The air grew heavy around the dinner table. Lillth was surprised by Rose's sudden intervention, the others as well.
"I apologize for her impudence, Your Highnesses. She is still young and lacks court etiquette," Angelica apologized on Rose's behalf. But Rose's eyes continued to blaze; she was adamant in her ways.
The duke, on the other hand, remained quiet, silently observing the matter.
"Alice," I called. "Help me remove the necklace," I ordered. I was not going to let myself be humiliated, especially by a human.
Alice removed the necklace.
Before I could take it off, the duke stood up and moved behind me. Alice bowed, handed him the necklace, and stepped away. Cold hands touched my neck as the duke began putting it back on.
"Who told you to remove it? It belongs to her ladyship. I had given it to you," he said, finishing placing it on my neck.
"Lady Rose, unfortunately I cannot give it to you, for you are not worthy, and you have proven that today," he added, his voice condemning.
"I shall take my leave. I had a wonderful meal, Lady Elizabeth. There will be no need to see me off," he said before turning to leave.
We all stood up, bowing in unison as he left the dining hall.
His subordinate, Sir Vincent, followed closely behind.
"Thank you for the evening, Lady Elizabeth. I'll be on my way," I said, taking my leave right after the duke.
I wanted to speak to him, but I thought he was still mad about me declining the invitation to dinner last time. I increased my pace, rushing out of the huge manor. At last, I found him getting into his carriage, his hand at his temple.
I wanted to call out, but it would be rude of me. Maybe another day, I thought, turning to leave, retrieving my hand as the carriage departed.
"My lady," Alice called out, finally catching up to me. "Please do not run like that, you might get hurt," she scolded, concerned.
At the moment, it did not matter if I was hurt. I needed to ask if I could go back home. I was tired of the court—I really needed a break from all this.
"Let's get going."
****
I sat in the tub, my body fully immersed in water, the warm water against my skin, pink rose petals floating on the surface. The scent of rose candles clung to the air- comforting.
This was what I needed, a long bath in the evening.
To clear my mind of all this chaos. Who did he think he was? If it weren't for my father, he would not have been sitting in that chair.
No, Caroline, do not think of him—it will only make me mad.
I already feel a headache coming along.
And that girl, Rose—how dare she lay her eyes on what's mine. I will have to deal with her soon; otherwise, she might become uncontrollable.
At least I survived another night without throwing wine on someone.
I sat in the tub, submerging my head under water, my vision blurry, my ears filling with water. I felt lighter.
"Who told you to remove it?" a muffled, familiar voice called out.
I quickly rose to the surface, my breath heavy, my heart beating frantically against my chest. I scanned the bathroom—no one was there. He was not there.
I rubbed my eyes.
"Why… why should I wear it?" I shouted, running my hands through my hair, pulling at it. Bitting my lower lip.