Court of Flowers (Sutherland Book 1)

XVI | The Invitation

Sasha froze and the ringing in her ears began, the light fading.

"We knew this was bound to happen," Lady Mariam said, but she was not addressing Sasha.

Sasha's heart nearly stopped when she saw Lady Eastwell standing in one corner of the room, silently observing. "You must realize, Mariam, that Sasha is still adjusting."

"She has responsibilities. There is no room for adjustments."

Sasha blinked. "I beg your pardon?" Sasha asked in disbelief as Lady Eastwell merely sighed and shook her head.

"What have you been doing of late, Sasha?" Lady Mariam demanded.

"I—"

"You have been doing naught but go around with Ruby in Coulway. You barely see your flower. Why is that?"

"I—"

"And why did he get a villa, Sasha? Why did he feel the need to do so?"

"He does not wish to be seen with me or—"

"Your villa should suffice."

"My villa is—"

"And why were you found walking alone outside the Flower Garden while your flower is in your bedchamber?"

"I had to—" Sasha looked at Lady Eastwell for help. The woman simply shrugged.

"And why—"

"My lady!" Sasha exclaimed; eyes closed. "Please, if you would allow me to finish my replies, you may not find the need for more questions."

She saw the anger in Lady Mariam's eyes when she opened hers. "Thank you," she respectfully said, straightening her shoulders, gathering what was left of her composure. From the corner of her eye, she saw Lady Eastwell smile. "Foremost, my lady, my gentleman had insisted that we come here. I had to oblige for he needs to believe I am doing what he expects me to do."

"Of course, it is expected that you are to take your flower here. They are entitled to that privilege. I was not inquiring why you took him here. Why would I?"

"Yes, Sasha, why would we?" Lady Eastwell asked in the same confused voice.

"I thought I was given instructions..."

"By whom?" Lady Eastwell asked, staring at Mariam.

"Do not stare at me like that, Eastwell. I did not give such orders."

Sasha blinked in confusion. "I—I must have misunderstood the instructions given me."

"And whatever do you mean by his expectations of you?" Lady Mariam added.

Sasha frowned, becoming more confused. She searched Lady Mariam's eyes and found nothing but innocent curiosity. She could see the same look in Lady Eastwell's face. "Concerning my task..." she faintly replied, baffled.

Lady Eastwell frowned. "Your task? Do you mean your task as a Belle?"

At that moment, at the lack of suspicion in the woman's tone, Sasha realized something. A shiver ran up her spine, muddling her mind even more. "Yes," she replied in almost a whisper.

Lady Mariam frowned. "And how have you been doing that? Has he invited you into his home, Sasha?"

"It is not easy for a man in his station to simply invite any woman into his estate, particularly a Belle. He is protecting his reputation."

"And what does the prince have to say to this?"

"The prince is being patient," she said, putting enough emphasis on the last word.