Page 28 of Lady's Steed
“I also hear that your family orchards produce a very good wine.”
“They do.”
“And you’re involved in that?”
“Yes…” A slower, drawn-out reply. “Why do you ask?”
“Because I need someone competent to oversee the palace, the city, and any issues that might arise while I go on my pilgrimage after the coronation.”
The lady stared at Avera “Isn’t that the duke’s job?”
“Yes, but as you might have heard, I’m currently without one.”
Josslyn’s lips pinched. “Appalling what Petturi did. Pity he took the cowardly way out. I’d have liked to have seen him drawn and quartered.”
“Me, too. Anyhow, given the position is vacant, I’m seeking a replacement, someone not easily intimidated who can snap out orders and make sure they’re followed. Who won’t lose their head in a crisis. Who can’t be bribed or flattered into giving concessions. And of course, isn’t plotting to kill me. You were recommended to me.”
“By whom?” she blurted.
“My Grand Rook, Gustav.”
“That ornery ass,” she huffed.
Avera arched a brow. “You know him, I take it.”
“Did he happen to mention he’s my brother?”
It was Avera’s turn to stare. “No, he did not. I wasn’t aware he had family.” Then again, she’d never asked. The rooks, those carefully elevated from the rank of knight to directly serve the royals, severed their family connections when they received their commission. They dropped their family name and gave up all inheritance rights.
“We’re only half-siblings. I’m the result of Father’s second marriage. Given he already had heirs for his estate, when my mother died, as the only one left of her line, her family fortune came to me.”
“I need someone I can trust. Gustav suggested you, and I will be honest, I don’t really have any other options. Will you do it?” Avera bluntly asked. “Will you be my Duchess?”
Josslyn didn’t immediately say yes. Her lips pursed as she mulled it over. “It is a big task running a country. The amount of work would likely mean no more visits to my vineyard.”
“Only temporarily while I’m gone. Upon my return, we could ensure a schedule whereupon you could continue your work.”
“People won’t like it. Traditionally, the crown chooses a male for the role.”
“But it’s not a rule,” Avera pointed out.
“True. However, I feel like I should point out it will most definitely ruffle some and bring out belligerence in others.”
“Are you not capable of putting them in their place?” was Avera’s tart retort.
Josslyn’s lips curved. “That’s never been a problem, but the result will be some petulance that might turn into those unhappy whining to you.”
“I can assure you they’ll get no sympathy from me. I never realized how petty the lords and ladies could be.”
“You’ve lived amongst them your whole life.”
“Ignored for the most part,” was Avera’s wry rejoinder. “I miss those days.”
“I assume you would want an immediate start?”
“Or as soon as is feasible. I understand you might need time to delegate some tasks in order to take on this challenge.”
“I already have competent people in place so I could start shortly, but I don’t know if I even want the responsibility.”