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Alessandra was more than happy to help Hazel ignore what was weighing her mind. She could look at Hazel and see n her face how tired she was. “I will. You’ve arrived just in time for dinner to celebrate Edgar’s birthday so there will be a few guests to distract you. You might be interested in knowing I have reconnected with my grandmother from my mother’s side.”

“Reconnected? Did the two of you not get along at one point?” Hazel asked as she did not know the backstory. She was aware Alessandra had not seen her mother in years.

“No. My father didn’t want her around me and only now that I was not able to receive my inheritance did the court contact her and she came to see me. She thought I was sending letters to her so we knew each other but that was a lie.”

“Uhm, that is a lot to take in. Your life certainly is full of enough distractions for me to ignore my own problems. What was she like?” Hazel asked, curious about how seeing her grandmother went.

“She is a nice woman I would have liked to have around-”

“Oh my goodness!” Hazel suddenly screamed, startling Alessandra and causing two maids to run out to see what happened. “Your mask,” she whispered softly with her hand covering her mask. It took her a moment to figure out what was extremely odd.

Alessandra placed her hand on her chest to calm her racing heart. “I thought it would be the first thing anyone noticed. How did you miss that I am not wearing a mask?” She asked.

“My mind was elsewhere until I started to focus on what you were saying and then when I looked at your face, no mask. When did this happen and why did you hide your face?” Hazel asked, reaching out to poke Alessandra’s once-hidden cheek. “It is so soft.”

.....

“I stopped wearing the mask at home recently and my skin is soft because I have been using a cream from the palace. Though your reaction was delayed I have to say it was better than Dominic’s. My next goal is to leave home without a mask. I am still getting used to the fact there are no scars on my face so there is no reason to hide it,” Alessandra replied, touching where Hazel poked her.

“Scars? Who hurt you? Are they still alive given the fact you have an obsessive crazy husband who would kill a fly for landing on you?” Hazel asked.

Alessandra chuckled, imagining Edgar trying to kill a fly for touching her. “It happened in my youth with Kate. I don’t want to get too far into it because then my mood will be ruined.”

“I understand. My oh my. I can’t wait to see Edgar’s jealous side when you go out without your mask. Hopefully, you reach the strength to leave home without it for Tobias’s birthday ball so I will be present.” Hazel wanted to witness this new side of Edgar.

“I don’t see why everyone wants to see Edgar’s jealous side. As his wife, I don’t want to see it again. I’d rather no one does something foolish to upset him,” Alessandra replied, hoping her face reveal end without anyone being punched.

“Trust me, it can get you pumped up to see your husband jealous. They get all touchy and overprotective. It is cute to witness and perhaps you might find yourself pulling him into a bathroom,” Hazel touched her exposed neck for Alessandra to catch on to what she was saying. “Aw, look at your little blush. How are you still a shy little thing when you have Edgar as your husband? If there is ever a time you need advice, you can come to me. I am hardly a prude.”

“Thank you-”

Alessandra’s words were cut shut by Rose’s voice coming from by the door. “Happy birthday, Edgar! It is a shame I didn’t get to spend it with you like we do every year but I suppose this dinner will make up for it.”

Hazel was pleasantly surprised to see Rose Collins here in Lockwood. “Alessandra, do you remember what we talked about? With you becoming a social queen? I hope you have asked Rose to help you. She has a better connection with her peers to get you closer to their granddaughters. I heard about her days when she lived in Lockwood. There’s a thing or two we can both learn from her,” she said as she watched Rose kiss Edgar’s cheek.

“She has already offered to help me become a better Duchess. I’ve changed my mind about hosting a party as Rose thinks I must be more social,” Alessandra said.

“I agree but you should still keep to yourself, especially after you were hit in the head. First, we should have a sleepover with close friends now that I am spending a week here. You have met a few young ladies who can be your lifelong friends. Rose Collins,” Hazel greeted Rose when the older woman approached them.

“Queen Hazel,” Rose bowed her head. “What a wonderful surprise to see here. I passed your husband leaving the gates a moment ago. I would have loved to spend some time with the king and queen together. As luck would have it I just might be in town for the king’s ball.”

“I look forward to seeing you there and spending time with you at dinner. Alessandra, where is my room so I can get out of this dress I traveled around in and prepare for dinner?” Hazel asked, in desperate need to freshen up.

“Your room is on the second floor. I’ve picked out a maid to aid you in getting dressed and whatever you may need. I don’t know where she is now but oh, Sally!” Alessandra called to Sally who was heading toward the kitchen with Caleb by her side. “Please take Hazel to her room and find Tiara to stay by he side.”

“Yes, Duchess. Please follow me,” Sally said as she walked up to Hazel to take her upstairs. Her heart rushed from being in the presence of royalty and hoped she wouldn’t faint like what happened the first time she saw the king up close.

Alessandra watched Sally leave with Hazel and then her eyes lingered on Edgar standing at the door with Alfred.

“You mustn’t call the queen by her name,” Rose scolded Alessandra. “And you should have made sure the maid you picked out was nearby so you wouldn’t have to search for her. You spoke too casually before the queen, especially to your maid. Edgar informed me of the queen staying here for a few days. I am contemplating staying here during those days to help you be a proper host.”

“I’m sorry. The queen and I are used to speaking casually around each other so when there is no audience, I don’t refer to her as queen Hazel. She is alright with it,” Alessandra explained but she bit her lips after the look she received from Rose. It was like she was caught with her hand in a cookie jar and she was about to be scolded.

“No matter what setting you are in, you must always speak properly. You will slip up in front of others if you keep referring to her without her title. Some will be jealous of your closeness to the queen while others find it disrespectful. I noticed you have not taken my advice to redecorate the house. I thought you listened well and would have done it before I arrived to impress me,” Rose said, greatly disappointed in Alessandra.

Alessandra didn’t seem to be taking this seriously in her eyes.

“I intended to start but I had to prepare for Hazel- the queen’s arrival,” Alessandra quickly corrected herself. “And I had a visit from a relative. Honestly, I think it is unnecessary to change furniture which is perfectly fine. Edgar and I don’t mind it-”

“You must be used to looking at the same old things in your father’s home but it is common for those who can afford to change around their homes as the seasons change. Anyone who is used to such a thing will talk after they visit this home,” said Rose.

“Well, we do not receive guests other than family and friends. No one else has spoken about the furniture. I assure you when it is needed I will change the furniture,” Alessandra said, hoping the issue would be solved with this. She was ready for Edgar’s dinner to start soon so they could celebrate together.

“I mind the furniture,” Rose sighed, slightly annoyed by Alessandra not understanding her. “Dear child you need to be perfect so no one will think about your back-”

“Alessandra,” Edgar interrupted the conversation, taking hold of Alessandra’s hand to bring attention to himself. “Alfred has something he wants to tell you urgently.”