Angel's POV
"This way, ladies," the servant said cheerfully, leading us up a grand staircase.
The stairs were marble. with an intricately carved banister. Tapestries lined the walls, depicting scenes of hunts and battles and celebrations.
Everything screamed wealth and power.
"Did you see the way he looked at me?" Lyra whispered excitedly beside me. "Lord Merrick, I mean. Angel, he definitely noticed me."
I shot her a skeptical look. "He was looking at everyone. He's a lord. It's his job to acknowledge his guests."
"No, no, this was different." Lyra's eyes were bright with possibility. "There was a spark. I felt it. And did you see? No wife. No lady of the house. He's available."
"Lyra…"
"I just need a plan," she continued, more to herself than to me. "Something subtle but effective. Maybe I could 'accidentally' run into him in the gardens? Or spill wine on myself at dinner so he notices me? No, wait - I could pretend to get lost and wander into his private chambers…"
