Chapter 331 - 330. Hidden Pawn (4)
Alys sat beside me, almost pressed against my side, as we faced Grandfather in his office. A game of chess was already set between us, the polished pieces gleaming under the candlelight.
"This is Marquis Desmond Fairisles," I said gesturing towards Grandfather and Alys looked at him a bit uneasy as if wondering what she should do.
"Um... I-It’s an honor..." She spoke lowering her head and Grandfather observed her.
"You’re the Royal Princess, Your Highness. It’s all right if you don’t bow before me." He said and Alys straightened up still avoiding our eyes.
"And the lady whom you saw back then was Lady Elise, present King’s former concubine." I said and Alys frowned a bit.
"For the kingdom and the King and Queen she’s dead but I’ve kept her alive." I explained crossing my legs and Alys looked at me with slightly wide eyes.
"I suppose you have a lot of questions, Marquis," I said, moving my knight forward with deliberate ease.
Grandfather’s gaze flicked toward Alys. She shifted uncomfortably, her hands folded tightly in her lap, before glancing between him and me. Then, as if deciding to fade into the background, she fixed her eyes on the chessboard.
"Is it all right to talk with the person in question right here?" Grandfather asked, his tone measured as he placed his move.
I hummed, tapping my fingers lightly against the armrest. "Well, she’ll have to know sooner or later."
Alys turned to me with wide eyes, uncertainty clouding her expression. The fear there was obvious. I smiled at her, a calm reassurance.