Chapter 205. It Doesn’t Smell Like Flowers
"Pardon my impertinence, Your Grace but I can’t help but notice that my cousin, Lady Jevera neither returned with you nor ahead of you. Is there a particular reason why?"
Erick stayed a good distance away and with his posture it was obvious that he did not intend to come any closer as he asked the question. Jael thought it was a good thing Erick realized the risk that the question posed to him.
He brought the letter down to the table and glared at Erick as he leaned back in his seat. "Why do you think I owe you an explanation?"
His hands remained on the table holding the letter. He was holding it tighter now as he watched Erick squirm a little under his gaze.
"I don’t think you do, Sire. I apologize if it seemed that way. I was merely curious as to why she didn’t return. It has been three weeks, it’s unlike her to stay away from the castle for so long."
Erick was rambling and Jael could feel a tic in his neck. He neither had the time nor the patience for this. It was not his place to placate them in the ideas they had about him and what he should do.
"You do know why, don’t you? And you merely want to confirm what you’ve heard and it’s exactly like that. Now, if you do not have any more personal questions to ask, go through these letters. You seem to have a lot of free time to ponder about inconsequential things."
Even though Erick was one of his personal guards, he was still a Lord, therefore it wasn’t completely inappropriate to ask these types of questions. It didn’t make the question any less annoying.
"I know this will only anger you more, your Grace but I can’t help but wonder why now? She’s been in and away from the castle several times, why chase her away now?"
Jael brought the letter closer to his face. "The fact that you think I have to explain myself to you is preposterous. I’ll let it slide because you’ve been quite useful these past few days. If you intend to speak again, it better be about the damn letters."
"I apologize," Erick said with a bow.