Of Snow and Blood by Kris Black

Author:Kris Black [Black, Kris]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2020-06-29T22:00:00+00:00

Chapter Twelve

Basic Geography

The Duke of Northurst arrived last night,” Ella told Alina while they had breakfast together in the princess’ sitting area. “It’s so bizarre. He almost never comes to court.”

“The Duke of Northurst?” Alina paused. Where had she heard that name before? “Isn’t that Felix’s father?”

“The one and only.” Ella set down her teacup. “My father can’t stand him. He told me yesterday that he won’t be in court until the duke leaves.”

“Is he that terrible? Felix seems nice enough.”

Felix had never really been anything but kind and accommodating to Alina. She couldn’t imagine him having such a terrible father that courtiers would leave just because he arrived. But then, Alina remembered the way that her sisters had treated her while they were growing up, how her aunt cursed her to die and caused the death of her mother.

“Felix is lucky that he became a Ward of the King when he was practically a toddler. He only sees his father a few times a year.” Ella scoffed. “He is much better off for it too.”

“Why do you think the Duke of Northurst has come so suddenly?” Alina pondered as she took a drink. “Since he comes so rarely.”

“Rumor has it that you’re the cause of him coming down from the north.” Ella picked up a pastry from her plate and took a testing bite. “They think he wants to inspect the new princess. It’s likely that he is staying until after your coronation.”

“Inspect me?” Alina didn’t like how that sounded.

“Northurst has been trying to squirm his way closer to the throne since he was a teenager. He seizes any opportunity that may present itself.” Ella paused for a moment. “He sent his only heir away to get closer to the king. When you meet him, I hope you stay on your guard.”

“He sounds lovely.” Alina frowned.

“Yes, as lovely as an adder.” Ella finished off her pastry. “Luckily for you, you won’t meet him until at least tonight.”

“Why’s that?”

“The queen has requested you for another lesson this afternoon.”

Alina scowled, remembering the last lesson she had with the queen. If learning to sit and walk properly had gone so poorly, imagining any other lesson seemed akin to torture. “I’m not entirely sure I agree with your definition of lucky, Ella.”

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