-Felicity-

It was late by the time I got back to the Lyon residence. I had considered just getting an inn room for the night, but my toiletries were here, and it was too late to buy new ones from somewhere. I supposed I could’ve stayed at Duke Owen’s. That would’ve irritated Father, too, but I didn’t want to get that kind of reputation either, and it would infer that Reid and I were something we weren’t.

The butler met me in the front hall as I unbuttoned my uniform coat. “His Grace wishes to see you in his office.”

Of course he did. I buttoned my coat again.

The main coon cat hopped onto the banister at the top of the balcony to greet me, and I stopped to pet him. The cat rubbed his head on my shoulder and face, pushing with all his might to get past my guard and climb onto my shoulders.

Felix stepped into my field of view on the left and sighed. “That damn cat,” he said.

“I’m stealing him next,” I said. “Since His Grace can’t mind his own business.”

“So you heard.”

“Of course. It’s all anyone’s talking about,” I said, allowing Kincade to climb me. I wrapped my arms under his bottom to support the nearly thirty-pound cat as he continued to rub his face against the back of my head.

Felix crossed his arms. “Do you have a plan?”

“Yeah.” I smiled at Felix. “Is Cecil free tomorrow afternoon?” I could see the butler downstairs. He’d been speaking with a maid, but both stopped after overhearing Felix and my conversation. We weren’t speaking quietly, after all.

“I’ll ask.” My brother grinned. “He’s expressed an interest in dating you.”

“Perfect. Let’s go speak to Father, then.” I carried the cat with me as we went to Father’s office. Felix opened the door for me since my arms were occupied.

Entering, I was unsurprised to see Duke Lyon seated at his desk, looking over some papers. “You’re home late,” he said sternly.

“I am more than capable of defending myself,” I said.

He couldn’t refute that and finally lifted his head to look at us both in surprise. “I thought you didn’t like the cat,” he said.

“I like him, Sir,” I said. “He likes me as well. I simply didn’t want white cat hair on my uniform. It won’t show as much now.”

I could tell Duke Lyon was a little offended that his cat was wallowing all over me, filling the room with purrs.

Lyon held up a folded letter. “Your position in high society is a precarious one. As a new noble of common birth, it will do you well to find a husband quickly. As such, I’m willing to offer Felix. He seems to have decided to straighten up, and I’m sure you have the capacity to keep him in line.”

“I decline,” I said.

My father frowned. “You’re declining to marry the heir of a dukedom?”

“I’ve been given a similar offer by Duke Owen,” I said and noticed that Felix flinched. “As you can see, I have a lot to think about.”

“But you declined mine,” Lyon said. “You’d entertain Owen’s but not Lyon’s?”

“Does considering one preclude me from receiving help or friendship from the other?” I asked. “I’m already allied with you. It serves me no good to tie myself by marriage to you when I already report to you.”

“Further,” Felix said, “I object. I can’t see Mortuary as anything other than a man.”

Duke Lyon sat back and lifted his chin. “Mortuary, you’ve received multiple invitations to social gatherings, but you do not have the funds to acquire nor the space to store appropriate clothes for such events.”

“My uniform is acceptable,” I said. “I do not intend to give up pants just because I revealed my secret. As I stated before, that was an act of necessity.”

Lyon tapped his finger on the desk, slowly growing irritated. “I am offering to fund your wardrobe as a lady of the kingdom, and you are declining.”

“I am indeed. According to Princess Shauna, I am poised to be the new Queen of High Society. I suspect you’ll see a lot more women in pants from now on.”

Lyon flushed. “That’s… entirely inappropriate.”

“Why? Because women should be demure and obedient to men? Sir. Have I not distinguished myself on the battlefield for the last five years? Did I not save your life five times from Prannis assassins? Are all my accomplishments null now just because you know I’ve only carried a single sword onto the battlefield?”

Felix snorted and added, “It’s hardly fair considering that I’ve never even been on the battlefield, and I receive far more respect than you’re currently showing Mortuary. Your hypocrisy is appalling, Father.”

“Mrraw!” the cat said and sniffed my ear.

I looked at the cat and said, “I completely agree, Kincade. A lioness is just as dangerous as a Lyon. Not fearing both will get you killed.”

“Are you saying I should fear you?” the duke asked.

I returned my eyes to him. “Sir, that would be a threat. I’m not stupid enough to stand in a Lyon’s den and threaten him.”

“Unless you think you have claws to match my teeth,” Lyon said flatly. “I can’t fathom why you’ve decided to declare war on me, but your fight makes me all the more certain that I cannot let you go.”

I fought so hard not to roll my eyes. Felix palmed his face and rubbed his eyebrows with his thumb. I bent down to put Kincade on the floor. “Because I respected you at one point, Sir, I’ll tell you this: stop now. Before you embarrass yourself further.” I left his room without a salute or bow. Kincade followed me.

Felix followed quickly, hand over his mouth, eyes wide. “I can’t believe you practically told him point blank and he still doesn’t get it! How can someone so intelligent be so dense?”

“I don’t know. Don’t care,” I said, “Let him continue fighting me. If he ever realizes why everyone’s laughing, well… I hope it hurts. Good night, Felix.”

“Night, Felicity,” he said and dropped his hand to smile at me. “I’m glad I get to say that again.”

I rolled my eyes but couldn’t help my smile. “You still scared of the dark?”

“I’ve been over that,” Felix denied.

“Hah!”

“But if you want to hang out in my room for a while, I wouldn’t mind,” Felix added.

“I’m actually kind of tired,” I admitted. “Which room did they put my stuff in?”

“The one next to mine,” Felix said, shaking his head.

I snorted, followed him to the door, and glanced down the hall at the butler lurking nearby. I knew he’d heard everything. The whole staff would know soon. I pointed at the man and crooked my finger. Felix looked over, then shrugged and went to his room, closing the door.

“Yes, Sir Mortuary?” the butler asked.

“When you tell everyone, do add that no one is to tell His Grace directly. Don’t take pity on him.”

Mister Lindon shifted uncomfortably. “But… Sir… My Lady…” he floundered.

“Sir, Baron, My Lady,” I said. “Lindon. I’ve stood in front of him for two years, waiting for him to actually look at me, and when he finally did, he only did so to ask me where his daughter was. How can I forgive that?”

Lindon flinched. “That is… rather cruel of him.”

“Cruel by ignorance,” I said, “So leave him ignorant.”

“But this could be rectified by telling him directly.”

“And why should I? Look how he’s treating me as the subordinate who wants to get away. He intended to arrange my marriage with Lady Caroline. He intended to arrange my marriage with Felix. Next, he’ll try to hitch me to Lord Cain after he formalizes adopting me. He’d be much faster at marrying me off to Cain if he knew. I have lived on my own for twelve years. I can handle my own affairs.” Which reminded me I needed to speak to Viscount Middleton before the truth got around to him. “Wait here a second. I have a letter I need to send tonight.”

I stepped into the room I’d been given and went to the writing desk to pen out a quick request to Lady Caroline for a visit during lunch. I handed it to Mister Lindon. “Please and thank you.”

He bowed, taking the letter. “Of course, My Lady,” he said.

I nodded and closed the door to my room.