hug by Mrs. Zanst.
“It’s such a pleasure to see you again, Lady Rogan.” She smiled widely as she pulled away to take in my appearance. “I must say, you’re looking very well for a young lady who’s been traveling. And without a carriage, no less.” She frowned, looking over the Guard.
I shrugged inelegantly, happy to be around someone who didn’t care if I shrugged inelegantly. “I thought a carriage would be more of a hindrance than a help.”
Mrs. Zanst didn’t seem to agree but she said no more, clasping my hand in hers as we walked inside and left the Guard to organize themselves. It would seem there wasn’t enough room in the stables or the mansion for all of them, so some would have to venture into the city for accommodation. I rolled my eyes as many eagerly volunteered, knowing from conversation I’d overheard that the excitement was due more to finding a bed partner than an actual bed.
“Oh,” I gasped as we stepped into the entrance hall. “Your home is lovely, Mrs. Zanst.” And I meant it. Her expression brightened, a little flush of pride cresting her cheeks.
“Thank you, Lady Rogan. I do try.”
In all the homes of the wealthy I had ventured into, the floors of the entrance hall, hallways in general, were always white and black marble, or, as at the palace, pure white marble flecked with sparkling crystal. But Mr. and Mrs. Zanst had forgone the cold marble aesthetic of the wealthy and instead had beautiful, wide-slatted, wooden polished floors that reflected the glow from the stunning but simplistic chandelier spiraling from the ceiling. I stared at the corkscrew of crystals, surprised by its originality. It was like a piece of modern art in itself.
Careful not to encumber the light, airy quality they had created, there were no drab oil paintings or heavy tapestries, only pale, buttercream walls. Adorning one of the walls was a mural depicting a blurry forest with gorgeous wood nymphs and other rustic creatures. A few silver mirrors were dotted here and there and flowers in soft pastel shades rested in ornate vases.
“It’s like a fairy tale,” I whispered. “Haydyn would love this.”
Mrs. Zanst blushed even harder. “Do you really think so?”
I nodded, giving her arm a friendly squeeze. “You, Mrs. Zanst, have a gift for interior design.”
“Oh, I’m pleased you think so. Many of the women here”—her voice dropped to a murmur—“think my taste unfashionable.”
“On the contrary, I think you might set a new fashion for interiors. Wait until we get you back to the palace to decorate Haydyn’s private parlor, Mrs. Zanst. Then all the ladies will wish you to decorate their homes.”
Wide-eyed, she pulled me into her equally quaint and beautiful parlor. “Do you really think so?”
Having apparently made a friend for life in the charming Mrs. Zanst, I felt awful when I tricked her. Desperate for some time alone, to be away from the Guard and the Factory District, which was buzzing with the news of our arrival, I knew I had to make my escape before the neighbors started calling on Mrs. Zanst to meet me.
I faked a headache and fatigue from the journey and was shown to a spectacular guest suite with wonderful views of Ryl. There I hastily wrote a note to Mrs. Zanst informing her where I’d gone so she wouldn’t worry, and then threw on a dark cloak, creeping out of the room. I was forced to hide twice—once in another bedroom and then in the music room on the second floor. I halted at the sound of children squealing and realized the nursery must be near. Afraid of being found by an impish child, I scurried down the next flight of stairs and then cursed under my breath when I came face-to-face with the butler.
“May I help you, my lady?” he bowed, gracefully, the tallest butler I had ever encountered.
I gulped, thinking fast. “I’m going for a walk. Mrs. Zanst suggested I follow the main road out of the Factory District to arrive at the center of the city …”
He frowned, shaking his head. “That cannot be correct, my lady. Mrs. Zanst must have meant for you to take a right and then a left once you reach the entrance to the Factory District.”
I smiled inwardly. “And that takes me straight into the city?”
“You cannot miss it, my lady.”
“Thank you.”
And as easily as that, I was out the door. I held my breath, almost skipping as I shot down the driveway