-Felicity-

What else could I do that would be tacky? I wondered as I returned to the barracks. Reid had gone to visit his father and let him know about the charge for the dress. He’d promised not to tell his father about my gender or plans for social suicide. He just wanted to get his father to agree to assist me in getting out of town once it was done.

“Vice-Captain Mortuary,” Felix said as he approached. Since he’d addressed me by my rank, he saluted. However, I was out of uniform, so I settled for saluting. It was damn tricky being a commoner who was higher rank than the noble’s son.

“Lieutenant Lyon,” I said.

“General Lyon wishes to speak with you,” Felix said. I could feel the contempt radiating off him. 

It was kind of funny. I didn't like Felix because of our father. He hated me because of our father. Same person, different reasons, but simultaneously, the same reason.

“It’s a bit late,” I said. “Is it urgent?”

“Not urgent. I think he wanted to talk to you about the award ceremony.”

I pulled the newspaper from my back pocket. “Oh. This?” I asked flatly.

Felix looked at the paper, then back to my face. “Probably, Sir.”

I considered not going. However, Lyon was a smart man. He’d be working to do something to trap me, and I wouldn’t know what that was if I didn’t see him. I smiled. “I assume he sent a carriage. Let’s go then.”

Felix flinched. “You should wash and change first,” he suggested.

I grinned. “All the more reason to go like this,” I said, confirming that Lyon intended to introduce me to someone. I looked at Felix again and thought better of it. I didn’t want to tip my hand. “Fine. Give me ten minutes.” I headed inside and went to my room for a quick scrub with a washcloth and cold water. Getting dressed in my uniform, I returned to find Felix waiting where I’d left him near the door. He was speaking with one of his friends. Fletcher, I think. They fell silent as I approached.

Talking about me? I strode past him to the carriage marked with the Lyon crest and climbed in. Felix dropped into the seat opposite.

“Why did you resign?” Felix asked.

“The war is over.”

Felix jiggled his knee as he stared at me harder. He didn’t have the same capacity to strip away my armor the way Father did. “Or did you have a disagreement with the General?”

“What would make you think that?” I asked.

“He was pissed last night, and it looked like you’d been…” Felix shifted uncomfortably, unable to wrap his mind around what he’d thought he saw.

“I’m allergic to the cat,” I reminded. “Whatever mood the general was in when I left is his problem.”

Felix relaxed back. “Yeah. The cat,” he said, accepting that answer far more easily than the idea that I’d been crying. 

He’d not been deployed to the battlefield. Felix had spent the last ten years in the capital, assigned to Crown Prince Winston’s guard. Only the last six months had put us in contact, and only for brief moments. However, I’d quickly learned what kind of man my brother had become. I didn't like what Father had turned him into. Felix used to be sweet and kind, interested in books more than swords. Now, he was trying to rival Cecil Lambs for the title of King of Debauchery.

His frown returned quickly. “Your report was lacking. You didn’t put any effort into finding my sister.”

“The investigation was enough of a waste of time.”

Felix punched the seat beside him. “My aunt was embezzling crown funds to the enemy! That’s treason! Investigating that isn’t a waste of time.”

I shrugged.

“What if she sold my sister to them?” Felix asked.

“So what? You want to start another war to get her back?” I asked. “I’m sure it didn’t register on you at all, but the people of this country are suffering from the extended war, especially in the places where we fought. Thousands are dead and homeless. Do you really think starting another war over the loss of one daughter, regardless of whether she’s the daughter of a duke, is worth the lives of thousands more?”

Felix bowed his head. His lip pressed against his teeth, corners of his eyes trembling. This wasn’t the reaction I was expecting.

“What even is she to you?” I asked. “You haven’t seen her in years.”

“She’s still my sister,” Felix said, voice breaking slightly. “I guess you wouldn’t know, being an orphan.”

I smiled at the jab. “I’ve seen more than enough families to know that blood or water is not worth anything. The only person you can rely on is yourself. The world thrives on betrayal, death, and abuse.”

Felix’s look of pity made me ill. I couldn’t stand it. “Look at how your father treats you,” I said. “Doesn’t even notice what you do with your time.” I sat back, folding my arms as the carriage went over a bump. “You fool around and get ignored. I was a stellar subordinate and got ignored. The man doesn’t care. Give up.”

I knew I’d said too much when Felix’s eyes widened. “I knew it.”

“He’s all yours now,” I said. “If you can get him to let me go,” I added, realizing I might have an unexpected ally in Felix.

My brother sat back, touching his chin in thought. “He intends to introduce you to Lady Caroline and make you escort her to the ball.”

“I’d figured as much.” I snorted. “She’s a bit above my station, though. Isn’t she offended?” Caroline Middleton was the elder daughter of Viscount Middleton, Father’s war buddy. His son, Cain, would be my intended husband if Father had realized who I was. Cain was seventeen. I was nine years older than that child.

“A bit,” Felix agreed. “But Father is insisting on it.”

“Did you have someone picked to escort?”

“No,” Felix said.

“Then you take her. I’ve got my own date figured out already.”

Felix nodded.

“What title am I being given?” I asked.

“Baron,” Felix said.

“Ha! And he thinks Lady Caroline would consent to being seen in public with me? Dress me up much as you want. I’m still a commoner.”

Felix looked away. “For what it’s worth, I do think you deserve more than a medal for what you did.”

“Then give me cash,” I said flatly. “What use is a title to me? I can’t afford any of the things that go with it.”

Our chat was cut short by the carriage stopping at the stairs to the Lyon mansion. I got out and waited for Felix.

We entered together and headed straight to the drawing room. Once there, I bowed to Viscount Middleton and his daughter Caroline. She was a pretty lady with ambitions to become the new queen of High Society now that my aunt had been taken to prison. I’d spoken to her multiple times during my investigation, and she’d been instrumental in getting evidence straight from my aunt and uncle’s mansion. She was not so pleased to see me this evening, though.

“Vice-captain, come in, have a drink,” Lyon said as he gestured at a seat next to Caroline. I took the seat and glass of brandy I was handed. “I’m glad you joined us.”

For a man so stupid, I didn’t understand how he survived in politics. I sipped the brandy in thought. Maybe it was because men’s politics were different. Women focused on gaining money and status through their husbands. Men fought over assets and traded the women like cows at an auction. I gave Caroline a side glance with a nod.

“You’re acquainted with Lady Caroline from your investigation,” Lyon said. “I’ve decided you will escort her to the ball.”

Leaning forward, I placed the glass on the table between us. “In all due respect, Sir, the lady is far above my station, even after I receive the title you intend to give me. Additionally, I’ve already arranged for a date. It would be an embarrassment to all of us if I were to accept the honor of escorting Lady Caroline.”

I put on a polite smile as Lyon stared at me. I’d declined to escort a Viscount’s daughter? He couldn’t comprehend it. I watched his face as he picked through the situation again and looked at Viscount Middleton in confusion.

“You’re rejecting Lady Caroline?” Felix asked in mock horror, a beat too late to be believable as anything other than a setup. “I’m sure her pride has been wounded severely.” He leaned toward her with his hand out. “I would be willing to escort you instead since we can’t expect the Vice-Captain to be anything but what he is.”

Caroline smiled, placing her hand in Felix’s. “My Lord, I am indeed wounded by Sir Mortuary’s rejection, but your valiant offer brings me solace. I would be pleased to attend the ball at your side.”

I smiled at Lyon.

“What game are you playing?” Lyon asked flatly. Even Viscount Middleton looked confused by the situation. They’d both figured out that I’d allied myself with Felix to escape the situation. They just didn’t understand why. They would soon enough.

“None, Sir,” I answered. “I appreciate your attempt to provide for me. However, it is entirely unnecessary. I am capable of taking care of my own affairs.” It had already been announced that I was getting the title. There was no stopping that at this point. Because of that, I was committed to being a thorn in his side from now on.