Chapter Thirteen #2
“Thank you, Ingrid. I hope we get along well. Allow me to introduce my attendants who’ve come with me from the capital and will be under your care.” I touched Bella’s shoulder. “This is Bella, my head lady-in-waiting, and beside her is Annie, my personal maid.”
They both bowed their heads to Ingrid and murmured a greeting.
Ingrid swept over them with a discerning eye. “Very well. You are both to come with me. I will show you to your quarters.”
“Thank you, Madam Ingrid,” Bella said quietly.
“My lady, I have assigned four maids to you for today. They will assist you while Miss Bella and Annie settle in,” Ingrid said, turning to me.
“Two maids will be more than enough for me,” I replied. “I’m quite tired from the journey, and I find myself overwhelmed with so many new people. Do forgive me.”
“Not at all, Madam. Quite understandable.” Ingrid turned her head and beckoned over two maids. “Pippa, Helen, you are to serve Her Ladyship for today.”
“Yes, Madam Ingrid,” they replied at the same time, bowing their heads.
Ark smiled warmly at me. “My lady, the sun will be setting soon, and it will get quite cold. Allow me to escort you inside the castle to your room.”
“Thank you, Ark.” I clutched my cape around my neck and followed him to the imposing steps before the giant door.
Honestly, the castle looked like something right out of a fairytale. It was surely the fanciest fortress I’d ever seen, and where the Imperial Palace looked as though it would collapse with one hit, Stein Castle had a presence that almost begged someone to try.
It was… gorgeous. Thick stone walls stretched into high ceilings that were ornately carved, and rich, hardwood floors gave off the odd creak beneath our feet.
The flag of the Grand Duchy hung in pride of place in the middle of the foyer, waving gently in the breeze that crept in through the open doors.
Vermillion House had nothing on this fancy place.
“The Grand Duke has assigned the East Wing to be Your Ladyship’s quarters, as per tradition here in Stein for the Grand Duchess,” Ark said, guiding me up the sweeping staircase.
“It’s comprised of your bedroom, bathroom, dressing room, and study.
There’s also a sitting room to receive guests on the lower floor.
Additionally, there are rooms that will be assigned to your personal staff, including your Head Lady-in-Waiting, your chief aide, and your personal knight. ”
I blinked. “Is that where Bella will stay?”
“For now, Bella will reside in the servants’ quarters with the other maids until she’s familiar with the inner workings of the castle.
She’ll also find it easier to bond with the other staff.
This is the East Wing.” Ark held open a door to a corridor for me.
“Do not worry, my lady. She’ll move to your wing sooner than you think. ”
“Of course. What you’re saying makes perfect sense.”
“This is Your Ladyship’s bedroom.” Ark bowed and opened the door to reveal a bedroom that was larger than my one at Vermillion House.
The four-poster bed was so large that you could fit four people in it and have room for twenty cats.
Intricate windows stretched across one wall, providing the most beautiful view of the castle gardens backed by the snow-capped Stein Mountains in the distance.
The fireplace was already in use with a fire happily burning away in it, and the log store next to it was rammed full of perfectly stacked wood.
It was overwhelming.
“The Grand Duke was hopeful the space would be to your taste, my lady,” Ark said quietly. “Please let us know if that isn’t the case, and we’ll have it redecorated to your preference.”
“Oh, no, no.” I held up my hands. “It’s quite beautiful.”
And it was. The walls were just off-white enough that it wasn’t harsh, but still white enough that they weren’t the hideous magnolia I’d lived with in my past life.
The light blue accents of the curtains and furniture brought it to life, and I could see how much care had been taken by the staff to prepare it for me thanks to the pretty fresh flowers that were dotted throughout the room.
Ark’s eyes shimmered. “I’m happy to hear that. I understand that you’re feeling tired, but please make yourself comfortable while we talk.” He motioned to the seating area in front of the fire. “Pippa, attend to Her Ladyship. Helen, bring some tea.”
I peered over at the blonde maid as Pippa helped me remove my winter cape.
“Ooh! I’m not sure if it’s possible, but I visited the Alansia estate for a tea party and was served a rare tea from Stein that was brewed with roses from the mountains.
It was given to Duke Alansia by the Grand Duke. I don’t suppose you have any, do you?”
Helen nodded. “We do, but I believe it’s all in His Highness’ private tea collection, my lady.”
“Oh, if it’s that rare, then—”
Ark raised his hand. “The Grand Duke’s private tea collection is your private tea collection, per his orders. Helen, bring a pot of Rostein tea.”
“Yes, sir.”
“A small pot is fine,” I added. “Thank you.”
She left the room with a click of the doors.
“Ark, Pippa, please sit.”
Ark sat down while Pippa continued to hover in the corner.
“Pippa, you’re making the place look untidy,” I said, smiling kindly. “Please take a seat.”
“Yes, my lady.” She perched somewhat uncomfortably on a chair in the corner.
I’d take it.
“Now, Ark.” I rested my hands in my lap. “Please give me as much information about the castle as quickly as possible.”