"Jessica Rivers? What's she doing here?" Sean started, urgency in his voice. "Henry, where is she now?"
Henry, who'd rushed from the gate, panted, "Lady Jessica is outside the lodge, My Lord. Shall I escort her to the parlor?"
"No need. I'll greet her myself." Sean led Henry toward the entrance, mind racing. Whatever her purpose, face it head-on.
Outside, Jessica eyed Lucio in surprise—she'd arrived just as he did. Lucio, equally shocked, bowed deeply. Though cousins, as a bastard's son, his status paled beside Jessica's; their relationship was more master-servant than family.
"Lucio, you just returned—why aren't you home?" Jessica's smile was sharp.
Lucio scratched his head, sheepish. "Father wasn't home, and I… came to mooch a meal from Lord Sean. His Palomian court cuisine is incredible!"
"Palomian cuisine?" Jessica arched a brow. "Hardly better than Yorn's top chefs. I grew up in Palomia, remember?"
"You're right—maybe it's just my taste." Lucio deflected, "Why are you here, Jessica?"
Jessica paused, smirking. "Tomorrow night, the fort hosts a banquet for my appointment as family treasurer. I'm here to invite Lord Sean and introduce him to my circle."
Lucio's jaw dropped. Did he mishear? His cousin personally inviting Sean? And introducing him to her friends? Was Jessica… interested in Sean? Her pursuers would lose their minds.
Jessica knew his thoughts but stayed silent. Letting others assume a connection was exactly her plan. After granting free lodging yesterday, she'd regretted it instantly. Enduring Brody Mill for two weeks? Unbearable. But a banquet where she fawned over Sean would drive her suitors, especially Brody, into a frenzy—perhaps even chasing Sean back to Riverside.
Sean emerged from the lodge, Henry in tow. Jessica curtsied, "A pleasure to see you, Lord Sean!"
"Likewise, Jessica. You've grown lovelier in the two weeks since we last met." Sean bowed, smile warm.
Jessica froze, struck by his charm. Such a shame he'll be dead soon. A flicker of pity arose, but family interests overrode it. "I should have greeted you personally, but afternoon duties delayed me. Forgive my oversight."
"Nonsense. Let's talk inside." Sean ushered her and Lucio in. "What brings you both here?"
"Just here for dinner," Lucio piped up, raising a hand.
Sean turned to Jessica. "And you?"
"Tomorrow's banquet at Golden Wolf Fort— celebrating my new role as family treasurer." She explained, omitting her ulterior motive.
"Congratulations on the treasurership, Jessica!" Sean's eyes lit up. Replacing Steward William with inexperienced Jessica? Opportunity knocked. The Yorn at sunset had seemed a golden prize, but this young noble was the real treasure. His gaze briefly fiery, though he masked it quickly, softening into warmth.
Jessica shifted, uneasy—this look reminded her of Brody's leers. But Sean's demeanor changed swiftly, becoming as warm as a summer hearth. "You're so young to bear such responsibilities. Let 'uncle' cook you Palomian specialties. Wait here—I'll prepare something delicious!"
"Un-uncle?" Jessica stalled, brain short-circuiting. He's 16, I'm 15. Since when am I niece to a peer?
Sean disappeared into the kitchen, leaving Jessica perplexed. Lucio stifled a laugh at her confusion.
"Did he just call himself your uncle?" he whispered.
"Shut up, Lucio." Jessica hissed, though a smirk tugged at her lips. Quirks aside, Sean's presence at the banquet would stir exactly the chaos she needed.
In the kitchen, Sean hummed, already plotting. A treasurer fresh to the role, a banquet full of nobles—perfect stage to promote his goods. And if Jessica's pursuers caused a scene? Even better—free publicity.
He glanced at the dragonlet Nebula, curled in his pocket. With luck, tonight's meal would be the first step in turning Jessica's "invitation" into gold… and maybe, a shield against the Count's schemes.