The three of us shared lunch on the main balcony earlier, taking advantage of the warm temperature. I’d like to think the change of weather is a sign the cold and dreary month under Mr. Bordeaux’s rule is behind me, that anxiety won’t plague me at the sight of him during dinner.

“I’m clueless of what it means to be the wife of an ambassador.” A nervous lilt steals Elise’s voice.

She’s been high-strung since Landon told us of the role he serves in the Brotherhood. As the Ambassador of Communications, he’s a busy man, and no doubt his wife will be expected to plan elaborate dinners and galas for visiting dignitaries. She won’t have the time, nor the proper station to serve me in the same capacity we’re both used to. As she works her magic on my long locks, reminding me of how I haven’t been pampered in a month, the thought of her moving on to the next chapter in her life saddens me.

With Faye gone, I’ll miss my friend even more. My reflection hides nothing in the mirror, my expression bleeding distress at the thought of losing Elise.

“I’ll make time for you, Novalee. You need a friend you can trust, especially now that Faye has returned home.” She steps back, finished with my hair, and I turn on the stool and take her hand.

“I accept your friendship, so long as it doesn’t put a strain on your family.” I search her face for signs of trauma or guilt, but since she told me about the rape, she’s been shut down. “Marrying Landon…is that what you really want? Because I’ll talk to your parents and make arrangements for you to return home. You don’t have to go through with this.”

“Can I tell you something?”

“Of course. Come sit with me.” I gesture to the ottoman at the end of the king-sized bed, and we settle onto the cushion, side-by-side.

“I’ve had feelings for Landon from the moment I saw him at that first dinner, but I ignored them because of his title.”

I hear all she doesn’t say.

“And because of your obligation to me.” A hint of hurt darts through me. “I wish you’d told me…or Faye.”

Maybe if she’d gone to Faye, things would have unfolded differently. It’s possible she wouldn’t have given Jerome the time of day if she’d believed Landon was an obtainable prospect.

Because Faye might have said something to me earlier about my relation to the Astors. But would my sense of betrayal be any less if I’d heard it from Faye instead of Landon? That’s a question I might never have an answer to.

“As your lady, it wasn’t my place to tell you.”

“I’m more than just your queen, Elise. I consider you family.”