that. I can clean up or fix anything when I get home.”
“Samantha, you’re homecoming is a very big deal. He will make sure everything is just right.”
“Okay.” I took a deep breath. It didn’t take long until we were at the doors for the queen’s parlor. The man standing there nodded to me to make sure I was ready before knocking softly and waiting for a response. I followed him into the room before stopping to curtsy.
“Your Majesty.” The footman bowed. “The Duchess of Rousseau.”
“Samantha, so glad you could have lunch with us.”
“Thank you for inviting me, Your Highness.” I smiled at the queen and at the people behind her. Cathy, Alex, and Rose were all standing, waiting on me to join them. I hoped my eyes hadn’t lingered on Alex for too long, but his were locked on me the same way.
“Not at all. You’ve been busy and we thought it might be nice to have a quiet lunch.” She motioned for me to take the open chair next to Alex. He held the seat out for me and I managed to slide under the table with no problems. I was getting better at this manners stuff.
“How are you?” Rose asked.
“Good. Trying to find my footing.”
“Samantha, how have you found Lilaria?” The queen smiled at me over the flowers in the center of the table. I’m not sure why, but Felecia made me nervous in a way that Alex and Cathy didn’t.
“It’s lovely, but I hope I get to see more of it soon.” I put the napkin in my lap and tried to calm my nerves.
“Eager to get to your estate?” Felecia took a sip from her water glass.
“Yes, ma’am.”
“It’s beautiful out there. The D’Lynsal property runs adjacent to the stream on the backside. I used to fish there with my father.” Felecia looked over at Alex. “Do you still go out that way? I know you used to fly birds back there.”
“Yes, it’s a good area to hunt.” He looked over at me. “Don’t forget you said you’d join me sometime.” Was he flirting with me in front of everyone?
“I didn’t realize your property ran alongside mine.” I looked at Alex while the staff placed salads on the table.
“You should have studied your map a little better.” He laughed.
“I would if my teacher would ever get around to helping me decipher Lilarian.” I gave him a pointed look before taking a bite of my salad.
“I’ll send you some homework.”
“Alex, you still haven’t taught her anything else?” Cathy was watching us carefully. “So, the only words she knows in Lilarian are chicken and stuffed?”
I heard Rose snort but she quickly turned it into a sneeze. Felecia looked like she was trying not to laugh.
“I need to know more than that?” I winked at Cathy.
“It will certainly make your reinstatement ceremony more interesting if that’s all you know.” She giggled.
“Would certainly be entertaining,” the queen offered. “Alex, if you’ve promised to help her with her Lilarian, you need to do it. What is on your schedule for the next few weeks?”
“FBT work, a trip to the mines, the normal stuff.” Alex wiped his mouth with his napkin. “Actually, Samantha is going to be doing some work with the FBT. I could help with her Lilarian then.”
“That’s perfect.” Felecia nodded her head like she was confirming an order.
“I really need to get to my property.” I tried to not sound annoyed. When was I ever going to get to see my new home?
“We’re going this weekend,” Alex said. “I won’t need any help with the FBT for at least another week.”
“Oh, are you going with her to Rousseau?” Felecia looked up, interested.
“Yes.” He didn’t offer an explanation and the queen’s thoughtful gaze turned to me.
“Let me know if you need to rearrange your schedule, Alex.” Felecia smiled before looking down at her plate. That was the first time I felt like she was working something and I couldn’t help but wonder what.
“That’s great, Alex. I’m sure Samantha will appreciate having a friend along for the ride,” Cathy interjected.
“A friend will be appreciated amongst all this change,” Rose said primly.
“You have had to adjust to a lot this week,” Felecia said. “I think you’ve done wonderfully.”
“Thank you. I have to admit that I’m flying by the seat of my pants.” A woman cleared the plates. I was starting to understand why Alex loved hamburgers so much—the fancy food lost its appeal after your eighth straight meal of it.
The rest of the