The Courtier

32

THE COURTIER
♡ Josephine ♡

"I am so thrilled that you are letting me be the first to meet the gentleman who has your heart," Arabella gushes at me through the mirror. She has helped me dress for this evening, and her touch is soft against my skin, making sure not to prick my skin with her needle. "I have heard he is a Duke. Not that his title means anything less or more, I am just so happy that a gentleman has struck your interest."

"Yes..." I give her a fake smile, but I am feeling so nauseous right now that if I say more then I will surely puke. Perhaps, faint?

"Hey, it is just nerves." She rubs my arms that have attained goosebumps, sharing a sweet smile. "Serena will be so jealous that I am getting to meet the gentleman before her."

"I can already hear her scream now." I laugh, but it is not enough for the whole palace to hear and my smile doesn't reach my ears either.

A knock is present on the door, Jaxson peeks his head through the door. He eyes me, sending a sweet smile. "Your gentleman is here. You best beat Ugene to the door before he gets there, for some reason he is on edge tonight."

My feet move away from Arabella, running out of her room and down the stairs. Guards are surrounding the newcomer in the palace, and Rafe turns, raising his head to face me from the stairs.

"Evening, Josephine." He bows to my presence and I do the same out of respect. Footsteps from the stairs are being heard, and the both of us look up to find Jaxson and Arabella walking down hand in hand, while Ugene is behind them.

Once he sets his eyes on Rafe, he takes in every little detail about the gentleman. That has Rafe grabbing hold of my hand, bowing to the royal couple.

"Thank you for allowing me to join the two of you this evening for dinner," Rafe has spoken, but I am too focused on Ugene's calm stance. He does not move an inch, but also does not take his eyes off of Rafe; his hand preferably that is on mine. "Rafe Velmont."

"Your grace, what a pleasure in meeting you," Jaxson greets, taking out his hand for a friendly shake. "Welcome to the Lockwood palace, I hope you find your visit here pleasant and you are always welcome here more."

"Yes, since being with our Josephine, you are always welcome here to visit," it is Arabella's turn to greet him.

Rafe sends a grateful smile, playing the part. "My gratitude to you both."

"This is my Courtier, Ugene, he will be joining us for dinner this evening. I do hope that there is no trouble?"

Jaxson moves an inch for Rafe to see Ugene and he nods in greeting, but that has Ugene's jaw ticking. Goodness.

"My sister, Serena and Bridger, her fiance will be joining us as well. They shall be here any moment-" The door opens and blonde locks of hair are shown with Bridger following behind.

"Hello, hello," Serena greets and gasps at the sight of Rafe holding my hand. Bridget eyes his fiancè with warning. "Oh, hello. Your name?"

"Rafe Velmont, your highness." He bows to her, and she is flattered.

"A Duke," she hums, sending a look of approval to me. She holds mischief in her eyes and zips her eyes to the lone Courtier that is slowly going mad. "How wonderful."

"Your majesties, dinner awaits," a guard has spoken to the crowd surrounding the front of the palace and bows to us before leaving.

Bridger clasps his hands together, getting excited for the awaited drama filled dinner. "What is for dinner? Meatloaf with a side of drama."