The Guardian

Chapter Fourteen

I was beginning to think Isodore had a bigger part in everything than it had first appeared.

I was leaning against one of the pillars around the outside of the huge ballroom, watching the room. The window was fixed and people were moving around, hauling furniture and Isodore was talking to an interior decorator and I could hear him from where I stood, half a room away. A very, very large room away.

"It's animal themed, so I want everything to be dark browns and greens," Isodore gestures to the room around him, clearly frustrated with the small woman. I almost let a laugh escape my mouth, but instead settle for a smirk.

"I understand that, but do you still want white crockery and silver cutlery or do you want me to find black crockery and gold cutlery?" The short woman stammered a little, looking up at Isodore.

"I don't care woman, just make it look pretty," Isodore frowned down at the woman and I frowned. He walked away from her to talk to a man directing furniture around, so I approached the woman he'd yelled at.

"Go with the white and silver, and make the greens all paler than usual," I give her a small smile, I'm only a little taller than her without my heels.

"I'm sorry, you are?" She looks up at me, a shy but fierce look in her eye.

"Violette Hamlin, his cousin," I give her another smile and she looks shocked.

"My lady, I'm so sorry," she shakes her head and curtsies a little. "Of course that's an excellent idea, but what will he say?"

"If he questions it, tell him I told you too," I shrug a give a small laugh. "And if he has a problem, tell him he can speak to me directly."

"Oh, alright, thank you," she gives me a small smile before she hurries off.

I look around the room again and see Isodore still busy speaking to a group of men, then I turn and approach the staircase up to the second level of the ballroom. I walk up the stairs quickly, and then step onto the balcony surrounding the ballroom up above. I look over the golden railing and find Isodore immediately. He's waving his hands again and I let out a small laugh.

But I notice the layout of the room shortly after. Fake tree-like structures are being moved around, making huge hiding spaces around the ballroom. It looks like something special is being planned especially for that night.

And I intended to find out exactly what it was. 

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I found Isodore in his study that afternoon and walked in without knocking, sitting opposite his desk and stretching my legs out in front of me.

"Yes, you can come in Adelaide," he smirks and sarcasm drips off his every word, but he doesn't look up from the papers he's reading. 

"Good to know," I return his smirk, watching him carefully but he doesn't move for several minutes.

He finally looks up, the smirk not quite gone from his face. "And what was it that you wanted?"

"Well, I want to know what elaborate trick you have planned for the masquerade," I cross my arms and raise an eyebrow, but keep my voice innocent.

"I have no idea what you're talking about," he keeps his voice neutral, but his eyes play a very dangerous game.

"I've seen the layout of the room, it's unassuming from the ground, but from up above, the shadows cast and areas hidden appear suspicious. I just want to know what trick you've planned to entertain our guests," I give a sweet smile and a small shrug.

"Just some entertainment, that's all I've got planned for my guests," he matches my fake smile and leans forward slightly. "Actually, Adelaide, I'm a little hurt that you'd think I intended anything other that enjoyment and merriment."

"Of course Isodore, my bad," I stand and tilt my head, before turning  and leaving his study. 

I don't look back, even as I feel his eyes boring into my back as I leave. I feel the small heels of my boots clacking on the marble floors as I walk through the corridors, winding my way through to my room. 

I reach my door and march in, walking straight to my closet before I hear a voice from the direction of the couch by the fire, one that I recognise instantly.

"Adelaide, I was hoping you had a moment?"

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I turn around a find myself looking at the Queen. She's wearing a thick black cloak with the hood pulled back and her hair is arranged in a knot at the base of her skull. No jewellery, no family colours to be seen. Her expression is worried and I raise an eyebrow, then walk over and sit next to her.

"Evangeline? What's wrong?" The concern is shaking in my voice, and I know she notices.

"I needed to speak to you in private, that's why I'm unannounced, Damian came and collected me. I apologise for intruding," she gives a small shake of her head.

"You needn't apologise, it's no problem," I give a small, encouraging smile, my hands twisting in my lap.

"Thank you, Adelaide," she smiles and nods.

"But you do have a problem, and I assume that's why you're here?" I raise an eyebrow again and tilt my head slightly. 

"Yes, it is why I'm here," her expression immediately becomes worried, and I know mine matches her own. 

"What's wrong?" I keep my voice quiet, hardly audible over the crackling of the fire.

"Threats were made against the King, similar to those made against Isodore," she pales and my heart goes out to her. "And he's only told his closest advisors, he didn't even tell me. He thought I was asleep one night and I overheard him."

"Oh, that's horrible," I frown and give a small shake of my head. "Is there anything I can do?"

"Well, that's not the only reason I'm worried," she speaks, with a slight shake in her voice. What could possibly be worse than someone threatening to kill her husband?

"What is is?" I brace myself for the answer.

"I'm carrying our child," her voice shakes and all colour disappears from her face, and I'm certain my expression is the same.

"And you're scared that if someone gets to Eric, he'll get to you, and the child?" I raise an eyebrow as some of the colour returns to her face, but only a little. 

"Yes, that's exactly what I'm terrified of," she nods and I give her a supportive smile.

"Is there anything I can do?" My voice is quiet and I put a comforting hand on her knee.

"Well, I came to ask if you could guard our door at night? I'll tell Isodore that you're to sleep until the middle of the day everyday without exception. I know it's a lot to ask, but I'm a little paranoid, probably overreacting, but I am," she gives a small, embarassed laugh and I shake my head.

"It's not too much to ask, of course I'll do it," I agree quickly and she smiles.

"Thank you, Adelaide, I'll pay you well," she nods quickly and sits up a little straighter. "I can't thank you enough."

"You don't need to thank me," I give her a small smile.