His Secret Slave to Scandalous Queen

Livia stopped. To the woman’s credit, she had left her alone the previous night.

"My lady," Tabitha greeted.

"Tabitha."

For a moment, the corridor was very quiet.

"I realise I owe you an apology," Tabitha said.

That had not been what Livia expected. She had prepared herself for instructions about breakfast. She had not prepared for Tabitha Crowe admitting fault.

This day was already behaving strangely.

"I have been overbearing," Tabitha continued. "I wrongly assumed that because of your youth, you would be incapable of handling the duties and scrutiny that come with becoming a duchess."

Livia’s shoulders eased a little.

"His Grace was right," Tabitha said. "You are not a child. I should not have treated you as one. I apologise, my lady."

Livia exhaled. "Tabitha...I am not against you teaching me. I know there is much I do not know. I know being Richard’s wife will mean more than wearing fine gowns and smiling beside him at dinner. There will be expectations, people watching for mistakes." Her mouth curved faintly. "I would be honoured to learn from you. Truly. If you have advice, I will gladly take it. I want to know how to manage this house properly. I want to understand everything."

"But I do not want every decision questioned before I have even made it," Livia continued. "I do not want to feel watched for failure. Correct me if I am wrong. Warn me if I am walking into scandal. Teach me what I need to know." She held Tabitha’s gaze. "Just do not treat me like a little girl."

"Lesson learned," Tabitha said. "The one who remains a child is your intended."

Livia laughed. "I will not argue with you there."

"Wise of you. His Grace has many fine qualities, but maturity is often a visitor rather than a resident."

Livia pressed her lips together, fighting another smile. "You are very fond of him."

"I have known him since he was little. Unfortunately, he has grown taller, richer, and more difficult to drag by the ear."

"That explains why he fears you."

"He has sense enough for that, at least."

Livia smiled. For the first time since Mrs. Crowe had arrived, the woman did not feel like another lock placed upon her life.

"His Grace is waiting in the breakfast room," Tabitha said. "You also have a message from the palace."

Livia’s attention sharpened. "From the palace?"

"Yes, my lady."

"Oh, thank you." She started down the corridor. "It must be Lady Bella. She is probably disheartened by my message."

The thought made guilt press lightly beneath her ribs. Bella would not take the cancelled French lessons well.

"It is good that you are cementing relationships within the palace," Tabitha said as she walked beside her. "Friends there will be of use to your husband."

Livia glanced at her. It still startled her, hearing her life arranged in such grand terms. Once, survival had meant getting her enormous chores done and keeping her head down. Now, apparently, she needed alliances, correspondence, and helping a duke navigate court. She smiled faintly. "He is friends with the king. I am sure he does not exactly need my help."

Tabitha stopped. Livia took two more steps before realising the woman had fallen behind. She turned. Tabitha stood in the corridor, straight-backed and solemn. "He will always need you, my lady."

Livia swallowed. "I am sorry I gave you such a hard time."

Tabitha inclined her head, the smallest hint of approval softening her severe mouth. "You will make a fine duchess."

Livia gave Tabitha a small nod, then continued toward the breakfast room. The smell of fresh bread reached her first, followed by the sharper scent of tea and the faint sweetness of fruit.

Richard looked up the instant she entered. "Diana..."

"Good morning, Your Grace."

"Morning." He rose at once and pulled out her chair. When she passed close to him, she felt the tension in him. His fingers hovered near her arm. He wanted to touch her, to smooth away the distance between last night and this morning, to reassure himself that she was not truly angry with him.

She sat, and Richard remained beside her a moment longer before returning to his place.

"I wanted to apologise about last night," he said.

Livia glanced at him. "It is forgotten, Your Grace."

There was no use punishing him for something that had not been his fault. "Tabitha and I have come to an understanding."

Richard looked past her toward Mrs. Crowe, who had entered silently. "Well...that is nice." He reached for a folded note beside his plate. "A letter came for you from Lady Bella." He handed it to her.

As Livia unfolded the note, Tabitha moved toward the tea service. Richard held up one hand, stopping her.

He picked up the teapot himself and poured her tea. He added milk the way she liked it, then pushed the cup gently toward her.

"Oh..." Livia said.

Richard’s eyes moved from her face to the letter in her hand. "What is it?"

Her gaze dropped back to Bella’s note. "She does not like that I am leaving with you," Livia said, lowering the letter slightly. "She wants me to visit before we leave."

"Damn. You have been to Whitehall more times in the past few weeks than I have the entire year."

"That says more about you than it does about me."

Richard smiled at her. "Is this how often women need to see each other?"

"That is because women understand the importance of maintaining proper relations."

"Ah."

"And gossip."

"There it is."

"How else would we get the latest news?" she asked, reaching for her tea. She took a sip of tea. "For instance, did you know the king’s mother is back from the Tower?"

Slowly, his mouth curved. "Oooooh." He set down his cup. "The lioness is home?"

"The lioness?"

"That is one name for her."

"There are others?"

"Several."

Livia sat forward, curiosity overtaking every polite instinct she possessed. "Why is everyone afraid of that woman?"

(200 power stones!)