The King's Mistress

Chapter 173: Settling In

Sierra settled into her new estate smoothly. After all, she did not have much baggage to bring with her, unlike the other consorts. Each consort and paramount were given a set amount of stipulations. It was up to them to decide how they wished to spend it.

Though the amount was not known to the others, Sierra in fact had more than Consort Agnes. With the money received each month, Sierra began planning her expenditure.

The other consorts had wealth they received from their family too, but Sierra did not. She had what she had kept in her reserves, gift money from her father, and some gifts he had sent

"Those imbeciles," Ida muttered beneath her breath.

"Is everything alright, Ida?" Sierra asked as she came over to her maid when she heard her mumbling to herself.

Ida jolted where she stood, almost dropping the broomstick that was in her hands. Sierra caught it in time and handed it to her.

"My apologies, your Grace, I was just... just expressing my unhappiness about those people," Ida explained as she pointed to the maids who’d just left Sierra’s estate.

The two maids Ida was referring to had only been at the Vinedra for three days when they asked permission to leave. When Sierra asked why they informed her that the working conditions were harsh and they had found better work elsewhere.

"They weren’t even asked by you to work in the gardens, just some light cleaning indoors," Ida exclaimed, feeling unjust on Sierra’s behalf.

Word around was that Consort Cassandra and Agnes had long lines of castle servants eager to work for them. But on the other hand, Sierra only had Ida and the two that had since left.

"Leave them be," Sierra mused as she helped Ida with the dusting, "It’s not a big estate anyways. We can manage?"

"We? No no, your Grace! Please leave the work to me," Ida insisted as she fought for the work with her.

Sierra shook her head, "Absolutely not! I will not have you working to the bone. Besides, I think the fewer people, the better."

Just then, a knock on the door cut short their conversation. Ida dropped the broomstick and went to open the door.

A fine young gentleman in clean leather armor greeted Sierra and Ida. He was polite and sweet, with a sheathed sword on his belt.

"My name is Steven Cray, Your Grace," he introduced himself politely.

The young man was tall, with shiny blonde hair, a killer jawline, and a wicked smile. Sierra narrowed her eyes as she looked at him from head to toe. The expression on her face gave nothing away.

Ida, on the other hand, was almost starstruck by the young man. Her mouth was agape and she had not said a word since the man introduced himself. Not to mention, she could not take her eyes off him.

Sierra glanced over to see the look on Ida’s face for herself. She could not help but let out a soft chuckle. freewebnovel.cσ๓

"Steven Cray, it’s great to meet you. To what do I owe this visit?" She pondered over the reasons as to why he might have made the trip out to Vinedra Estate.

Unlike the other consorts’ estates, Vinedra was far off in a secluded area of the castle grounds. No one would have made the trip there, not without good reason.

"Did his Majesty send you?" Perhaps he was a new member of Alistair’s guard, here to send her a message.

It had been a while since they last met, after all. So Sierra thought perhaps that would be a possibility.

"Ah well, yes," Steven stumbled a little as he explained, "His Majesty sent me here to be your personal guard."

Sierra furrowed her eyebrows, confused by his words. She folded her arms, tapping her finger on her arm.

"He sent you here to be my personal guard?"

She wasn’t buying his story, not without good reasoning. After all, Sierra could fight and protect herself. She never needed extra protection, and most certainly not now. Furthermore, if this was the case, she would have read about it in Alistair’s letters.

Though they had not been able to meet in person, they’ve been exchanging letters through their silverwings. Sometimes, they would be sending letters back and forth multiple times a day.

But more recently, Sierra had sent Bunty back to Cair with a letter for her father. It was going to be a while before her silverwing would return. But that did not stop Alistair from sending Paco to send his letters and hers.

"Yes, Your Grace," Steven Cray said as he got down on one knee before Sierra and placed his hand over his chest as he continued to speak, "He was worried that others might plot against you. He was worried for your safety and well-being and had sent me to ensure you’re safe on his behalf."

Though he did not look nervous while speaking. The way he spoke set off alarms in Sierra’s mind. There was something fishy about Steven. She had hoped that Ida may have some input on it too but from the looks of it, her maid was too smitten by the charismatic young man.

"Very well, you shall be in my service. But let me be clear," Sierra said sternly as she raised her finger, "You’re not to be my personal guard for I have no need of one. You’ll guard the estate for now and provide assistance if it’s required. Ida here will settle you in,"

Sierra turned to Ida, expecting her to acknowledge her orders as usual. But she was met with silence.

"Ida," she called out to her maid once more.

But she still did not respond. Sierra could not help but roll her eyes. Was Steven really that good-looking? Perhaps in her own heart, Alistair took precedence above all else. So, no one else mattered to her.

Sierra nudged Ida, then called out to her once more.

"Ye...yes, Your Grace?" The starstruck maid almost leaped out of her skin, she had not heard Sierra at all until she nudged her.

"Would you please get Steven settled in?" Sierra reiterated her instructions, "And remember, his duties are to guard the estate for now." ƒree𝑤ebnσvel.com

"Of course, Your Grace," Ida refocused her mind.

She turned to Steven and led the way to the staff quarters. Sierra watched as Ida led him away. She narrowed her eyes, watching their movements carefully without a change in her expression.

What she had not expected at first, was that Steven turned around to look at her. He gave her a sweet warm smile, one that would make any woman swoon. But not Sierra.