Chapter 7

Fortunately, the building was acquired smoothly but it will take a week for the workers I hired to refurbish and organise the bakery according to my design. Hopefully, I'll be starting my business soon.

"Lady Beatrice, your father told me to let you know that you will be accompanying Lady Bella and Sir Stuart to the yearly hunting feast on Saturday." Butler Drake says.

Father wants me to go with them? I don't think he has ever taken Beatrice with him before. He would only take Bella. Does that mean he has forgiven me? I smile. My cookies have worked. Since that day, I had been sending Tess to give him my various baked goods whenever I made them. Maybe my pouring-water-over-a-rock method is finally working.

"Saturday?" I ask, remembering that I have a sword lesson with Francis Tag.

"Yes, My Lady."

"Who else will be at the hunting?" I ask.

Butler Drake coughs before speaking, "The royal family, the ducal families and the royal forces."

My father used to be the commander in the Royal Army so he is invited every year by the royal family. If the royal forces will be there, I will see Francis anyway right? It shouldn't be an issue then. He can simply teach me in a different environment.

"Thank you." I say gratefully. The Butler gives me a surprised look before leaving.

As I prepare an outfit to wear for Saturday, I glance over at Tess, "Tess, what time do the hunting feasts usually last?"

"They are usually at least three days My Lady." She answers.

My jaw drops, "Three days?! I thought we would be back by the end of the day."

"You'll have to prepare more clothes My Lady." She advises, picking out a few more outfits.

"Tess, come with me please. I don't want to be in a strange place by myself." I say. Since Beatrice has never been to a hunting, I don't know what to expect.

Tess shakes her head and holds my hand, "I'm sorry My Lady. Servants aren't permitted to attend."

I sigh and lie down on my bed, "What should I do?"

***

"Father, Beatrice is coming with us?" Bella's voice drifts over to me and I stop outside the door. Why does she sound strange?

"Of course she is darling. Why would she not come when she is my daughter?" My father answers.

"But she's never attended before Father. What if she causes trouble in front of the royal family?"

My eyes widen as I listen. Bella sounds like she doesn't wish for me to go with them. Has she always thought like this? I always thought she was the innocent, naive, good heroine but have I been wrong? Has she been pretentious in front of everyone?

I am more surprised at Bella's words than at my father finally acknowledging that I am his daughter.

"I trust your sister to behave. She has changed recently and I believe she won't do any harm to our family name." My father says sternly. My cookies have worked wonders on his heart. I almost feel emotional at him supporting his real daughter.

"Father, I don't think it's a good idea." Bella insists.

"I am her father and if I say she will go, she will definitely have to go." My father booms angrily. Ten points for Father Stuart!

Humming joyfully, I walk up the stairs to my room. Tess smiles, "What's got you into a good mood?"

"Is My Lady finally in love?" Matilda smiles as she watches me dance and hum inside the bedroom.

"No, it's better than that." I grin.

"Tell us." Tess says excitedly.

I sit down and stare at Matilda and Tess, "My father went against Bella."

"Is that a good thing My Lady?" Tess says uncertainly.

"Of course it is. It means my father still has some love left for his real daughter." I smile.

Matilda smiles, "I am happy for you Lady Beatrice. Your mother would be happy that you two are getting along."

Not exactly "getting along" as such, but at least I know that I have made some progress in conquering my father's heart.

***

Saturday morning arrives and Tess helps me get dressed better than usual. I frown as I stare in the mirror. Am I going to a hunt or a wedding?

"Isn't this too much?" I say, touching the sequins on the top half of my dress. It's a black dress which shows off Beatrice's beautiful figure. The sleeves are short and transparent and the top bodice is embedded with black sequins which glint in the light.

Tess even styled my red hair into waves down my back and did my makeup. I have never been so dolled up in my life. But is this really appropriate attire for a hunt?

"The royal family will be watching so you have to look your best My Lady." She says.

"I almost forgot." I mutter as I glance at the heels she is holding out to me. "But I can't accept these heels. I really can't walk properly in them Tess. Can't I wear boots?"

"It won't match your outfit Lady Beatrice." She says, shaking her head.

Sighing, I take them from her and put them on. When she leaves the room, I pack my boots with my other clothes. I won't be able to walk in these long heels at all.

Stumbling over to the van which is waiting to take us to the hunt, I wait for Father and Bella. Sure enough, Bella looks like an innocent princess when she walks over and smiles at me as if she is fine with me attending. I smile falsely at her too. She can't trick me.

"Let's go." My father says gruffly as we sit inside the van. He hasn't said a word to me but just knowing he backed me up is enough for now.

I watch as the streets vanish and the mountains and grasslands welcome us. It takes three hours to reach the destination but I don't want to miss the beautiful landscape outside. I haven't really been out of town yet in this world so this is the first time I can see the areas. It truly looks like a place from a fairy tale.