon her. He certainly could have been the source of the rumours fed to the candidates identifying her as the Beast. He’d stated in their first encounter that he was aware she was the Beast of Gloomenthrall. Presumably one of the Soutner servants had let the news slip upon his return, thinking he’d be interested, given their past familial connection.
