Chapter 6

Wolfe and Celeste escorted Rika back to her room, passing more whispering servants on the way.

Just ignore them, or the chatter will drive you insane.

Dryden turned a corner and nearly ran into Wolfe. "Well, well, look who I've had the pleasure to spot today." He sidestepped Wolfe and took Rika's hand. "Good morning, beautiful." He kissed the back of her hand. "I hope you're holding up under court tensions well." He leaned in close. "Though I am disappointed you haven't called on me yet."

I guess I should've known kissing the back of a woman's hand might be normal around here. Rika spotted a red rose icon above Dryden's head as he dipped down.

"Step back, Duke." Wolfe pressed on Dryden's chest to separate them. "You will keep an appropriate distance from her."

"Fine, fine." Dryden sighed and held his hands up as he backed away. "But seeing as I've been tasked with helping her alongside Ferran, I will have to get close, eventually."

Wolfe's eye twitched. "Why are you helping with that? Ferran is the best there is; he should be good enough."

"Because I'm quite studious myself and can help with both magic and education for court life." Dryden smiled at her, ignoring the glare from Wolfe.

"Whatever, we should keep going."

"Okay. I'll see you soon after a briefing with the prince."

"Is the prince the one who runs everything? Don't you have a king or emperor?" Rika asked without thinking.

Dryden froze, and his eyes widened. "And that there, little lady, is part of what I'll help you with. I'll teach you about what's going on in our world and advise you against asking questions like that in the hallway."

Oh, guess I asked something I shouldn't have. Is their leader sick or something? Rika nodded, biting her lip as she stared at the ground as she wondered how to proceed. I'm going to have to rein it in a bit.

"Don't worry." Dryden plopped his hand down on her head and stroked her hair. "You didn't actually do anything wrong; people are just too uppity when it comes to talking about certain things in public. We'll work on that together. Anyway, I'll see you soon." Dryden waved, heading to the prince's office.

"Let's go." Wolfe snapped her out of her thoughts.

A screen popped up. 'Hidden Side Quest Unlocked: Political Intrigue.'

'Failure: Suspicion Up, Reputation Down.'

A new quest? But there's no explanation... nor is there a reward.

They made it back to her room, and Wolfe entered first to check for any unwanted visitors in every nook and cranny.

"Are you going to do that every time?" Rika asked.

"Yes," Wolfe replied and turned to her. "Why? Is there something you don't want me to see?"

Rika shrugged. "It's not like I have anything other than what's been provided."

"And the rose."

"Still not from me, and you can talk to the prince about that." I'd probably say something wrong, and he'd threaten to throw me in the dungeon.

Wolfe leaned in close to stare into her eyes, and she stepped back. "You should be more careful with how you act, or you'll get yourself into trouble."

Is that a threat? I knew it; he wants to get rid of me. Rika took another step back and sat on the bed. "Now what? Do I get to rest until I'm called upon?"

"Wolfe, please stop trying to scare Saint Rika." Celeste stepped between them.

"I'm not trying to scare her. I'm keeping an eye on her as a foreigner in the palace."

"Seeing as she's living in this room, she's not just a foreigner. Don't forget her role."

"Tch." Wolfe turned his attention back to Rika. "I'm sorry, but this is my job, and the safety of the kingdom is in my hands, so I have to be careful."

Rika nodded, tight-lipped.

"Why don't you wait outside for Ferran to retrieve her while she has a mid-morning tea?" Celeste motioned to the door.

"Fine. Scream if something happens, and I'll come running." Wolfe sighed and left.

"Geez." Rika lay back on her bed, arms sprawled out. "I had enough stress with my regular job, never mind all of this."

"I'll get you that tea to help you relax. If you require it, I can also give you a shoulder massage," Celeste offered.

"Just the tea, thank you."

"I'll be back shortly." Celeste bowed and headed out. Wolfe glanced in and closed the door, leaving Rika alone.

Finally alone. She rolled onto her side and stared out the window. I could really use a walk right now, but I'd rather have it without the bodyguard. "Ugh." Rika closed her eyes, fatigue setting in again.

Knock, knock.

Am I supposed to answer that? Wolfe should be outside. "Yes?" Rika grumbled.

The door opened, and Dryden walked in, chuckling as soon as he saw her. "I'd love to let you rest more, but I'm here to escort you to Ferran for magic lessons."

"It will have to wait until teatime is over." Celeste pushed a cart around him with a kettle and four teacups.

"Oh, okay. I don't think Ferran would complain any, but he might get anxious waiting." He spotted the extra cups. "Enough for me, too?"

"I knew you were headed here, so yes." She set up the tea. "Also for me and Wolfe." She carried the teacup, opened the door and held it up to Wolfe, who knew to graciously accept.

Celeste closed the door, handed Dryden and Rika tea, and set up her own.

Oh, it's like a fruit tea. Rika sighed, her shoulders relaxing.

Celeste pulled the chair over from the desk and sat down on the opposite side of the cart from Rika. "You two don't tell Wolfe, but I brought dessert to help perk you up." She pulled a small covered dish from the second row of the cart and revealed a small strawberry cake.

"Oh." Rika's eyes widened. "For me? Really?"

Celeste nodded.

"Thank you." Rika smiled at her, the first genuine smile Celeste got from her.

"None for me?" Dryden held his hand over his heart as he cringed in exaggeration.

"No, sorry. Just for Saint Rika."

After the first bite, Rika's face lit up. "Oh, this is so good. It's soft and sweet, and the cream is light and fluffy. Compliments to the chef."

"I'm the one who made it for you, so thank you." Celeste gave her a small smile.

Rika glanced at Dryden, who had his eyes firmly on the cake, biting his lip. "I'm willing to give you a bite if you want some." She shifted the cake closer to him, the fork on the plate.

"Really?" Dryden leaned in close and opened his mouth.

He wants me to feed him? Wait, this is an otome, right? I should probably try to raise all their affection levels. Rika hesitated and picked up the fork to cut a piece. "Here you go." She fed him a bite of cake.

"Mmm. Thank you. She's right; this cake is excellent. I'm surprised a noblewoman like you knows how to bake so well."

The red rose above Dryden's head glowed.

Oh! Does that mean I successfully raised affection? I guess that means there are hidden ways to raise it.

Celeste glared at Dryden.

"What? Weren't planning on telling our saint, little cousin?"

"You two are related?" Rika's eyes widened as she looked between them. "And you're a noblewoman? Why are you working as a maid at the palace, then?" But she does have the power to stand up to someone like Wolfe, so I knew she wasn't ordinary.

"That wasn't yours to tell," Celeste hissed. "I thought I'd mention it later, after we'd grown closer. And in case you're forgotten, I'm good at everything." She brushed hair back over her shoulder. "And working here is a choice. One that gets my parents off my back and lets me insert myself into palace politics."

"But you're a maid. I could've brought you into politics if you want—"

"And I still wouldn't be able to participate in it," Celeste cut him off. "Working here, directly under the prince, gives me more than being a noblewoman wallflower in your discussions."

"Noted," Dryden sighed, scratching the back of his head.

"And since you seem to be done with tea and cake, I think it's time for your magic lesson."

"Oh, okay." Rika stood ready to follow Dryden as Celeste collected the teacups.

"Sorry we're throwing you right into this before you've even gotten a chance to get used to this world, but we'd at least like you to have some control over your power before the welcoming ceremony. We have more orbs to show your power, but we'd like it to not shatter this time," Dryden explained as they headed out the door.

Wolfe followed immediately after Rika, trailing slightly behind as Dryden led them to Ferran's atelier.

I should've known he'd follow even with Dryden escorting me. Rika glanced back at Wolfe and looked away, rigid, when his gaze met hers.

"Don't worry; I'm here to keep you safe," Wolfe assured her, his eyes peeled for anyone suspicious.

Not what I was thinking about...