With the third day rising, I jumped for joy, I had received a personal invitation from the princess herself, and she called the Count by his name! While sure I may be a little jealous, it was more exciting than anything, his life and drama was so juicy, like a fresh citrus. 

Sitting in my gown, I sat at my balcony and watched the skies, usually I would attend to the festivities in town as a noble drama begins. 

But knowing the princess was there made everything so much clearer, she’s the reason a few of the shops end up closing down today. 

I always thought it strange why a few shops suddenly were said to close, but that spoiled brat is probably the reason. 

Standing up, I hear a knock on my door, this early? 

Putting a yellow shall over my white gown, I step forward and open the door to see none other than the Count. 

Life is blessed! Thank you for bringing this sexy man to my door!

“Merry morning to you, Count.” I say with a smile as he politely keeps his eyes away from my gown, what a gentleman. 

“Greetings Lady Alindell, I had come to ask you something but I see it’s too early…I will kindl-“

Stopping him right there, I open the door more. “Don’t be silly count, we both know I don’t care, come in, shall I call Wilkins for some tea? Or perhaps wine?”

Startled, he nods but comes in, this is probably the only time he’s ever been in my room without being here to murder me. 

As he heads to sit at my balcony table, I ring the bell for Wilkins and go to join him, wrapping my shoulders with my shall, I sit down on the white chair with a padded cushion. 

I wonder why he’s here? Whatever it is, my body is his if he so wants it. 

“I came to inquire about the tea party, after doing more research, it seems to be a celebration of the love between her and….her brother.” 

Seeing him grimace at the very thought, I cackle. 

“I know, isn’t it enjoyable? I can’t wait to see shame cover her face when she notices not everyone is as shameless as her.” 

His eyes fixed on mine when I laugh, and soon I hear a knock at my door. 

“Come in Wilkins! We’re on the balcony.”

But I’m sure he knows that, walking in he already had a cart with two cups. That sly man. 

Smiling, he pours the Count a cup, and then me a cup, mixing wine with my tea just how I like it. 

“Wine? This early in the morning?” The Count said, raising an eyebrow. 

“Don’t judge it until you try it.” I say as I gesture to Wilkins to pour some wine in his cup. 

Watching the lemon honey wine mix with his lemon and mint tea, I can’t help but grin. 

He brings the cup to his lips, and takes a gentle sil, scrunching his nose. 

“Why is it bitter….?”

Letting out a laugh I grin, taking a spoon full of honey from Wilkins, I put a glob in the Counts cup and stir it around and lastly a spill of milk. 

“Now try it Trixxy, you need to be patient you know, men don’t like their men impatient~”

“How many times must I tell you……” He sighs before taking a sip, I watch as his eyes brighten and he looks astonished at his cup. 

I mix my tea the same way nod to Wilkins who pushes the cart away, and begins leaving the room. 

“It’s delicious isn’t it?” I say with a grin.  

“I prefer women….” He said with a blunt voice. 

“Over tea? Goodness that’s a strange thing to drink in the morning, but I’ll never judge you Count.”

Seeing his eyes widen and him almost choke on his tea was all I needed to make this morning even better. 

Teasing him keeps me alive in more ways than one, leaning to the side I sip my tea and look out to the lands, sunset still creeping in. 

“You are quite the crude Lady I’ll have you know.” He finally managed to say. 

I couldn't help but laugh as he said that, and just as quickly I looked at him and said. 

“You’re just as bad, after all, you understand everything I say.” Grinning, I watch as he gives a face of denial and sips his tea. 

Times like this, I forget in two days he’ll kill me, he looked so handsome as the sunset graced his cheekbones and outlined his jaw. 

It was a shame this man had a murder kink, well maybe he didn’t, but I like to think he does. 

Sitting for a while, I enjoyed the silence as we both drank our tea, and then in the quiet, he asked a question. 

“Lady Alindell, if you ever found that someone you cared for was bribed to keep a secret so horrible that it ruined the lives of many, would you let them live, or not….?”