Rosanna had a private audience with the Duc de Chalasse in the days after the wedding. In the safety of his townhouse, they discussed the outcome of Odilia’s decision. As a Dowayne, of course she had to consider what this choice would do for the entire Court of Night Blooming Flowers, its impact was sure to be felt for years. As a granddaughter, she wanted to ensure just how her beloved grandfather was faring in the fallout.
His offer was not one made lightly, and was as powerful as it was uncommon.
“Will you continue to see Odilia after this? Or has that arrangement been put to rest for good?”
Here in the study, surrounded by antiques, books and all manner of souvenirs of a life well lived, Roland was all but seated on a throne. For any of the grandchildren, but especially for her, it was a place of wisdom and power. Where they learned how to navigate the intricate labyrinth that was the highest circles of D’Angeline life. It was no surprise to her that this was this room he chose to have this discussion.
“That is entirely dependent on what her new contract says. A document I have not yet been made privy to.”
A tray of tea with honey cakes sat between them. She poured and he dished up the treats. A calm and familiar routine they had performed so many times throughout the years.
“As she is a Second, Jocaste would have had to sign off on some part of that agreement. And a legal representative from the king and queen would as well. Or so I would assume. This has never been done before.”
Nodding, the Duc lifted the teacup to his lips. It was a one of a kind set, made for him with the image of his crest upon an expensive black glaze.
“For that reason, I believe they will keep it very much private. Should she wish for me to know the contents of her agreement, I will be told. But the paper itself? The palace will not want those words made public. Next thing you know, every count and baroness from here to the sea will be mimicking it. Cheapening whatever happened behind closed doors.”
Now it was her turn to nod. All the people needed to know was that a legally binding deal had been struck and no more. Doubly so as those who tried to ruin Odilia were no doubt having fits over their best laid plans falling to pieces.
“Do you suspect those who attempted that fiasco last winter will try to find the contract? Or try to play their hand at you being a bitter ex-lover?”
“This is why you are my favorite. They will, I believe they already have. My calling card dish has been insufferably full. Amateurs, the lot of them, to think I would crave sympathy like a broken hearted youth. However, such green attempts to sway me can become sloppy, which does concern me.”
“Sloppiness can open the gates to greater harm once they realize you are not so easily placed in their pocket.”
Familial eyes locked gazes and the conversation silently continued. Until Roland had a clear place in or out of Odilia’s life he would have to contend with the horde of well wishers and hangers on. Once the final decision there was made, clean up would have to begin.
“I can ask my adepts to keep their ears to the ground. They all have friends outside of our House. Should any pillow talk of anger over this contract be heard, I will be sure to let you know. Or if anyone is foolish enough to boast wishing for your acquaintance, I will do the same. The last thing either you or Odilia need are more miscreants sticking their noses where they do not belong.”
She topped up her cup and leaned back on the great lounging couch. Comfortable in the home of her mother’s father, Rosanna considered what else might need to be done on her part.
“Would we like to attend the theater with Odilia? Our family already made it clear we would welcome her should she accept your offer before the king made his. It makes sense that I would continue to support my friend and you.”
“That does make for a well considered call back to one of the very first outings I attended with her,” Roland mused out loud. “Not the whole family, mind you. We might well scare her away.”
“I would be scared away if they all descended at once. But just you and I? That has merit. And such displays might keep those unhappy with this outcome on their toes. If they do not know what exactly Odilia has promised and she is still seen out with others, we can keep their heads spinning instead of their teeth gnashing.”
A quill, ink and paper were retrieved from the desk.
“The sooner the better. How is Thursday next for you, Rosie?”
“I do believe I am quite free that night, Grandfather.”
One would hope that now after the festivities had died down that the newly minted Royal Companion and Mistress would be able to freely take her pleasure in the many diversions of the city as she was wont to.
Especially now that there was so much to be happy for.
Doubly so the silence any speculation that might have cropped up, for any number of those most closely associated with the unprecedented appointee.
A missive arrived at the door of Odilia, the messenger in the black and gold of the sovereign Duc. Although he had been at the wedding, he had kept himself scarce from the happy trio. Such was not the time nor the place for any sort of sighting of him near her. But a letter a week after the happy event was perfectly respectable.
His letter was brief and to the point, as was his way. But the contents were warm, at least for those who knew Roland well. He extended his well wishes for her happiness and assured her that he was not sour over the path she chose. Finally, he made the invitation of a night out delighting in the arts with him and his granddaughter and hoped that she would have the time and happy inclination to join them.
A peace offering, an offer of friendship to continue. They sincerely missed her and looked forward to an evening at the theatre.