Court of Flowers (Sutherland Book 1)

XXV | Friends for Foes

Three days later, Sasha was ordered back to Belcourt.

She immediately went, her mind rushing to different possibilities. Did they suspect her unusual visit to the Library? Had Gabrielle done something? Had and she West been careless? Did any of her servants in the villa hear something? Noticed something?

When the carriage arrived in the Court of Flowers, Sasha jumped out before Briana could even open the door. With quick steps, she navigated down the halls of the court until she reached Lady Mariam's study.

With a knock and a quick response from the woman, Sasha entered the room, hoping to appear as calm and collected.

"Have a seat, Sasha," Lady Mariam ordered from behind her chair.

Sasha moistened her lips and settled across the woman, her back straight and shoulders held back.

Lady Mariam's face was impassive, but her blue eyes were anchored on her with scrutiny. She clasped her hands together and said, "Sasha, why have you not reported Daniel Willoghby?"

Sasha went cold, suddenly robbed of words. Shivers ran up her spine as Willoghby's words echoed in her ears.

Be a good girl...

Lady Mariam looked at her and sighed, looking like she was facing a helpless case. "I had to find out through Ruby. She came by yesterday to inquire if Belcourt had started its inquiry on Willoghby." When Sasha remained mum, Lady Mariam shook her head. "Do you have any inkling about how I must have felt, Sasha? One of the ladies was harassed under my nose and I was blind to it. What would the other Mistresses think, Sasha? Hmm? And of the Maidens? Of the High Priestess? I took the honor of being a Mistress because I found it my duty to provide my ladies the best. I do not expect deceit or the lack of truth. And I do not expect any of my ladies to do something so irresponsible they are putting their fellow Belles at risk."

Sasha swallowed and bowed her head, deciding making excuses was not the best way to move forward at this point. "My apologies, my lady. I will make the report this very day."

Lady Mariam stared at her. "You will not leave Belcourt until you hand your report to the Court of Libraries. You have no idea of the headache you are causing me at the moment, Sasha. And now Willoghby is nowhere to be seen. He has been elusive, and he is a master at it. The man is not the owner of the Sutherland Post and The Grimes for no reason."

Sasha's head snapped up, her eyes wide with surprise.

"The bastard is not stupid. He knows what he did and is very aware of the consequences. But if you have sent us the report early, Sasha, he would be in our custody before he even had the chance to leave Humbrick. I would have sent for someone from the Court of Arms to get to him."

Sasha felt the room spin around her. Someone from the Court of Arms was at Humbrick. Yet Lady Mariam was not aware of it.

"I have nothing more to say to you, Sasha, regarding this matter on Willoghby. You have been careless and irresponsible. I am aware that you are wise enough to understand the words I have left unspoken. I only hope that you do not keep anything else from me in the future. This is a warning, Sasha. I would hate for you to suffer a consequence should you do the same negligence. Belcourt rarely offers second chances."

Sasha nodded, already aware that she was lying to her new Mistress all over again.

"And do you have any updates on West Blackwood?"

Sasha had to tell the woman something, so she said, "Our relationship has greatly improved since Humbrick. I expect it to bear fruit soon."

For the first time, Lady Mariam's eyes showed approval. "What kind of improvement are we talking about?"