"We were all raised to be ladies. There is nothing wrong with it, but some of us are a little curious about the things we were not taught about. When you marry, then you will understand," said Julie.
"Did you jump to understand it because you will not marry, or is it because you ignore grandmother’s wishes and continue to speak of brothels?" Ally whispered.
Julie smiled. "Marriage isn’t on my mind now, but it doesn’t change that I know how and when to be a lady. As for brothels, so what if I speak of them in private to those I trust? I like knowing the truth."
"And what is the truth?" Ally asked, wanting to be in on the joke.
"I’m afraid I can’t tell you because I don’t need grandmother to think that I am spoiling her perfect granddaughter. I’ve already disappointed her enough, haven’t I?" Julie replied.
"That is not true. You mustn’t say that for others to get the wrong opinion of our grandmother. She loves us both equally," Ally said, disliking it when Julie spoke so negatively.
"We both know that isn’t true, but I didn’t expect you to admit it. You’ve been enjoying how she spoils you and takes you around the town to meet with her friends. Did you think I wouldn’t know because you didn’t share it?" Julie asked, revealing she knew.
Ally didn’t speak of it because she thought Julie knew and declined.
"Don’t frown since I am not hurt. It is good that one of us has her help, and you are the one who wants to get married. Don’t worry about what we said, Ally. Remain innocent for my sake," Julie said, patting Ally’s hand. "Does anyone have something fun planned?"
Julie wanted to do more than just stand around speaking.
The men had started to group up to speak and would soon go off to drink in private.
"You are not to get into any trouble while you are here. Your mother and father are near," Penelope reminded Julie.
"I was not looking for any bad kind of fun. It was so much better when we were children and our mothers would let us run around the estate. We used to go out behind the estate to play in the water," Julie said, reminiscing on the old days.
Julie wished she had enjoyed those days a little more.
"I wouldn’t dare dirty my dress these days. Oh, the royals are here," Lily said, being the first one to notice the Castros’ arrival. "The princess is here. Now you will have someone around your age to speak with, Isabelle. You may leave us."
Teo entered the room beside his parents and immediately looked for Rue. He was happy to find her standing with the ladies while Elijah stood with the other men.
"Mother, I must speak with Rue," Teo said, parting from his parents’ side.
Teo walked over to where Rue stood.
"Future king," Lily said, followed by dramatic curtsies by the ladies.
"Ha," Teo forced a laugh. "You are all so funny. Rue, can I have a word with you? Alone."
"You may," Rue replied, stepping away from the group to go with Teo. "Is there something wrong? Did I hurt you?" She asked, hoping it wasn’t so. She would be in trouble with her father for a long time if she hurt the crown prince.
"No. There is nothing wrong," Teo said, looking at Elijah for a moment. "We haven’t spoken since your last visit to the palace. There is something I need to warn you about. Or rather, someone. You should stay away from Elijah."
Rue laughed. "You have waited for the wrong moment to ask that I stay away from him. I am standing inside his home and surrounded by his family. If you are worried about me fighting him, then don’t worry. It was your brother’s plan."
"No, that is not why you should stay away from him. I think that," Teo stopped, contemplating if he should share it. "He is loved by many this season, so if you get too close, you will face the women who want to court him."
"I am already aware of this, and I plan to break their hearts a little. Elijah does not mind if I use his name, so I am going to have some fun while I am here. You worry for nothing," Rue said, placing her hand in Teo’s hair to make a mess of it.
Teo had a blank stare as Rue touched his hair. He held her hand to stop her.
"That isn’t why I am warning you to stay away from him. I think that he has some kind of interest in you," said Teo.
Rue laughed once more. "You have seen wrong. Is this truly why you needed to speak to me right away? You are no different from the ladies who love him."
"No, I am a man who sees something you do not. He is a good friend, but I don’t know if he will court you well," Teo explained.
"And I am telling you that you don’t need to be concerned about Elijah courting me. That is not what is happening here, but even if it were, you can’t tell me who to stay away from, Teo. I don’t get involved in your search for a future queen," Rue said, starting to be annoyed.
Rue continued, "Elijah is a good man to me. There isn’t anything between us for you to be concerned about, but I would like you to remember that he is your friend. Why would you think he is courting me?"
"I don’t know. I thought that was why you two were so close," Teo said, still believing there was an attraction between the two.
Teo believed that Rue didn’t have feelings for Elijah, but after his talk with Elijah, he was certain Elijah had grown to hold some interest in Rue.
As long as Rue didn’t want to marry anyone here, then there was no need to be concerned about what Elijah wanted.
"You are right. I was worried all for nothing," Teo agreed with Rue. "Are you having fun?"
"I was, but then you pulled away from speaking to the other ladies. You look nervous. Are you ill?" Rue asked, touching Teo’s forehead.
"I feel fine," Teo replied.
"You should drink some water or medicine since you do not look well. It would not be good if the crown prince were to faint. Come with me," Rue said, offering her hand to escort Teo to find a maid.
Teo held Rue’s hand and walked with her. When he looked over to where the men stood, he noticed that Elijah was watching him and his suspicions were once again confirmed.