The Hunt for the Three Roses by Jason Hubbard

Author:Jason Hubbard
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: BookBaby
Published: 2018-09-18T12:39:43+00:00

Fifteen

In the expansive wardrobe office, Sean and Callie were once again given critical assessments over their attire by the royal tailor. Sean was given a new jacket and a blue brocaded waistcoat along with a necktie with a golden clasp, and Callie was led away into a closet where she and her newly minted ladies-in-waiting would pick out her numerous articles of clothing.

A noble couple soon arrived who introduced themselves as Count Roy Striver and his wife, Janice. “We have agreed to prepare you for tonight’s ball,” Count Striver said, and he chuckled. “This is what I get for being in His Majesty’s debt.”

“Thank you, my lord,” Sean replied.

“You simply must tell us all about you!” Lady Striver said. “Everyone is buzzing about you, and you simply must give us first dibs!”

Very uncomfortable and unsure of what all he should say, Sean related his false background of being a shoemaker’s son who got conscripted and had seen battle. It took some imagination, but he managed to downplay Master Cypher’s role in his story and emphasized his relationship with Count Guyver, who had sent Sean and Callie to be his representatives in the palace.

“You’re saying Count Erik couldn’t be bothered to see the King himself?” Lady Striver asked. “How dreadful! Shame on that man!”

“I beg your pardon, madam, but I disagree,” Sean said. “Count Guyver has lost his leg in the line of duty, and the war has claimed his brother and two uncles. In the face of such hardship, he only wishes to mourn for his family in peace in his city home. We should respect his desire for solitude in this rough time.”

She glared at him a moment before lowering her shoulders. “Well, your argument is sound, but I still think he should have made some time tonight to see the King personally. Still, perhaps he is not as dreadful as I made him out to be.”

“Hear, hear,” Count Striver said, and he gestured to Gerald, who had been lingering like a shadow. “Please show Master McAlister to his rooms. Master McAlister, please show my wife nothing but courtesy during your lessons. We shall rendezvous in the main hall.”

After a quick stop to the palace’s keymaster, Sean was led to a spacious room with a queen-sized four-poster shrouded by satin sheets and gossamer curtains. Lady Striver quickly proceeded to show him how to make greetings and respond to inquiries, and although Sean knew many of them already, he played ignorant and did it well enough not to arouse suspicion.

Lady Striver then gave him dancing lessons, which made Sean very self-conscious. Lady Striver was already prepared for the ball and looked resplendent in her gown of white taffeta with blue lace, with a broad crinoline holding up her skirt and petticoats, plus a bodice cut so low that Sean had to imagine nails keeping his eyes in place so he wouldn’t stare at her cleavage. The only thing about her he didn’t care for was the copious makeup job. In

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