The Lady of the Hive has Arrived

Chapter 5: The Lady of the Hive's New Room

I may have overplayed my hand a bit too early, I can't let myself get carried away again. I had only stopped by the brothel to retrieve something under the guise of treating my men, but I couldn't resist extending our stay to set the prince further on edge. It was a risky decision, and unbecoming of the heir of the Goldwell house. Stepping on every single one of his toes the second I met him was probably a mistake I'll regret in the future.

I had had a feeling that he was expecting my older brother's attendance, he had no reason not to, so I did not fault him for that. However, after I saw his the tacky welcome he had prepared for my brother, my risky decision felt as though it paid off in full. Their knights, the pretty servants, the stupid gaudy sets of armor, it was all so desperate to me. It was clear how painfully aware the prince was of the Goldwell heir's importance.

Which is probably why the prince himself was leading me to my guest chamber, blathering on about the history of some antique vase on display that we had passed by. His words didn't reach me, but I smiled and nodded whenever he checked to make sure I was engaged in his monologue.

I hadn't expected how irresistible the temptation would be here, and I believe that was in no small part due to this handsome fool next to me. I couldn't restrain myself from overreaching, and it would be difficult for me to prevent myself from doing it again. Humiliating an idiot like this was child's play, and it was deliciously fun. His shock, his irritation, his arrogance was so terribly amusing I was barely able to maintain a dignified face as he expressed them. Perhaps this is what Elias feels when he teases me.

Whether I am a woman or not, it makes no difference. I hold the power in this castle. We speak and act on my terms, and there is nothing Prince Byron can do to trick me into thinking otherwise.

Skirmishes have increased along the western border of Goldwell Walls, as well as along the other Midowa western borderlands. Father attributed the increased activity due to the death of the king, and has surmised that Prince Byron's invitations to the castle were an invitations to a negotiation. Well, I suppose negotiation isn't the right word. The other noble houses present will be scrambling to curry favor with the future king, while the future king will be vying for my family's.

These are turbulent times indeed, but the Goldwell family will be prepared. I have been trusted to act on my accord, to take whatever course I deem necessary on behalf of the family.

"Pardons, I must seem like a rambling fool."

"Not at all, Byron. The castle's history is a fascinating topic of conversation. I've heard much about it from my tutor, who happens to be somewhat of a history fanatic," I said, smiling up at the prince.

"I would be very interested in picking his brain sometime on the matter, if he has the time, he is welcome to the castle during your stay here. I mean of course if he can manage the trip here."

"He managed the trip just fine, did you not, Elias?" I said as a looked over shoulder. Elias was trailing behind us, carrying a few of my things along with one of the castle's servants.

"More comfortably than I imagine you had, my lady," Elias said, returning my close lipped smile with his own.

Prince Byron's face had stiffened again, trying to mask its confusion similarly to how I was trying to mask my amusement.

"I have yet again to ask for pardons. I had assumed you were a butler servant. Of course I mean no offense," he said, now looking at Elias as well.

"My prince, your apologies are wasted on me. There was no offense for me to take. To some extent I am my lady's butler, but my primary duty is her education," Elias's said with a lowered gaze, respectfully avoiding eye contact with the royal prince as a servant is expected to.