“We have another of people to add to the guest list,” Luka sighed heavily. “A Baron, from Merovia.”
Maya’s gaze sharpened. “Could it betheBaron?”
Luka frowned at her. “You’ve lost me, Maya.”
“Remember Stoffel’s information about that anonymous letter you received? He said the Crown Prince’s ex-fiancée had married a Baron…from Merovia.” Her eyes widened significantly as she stared at him.
“Well, that’s no guarantee that it’s the same man. Merovia may be a small country, but I’m sure there’s more than one Baron in the whole land!”
“Well, we’re about to find out tomorrow, aren’t we?”
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
Maya woke early to the unwelcome news that Luka wasn’t the only one to receive a letter from his family. Nikolai had written to her, a sharp letter that said he would be sending along a few more maids from the Rakhmonov estate, ready to act as chaperone for her. It wouldn’t do for an unmarried lady to be present at the Prince’s country estate for so long with only a single chaperone, especially now that there was any number of foreign lords to be expected to join them there.
Her brother had dispatched the maids as soon as Luka had written to him, which meant that the poor women would be arriving just a few hours before the visiting lords would. Maya would have to be sure to slip the poor ladies a bonus. She would’ve thought her own maid Vennela was enough of a chaperone, as she had been all these days that Maya had been staying at the Kamenev estate, but it was obvious that Nikolai had a different understanding of propriety and the social graces than she did.
Of course, Maya had asked Vennela to stop trailing her every movement the very second day that they had arrived in Kamenev. It would’ve interfered with her purpose in coming to the estate, which was to meet Luka, and talk with him. She would never get him to open up, not if they were always being watched by a chaperone.
And so Vennela had made herself scarce, all through the two weeks she’d spent at Kamenev. Maya had given her leave to enjoy her time at the estate, aside from her toilette and bringing her the occasional tray of food, Vennela had spent her time at Kamenev rambling over the grounds with her little son, enjoying their time in the countryside.
Now, to go back to stilted conversations with Luka as they tried to converse as if the chaperone wasn’t present—the thought was wearying.
Really, Maya wished that they could do away with the rules of propriety entirely. The common women certainly didn’t seem to bother with them, and their lives seemed to be fine. The rules were nothing more than a way to constrain noble women, just like everything else in their society.
Still, it was what it was. So, Maya resigned herself to having a maid trailing her every move around the estate for the next few days.
At least it would help her move past the awkwardness of her last encounter with Luka. When she’d met him in his study, she’d distracted them both with talk of her invention, but if she were to meet him again, Maya wasn’t sure she would be able to keep her mind from drifting to that almost kiss they’d shared in the practice grounds two days ago.
The way her heart had pounded…the heat in his gaze…his breath, fanning over her lips as he’d leaned closer to her open mouth…
With a start, Maya shook herself back into the present. There she was, doing it again.
She needed to get ready. The Elves would be arriving soon. She had get dressed.
~
The Elves arrived, and close on their heels, the Merovians joined them. Luka and Maya met them in the drawing room as they were shown in.
The grand receiving room of the estate was adorned with banners representing the various noble houses that had gathered there.
The Elven delegation consisted of two lords, one young and one old. The older Elf lord, Erlan, stood tall and regal, radiating an air of authority that commanded respect. His bald head gleamed in the sunlight, a testament to his wisdom and experience. He wore flowing robes of deep blue, adorned with intricate gold embroidery that spoke of his status as a leader among his people, and a single gold ring flashed in the ear lobe of one of pointed ears.
In contrast to Lord Erlan, the younger Elf lord, Ogumi Ryu, was a vision of youthful strength and beauty in his traditional silkkimono. His flowing black hair cascaded down his broad shoulders, and his clean-shaven face was set off by a strong jawline below a pair of cold, blue eyes that shone with an otherworldly light.
They made a striking picture—together, the two Elven lords represented the best of their people—the wisdom and experience of age with the beauty and strength of youth. They complemented each other perfectly, each bringing their unique strengths to bear in the service of their people.
They made their greetings to the other attendees to the little impromptu diplomatic gathering taking place at Kamenev.
The Merovian Baron, Tristan de Montefort had striking blonde hair that was cut short. His chiseled features were accentuated by his clean-shaven face, which revealed a strong jawline and high cheekbones. His piercing blue eyes gave him a look of intelligence and intensity, but his quick laugh betrayed his sunny disposition.
The Baron’s physique was impressive—broad shoulders, a muscular chest, and a lean, athletic build. Luka had told her that the man was a skilled warrior, trained in the art of combat from a young age, and his bravery on the battlefield had earned him the respect and admiration of his peers.
With him was Duke Philip, nephew to the new ruler of Merovia, King Edward Thorne, who’d deposed the previous ruler in a bloody coup.
The duke was an imposing figure, standing tall and straight, with broad shoulders and a commanding presence. His dark hair fell in waves around his face, framing sharp features that hinted at both strength and intelligence.
His clothes were fine, adorned with precious gems and intricate embroidery, some of which Maya was sure was of Sunvaaran design. So, the alliance between Merovia and Sunvaara was still holding true, then.
