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“It’s nice to meet you, Linda,” Alessandra shook Linda’s hand. She wondered who exactly Linda was to be walking around in the palace.

As if reading Alessandra’s mind, Hazel said, “Linda is a childhood friend of mine and Tobias has granted her access to the palace to keep me company sometimes. Unfortunately, she wasn’t able to attend the ball. I’ve invited the Duchess here to get to know her. The Duke is somewhere entertaining my husband.”

“You must be glad to have Tobias busy,” said Linda.

“Certainly. Do you want to stay a bit longer, Linda? You should have some of the food I’ve prepared for Alessandra and me before you go. I don’t think it’s right to let you go by so quickly after traveling to meet me. If that’s alright with you, Alessandra?” Hazel asked as she wanted to be sure Alessandra would be comfortable first and foremost.

“I do not mind,” Alessandra answered. She didn’t want Hazel to send her friend away and she wanted to solve the funny feeling she felt when she saw Linda smile. Something felt familiar but she could not put her finger on it.

“Wonderful. We’re going to my bedroom,” Hazel informed Linda and then proceeded to walk, still holding onto Alessandra. “We’ll start our plans another time, Alessandra.”

“What plans?” Linda couldn’t help but ask. Before Hazel noticed her, she saw how excited the two women seemed about something. ‘I didn’t expect Hazel to find a friend in this woman. Is it because of Edgar?’ She wondered.

Hazel and Alessandra gave each other a look and came to a silent agreement.

.....

“Its’ nothing,” Hazel replied, slightly sad for keeping a secret from Linda but they must for right now. The more people that knew of their plan, the higher chance someone like Priscilla had of finding out, and then obstacles would be placed to block Alessandra’s path.

“I see. You two are already close. You aren’t using her title.”

“Well, it’s annoying to have to say queen or Duchess when it’s just the two of us. It feels more comfortable this way but if we’re around other people we will use titles. Linda, you would not believe that Alessandra loves to paint. Had I known this I would have set up a painting day. Linda loves to paint too but unlike me, she is talented,” said Hazel.

“I’m not that talented,” Linda blushed and looked off to the side to hide her cheeks. In doing so, she met Caleb’s gaze and for some reason, it didn’t seem like he liked her presence. “Hazel, did you get a new guard? What happened to the old one?”

“No, he’s with Alessandra. You would not believe Edgar of all people is so paranoid that he thinks his wife will get hurt when she’s by my side. I am trying to convince Alessandra that she has him wrapped around her finger,” Hazel playfully nudged Alessandra. “Aren’t they cute, Linda?”

Linda picked up her pace to walk next to Hazel so that she would not be behind her friend and Alessandra like a third wheel. “The cutest,” she smiled.

‘There it is again,’ Alessandra thought. Each time Linda smiled, the hair on her arm stood up. ‘I’m certain I have never met her before so why do I have a weird feeling?’

“This is my room. Do you truly need to come inside?” Hazel turned around to question Caleb.

“I am to be by the Duchess’s side at all times. If I can’t, I must inform the Duke,” Caleb stated his orders.

Hazel sighed, highly annoyed a man would have to be with them but she couldn’t stay upset for long considering there would be servants in her bedroom waiting to service her at any moment. “Fine, I will allow it just this once but you must keep a reasonable distance. Edgar will have to explain why a man was in my bedroom.”

“Queen Hazel,” two servants bowed before opening her bedroom door.

“Welcome to my room, Alessandra. We’ll be enjoying our day on the balcony so that we can look out at one of the gardens,” Hazel stated as she led the group inside her bedroom and straight to the balcony. “It’s surprisingly warm today so I thought we could be outside for a little while.”

“Wow,” Alessandra’s jaw almost dropped from the view Hazel got from her balcony. It provided a little overview of Lockwood. “I didn’t notice how much of a hill the palace is on. You get to look over a bit of Lockwood.”

“There are specific rooms you can go to look down at certain parts of Lockwood. I must remember to take you there. We can serve ourselves,” Hazel told the servants before they could rush to aid her. She was more than able to pour her own drink and eat. “Have a seat here, Alessandra. You sit here, Linda.”

The three of them sat down at a circular table where Hazel sat in the middle of Alessandra and Linda. Due to an empty seat, Alessandra and Linda sat facing each other.

“I had the cook prepare all of my favorites. I hope you like them. Try anything you like. I won’t judge how much you want to eat,” Hazel said to Alessandra.

“Thank you. There’s so much to choose from,” Alessandra looked around at the large spread of food.

“Then,” Hazel leaned over to take Alessandra’s plate. “I will pick for you.”

“Hazel, you are the queen. You should not be picking out food for anyone. We should be doing that for you,” Linda pushed the plate in Hazel’s hands down against the table. “I’ll pick out things for the Duchess to eat. Is that alright with you, Alessandra?” She offered Alessandra a smile.

“Yes.”

“Linda, you’re no fun,” Hazel’s shoulders fell due to boredom. ‘I want to do things like this in private without thinking about being queen,’ she thought.

“I don’t mind. I’m always here to protect your image. Alessandra, you’re going to love slices of cake as much as I do. I visit the palace sometimes just so I can grab a bite-”

Alessandra drowned out Linda’s words as she realized why Linda’s smile felt like deja vu. ‘Ah, I see. She’s smiling just as Kate would to play innocent in front of our father. Am I crazy for thinking it’s similar? There’s been a weird feeling I can’t ignore since she arrived. Like I’ve done something to her and she’s putting on a smile in front of Hazel. What is the reason behind her weird smile?’

“Here you go,” Linda held out the plate for Alessandra to take back.