The Mad Princess and the Dying Prince novel Chapter 12

Alistair's face paled dramatically.

"Change Lady Lucia's room immediately! Furthermore, take a rare medicinal root and brew her a rich chicken broth, and assign a clever maid to attend her personally!"

Finch glanced at Lucia resting on the table, genuinely feeling a pang of pity for the girl.

"I will leave her medicine here. Her injuries are severe, so only the highest quality herbs will suffice. My fee is steep, so you had best have your silver marks ready!"

"This room will be fine once it's cleaned. We simply don't have any spare chambers in the manor," Lady Beaumont complained defensively from the doorway.

Finch scoffed coldly. "The other Lady Beaumont isn't injured, is she? If there truly are no other rooms, then have the two of them swap."

Aurelia's expression twisted.

He wanted her to give up Rosegold Court?

"Mother!" Aurelia whined, tugging at Lady Beaumont's sleeve.

Alistair saw the unyielding look on Finch's face and realized the old physician was entirely determined to intervene. He couldn't help but glare at his wife.

There were perfectly good courtyards in the manor. Why did she have to stick Lucia in this old, abandoned wet nurse's quarters? It would be an absolute disgrace if word got out!

"Guards, move my second daughter to Sunstone Pavilion. My lady, go order the kitchens to brew the chicken broth at once!"

Seeing her husband's thunderous expression, Lady Beaumont knew this was not the time to argue. Swallowing her rage, she gave a stiff nod and turned to Aurelia. "Help Lucia over there."

Aurelia clenched her jaw in fury.

Still uneasy, Finch followed them all the way to Sunstone Pavilion.

It was a cozy, well-appointed pavilion built in the south wing of the manor. Though small, it was exquisitely furnished, and opening the windows revealed a beautiful view of the gardens. It was a rather lovely place to stay.

Aurelia practically shoved Lucia onto the bed, leaning in to hiss through gritted teeth, "You won't last a few days in this place."

Lucia merely gave her a passing glance, ignored the threat, lay back against the pillows, and closed her eyes.

"Your Highness!" Matron Cecily, her hair pinned in a perfectly neat style, stepped forward with two poised, highly-trained maids. Her eyes were equally tearful.

"Matron Cecily," Prince Jareth acknowledged, his gaze shifting to the two maids beside her.

Seeing the prince take notice of them, Matron Cecily felt a surge of joy. Had His Highness finally learned to look at a woman?

She quickly seized the moment. "Your Highness, these are two elite maids I have personally trained for you. They are Celeste and Celia. Please allow them to serve you from now on."

Celeste and Celia stepped forward and bowed gracefully. "Your Highness."

"Do you fight?" Jareth asked flatly.

"I am skilled with a sword," Celeste replied.

"I excel in stealth and agility," Celia added.

Jareth nodded. "Pack your bags and head to Beaumont Manor. You will serve Lady Lucia from now on."