“Thank you, Chancellor Zade.”
“We'll consider it repayment of the favor you just did for me.” The vague reference to the kiss makes my face heat again. There's no reason for me to act this way about my duty. He stands. “And you can call me Zade.”
That's absurd. Why does he keep bringing it up? “I believe it would be improper.”
“Improper? We're getting married.”
I rise. “Mother always calls Father Master, Councilman Stephen, or Father.”
He shakes his head and rubs his shoulder. “I have to be Chancellor Zade everywhere else. I'd like one place I don't have to be. Please just call me Zade.”
A barbarian does own me. “If you insist.”
“I do.” He moves behind his desk. “Let me know if you need anything else.”
“Of course.”
“Nice dress, by the way.”
I trip over the rug. “Thank you.”
He likes the outfit. Called it a dress, but that's probably a good thing. He didn't notice that it was too different. Katherine is wonderful.
As I head back to my room, there's a lot to think on. Much more happened in that room than I expected. A new servant. No matter what he says, I doubt I can trust the new servant. A ball to plan. I don't know how I'll ever manage. Hopefully, Chancellor Zade is able to convince Father to let Bethany come.
And the Chancellor. His attention was much different than I thought it ever could be. Though I continue thinking about all that happened and all that I need to do, the memory of his kiss lingers.
Chapter Eighteen
I wait in the entryway for my new servant. It makes me feel like mother. She often stood waiting for guests or Father like this, though always people of note, not servant girls. Cynthia lingers beside me playing with her beaded necklace.
Chancellor Zade didn't stay with us, instead rushing out to greet her. Treatment of servants in Envado must be more different than I presumed.
“I can't believe you're getting an Envadi servant,” Cynthia says. “It will make you the talk of the town. Everyone will be jealous. No one's ever had a servant from Envado before.”
“One that's paid? Doubtful they'll be envious.”
“Paid?”
“Apparently, it's how things are done there. Chancellor Zade's manservant must be as well.”
“That's different.”
I almost mention how I like the idea, but hold back. I don't want my own sister to think I'm going mad.
The front door opens and the Chancellor strides in, a huge smile on his face. Behind him is a woman. She's almost as tall as my intended, but not quite. Certainly taller than my sisters and me. She's wearing a serviceable gown. Dark blue, appropriate length, not too fancy, but neat and clean.
She's close to my age, though older or younger than me, I'm not quite sure. Her face is smooth, cheeks still a little babyish, but she carries herself as if she were, well, as if she were a man. Long striding steps, full of confidence and power. Intimidating. She's very pretty though. Her long blonde hair complements her tanned skin.
“May I present, Miss Waverly.” Chancellor Zade gives my new servant a genuine smile.
She looks down at me with piercing brown eyes and grins. “A pleasure to meet you.”
This is so different from customary servant behavior, I can do nothing but stare.
“Are you really from Envado?” Cynthia asks.
“I am.”
“Do they host balls there?”
What's she getting at?
Waverly tilts her head to the side, brow crinkled. “Of course we do.”
“Then you can help us plan.” Cynthia turns to me. “Isn't this perfect Serena? She can help make the ball really stand out. We'll make you the talk of the town. Now if only Father allows Bethany to come, it will be the best Chardonia has ever seen.”
“You're planning a ball?” Waverly asks.
“I—” The Chancellor clears his throat. “This is something I just learned about. I hoped you'd be willing to help with it.”
“I'd love to help.” Waverly faces me. “Balls are my favorite sort of thing.”
“Let's get you to your room.” Chancellor Zade turns to a waiting servant, Phyllis. “Show Miss Waverly to the servant quarters. Once she's ready, show her around and explain her duties.”
“Yes, Master,” Phyllis says.
He scowls until Waverly says, “Wonderful. I'll see you soon.” She curtsies at the Chancellor. “Master.” She turns to me and gives another curtsy. “Mistress.”
A smile flickers across his face. Phyllis leads her from the room. What sort of servant have I been gifted this time?
***
Cynthia's really taken to talking during dinner. I don't believe she's taken a bite of dessert. Rather unfortunate. It's yummy, a sort of flaky shortbread with seared and chilled bananas.
Her excitement about the festivities is a relief, if a bit much to listen to. Inviting adequate dance partners for her will have to be one of my priorities.