The Raven-Haired Mistress

Secrets

Tullia rose early that morning and snuck out of Sebastian's room. She was concerned about how Bash felt when it came to their relationship. When she woke up to the sun peaking through the window, she remembered her duties. She couldn't stay and wait to hear what Bash had to say. She got up and left. Tullia hopes that Bash would come to her later in the day to discuss their evening.
Tullia helped Monroe prepare for the morning and Lady Rockford left to get Monroe her breakfast.
"May I ask...what did Prince Adler want yesterday?" Tullia asked Monroe.
Monroe sighed. "He was angry. All his attempts to change Bash's father's mind have failed. He even threatened to remove Bash's new title and position if Lord Orvar didn't change his vote. He still didn't agree, but the threat was an empty one. Adler became too attached to Bash. He sees him as his closest friend aside from Tristan." Monroe explained.
"What will he do?" Tullia asked.
"I don't know. I think he is going to ask Sebastian to reason with his father." Monroe replied.
"I know Bash will try his hardest, but I get the feeling that he won't be able to succeed." Tullia frowned. "But will it matter if you don't get his vote?" She asked.
"No." Monroe answered. "But Adler won't be satisfied without it. He fears how other's opinions will affect our future." Monroe took a sip of her water. "Anyways, let's not worry about that today. Adler promised me that we would have a relaxing day in court today, but I know that he simply would like to introduce me to more nobles. I must get going."
Lady Rockford came into the room with Monroe's breakfast.
"But after I eat." Monroe smiled.
__________________________

Tullia, Monroe, and Adler were all in the open courtroom having conversations with some nobles.
Tullia kept an eye on Sebastian the whole time and he didn't seem to take notice to her at all.
"I think we should go for a walk, get some fresh air before it is too cold outside." Monroe proposed to Adler.
He nodded and took her arm in his. Tullia was prepared to follow them.
"Oh, no." Monroe stopped her. "Alone, please. I'll see you later."
Tullia nodded. "Of course." She smiled.
The couple left the room.
Tullia glanced back over to Sebastian and saw that he was still engaged in conversation with some nobles.
She headed for the exit and intended to return to her chambers for a while. Tullia rounded a corner and heard footsteps following her. She abruptly turned around to see who was trailing her. Sebastian nearly ran into her.
"Woah..." He stopped. "Hello." He leaned in to kiss her, but Tullia scowled and moved away from him. "What is it?" He asked.
She grimaced. "You acted like I was nobody back there! We just spent the evening together and that was the next interaction that I had with you." She frowned.
"I'm sorry. This situation is...difficult."
"It shouldn't be!" Tullia shouted.
"Shhh! Please keep your voice down." Bash begged and wrapped his arms around her. "I know how I feel. I love you. That's why it is difficult, because I know that we can't be together."
"But we can!" Tullia argued. "If Monroe and Adler can make it work, then we can too. And we will." She squeezed him tight.
They stood still for a moment and simply enjoyed each other's warmth.
They then separated.
"We should go somewhere else." Bash kissed her cheek.
Tullia smiled. He grabbed her head and turned around. He instantly stopped as a woman rounded the corner and entered the hallway they were in. He dropped Tullia's hand and stood still. The woman was swaying her hips as she walked confidently closer. She was obviously a noble due to her elaborate dress and large jewels. She was pretty too.
The woman smirked and something about the look sent shivers down Tullia's spine.
"Well, well, well...just what do we have here?" She asked keeping the same scary smile.
Bash cleared his throat. "Annabelle, I didn't know you were at court."
"I just arrived." She answered in a sassy tone. "And I see that you kept yourself busy while I was gone. Now I understand why your family lied." Her expression changed to be more angry slob with her one of voice. "They told me that you were on a hunting trip. After the second month, I decided that it was quite a long hunting trip. Possibly too long."
"Did it really take you that long to realize? I knew you didn't care with all your jewels and dresses to keep your company, but I guess I figured you would have noticed sooner. Wait, I forgot, you are a horrible person, which is why I had my family lie in the first place." Bash snapped back at her.
"You really thought I wouldn't notice or care?! And what now?! You have moved on and are bedding some new whore?!" Anna yelled.
Tullia furrowed her brow. "Who are you?!"
Bash sighed. "Tullia. I was going to tell you..."
"Who am I?! Oh, wow! She doesn't even know! I'm his wife." Anna placed her hands on her hips.
"What?!" Tullia stepped back from Bash.
"Tullia, you have to give me a chance to explain." He begged.
"Explain what?!" She shouted. "That this was a huge mistake." She stormed away before Bash could explain anything.
Bash practically had hot steam flying out of his ears.
"Anna!" He yelled. "What the hell is the matter with you?!"
"With me?! You are the one here sleeping with a servant!" She hissed.
"Oh, don't act completely innocent! You were the one to stray first!" Bash three back at her. "Besides, Tullia is more than a servant and our relationship is more than sex...or it was." He sighed and then scowled at his wife. "You've known for a long time that this is over and as have I, so why did you have to ruin this for me?" He asked and started to walk away.
"Yes, this is over, but we are still married. What do you plan to do about that?" She argued.
"I plan to end it!" He yelled.
Sebastian turned around and stomped away from a woman he once loved.