Harmonia Calendar 715, Thal 23 - Ashspire Estate, Elandor
Noon - Lucien's Room
I stood in front of the mirror as two maids worked in silence around me.
One tugged the line of my tunic straight, the other smoothed down my hair, fingers quick and practiced.
'Another event.'
A small gathering of young nobles to smile, trade harmless jokes, share stories, and sort out who would be friend or foe.
Children, but the masks would be real enough.
And tomorrow—the banquet.
The last before winter.
I stared at my reflection, my mind wandering.
'The Grand Duke's presence is…unusual.'
I asked the maids without taking my eyes off the mirror.
"Lady Selene?"
One maid adjusted the fall of my trousers before answering, her tone polite.
"The lady arrives with his grace tomorrow."
I gave her a faint nod, though my gaze had already shifted past the mirror and toward the window.
Outside, servants clipped hedges into sharper lines, polished railings until they gleamed, and raked gravel paths into perfect order.
Too much fuss for a simple anniversary.
'Our parents' anniversary alone isn't enough to warrant a Grand Duke's presence.'
'So what is it? A new contract? Another deal Father wants sealed? Or just curiosity, the Duke's way of passing the time?'
I shook my head.
Questions without answers, at least not yet.
My thoughts slipped back to Adonis' awakening.
Since that day, I'd seen it.
The way servants watched Adonis too closely, their glances lingering.
'Father's orders, most likely.'
I turned back to the mirror, but my gaze slipped sideways.
Toward the desk.
To the letter that still waited for an answer.
I drew in a deep breath.
'Not yet. Not until after the banquet.'
***
Noon - Corridor
Servants moved through the corridor, hands full with lanterns, polish rags, trays, and fresh linens.
The banquet was tomorrow, and every stone of the estate had to shine for it. Railings gleamed, lightstones were strung high, floors scrubbed until they shone.
Their hands stayed busy, but their mouths couldn't stay still.
"Did you hear? He awakened at twelve."
"His smile is so charming."
"He's easy to talk to. Even the stewards like him."
"I heard three girls fought in the laundry over him."
I slowed my pace, listening, though I kept my eyes straight.
'So soon? The news about Adonis spread faster than wildfire.'
Another servant whispered too loudly.
"Did you see the heir's expression?"
The answer came with a hiss.
"The heir has been in a mood since yesterday."
My jaw tightened as I walked.
'In a mood.'
I'd seen it before.
I knew what it meant.
It meant doors slammed shut.
It meant the cellar boy was sent running for wine again and again.
It meant silence when he passed, servants lowering their eyes, praying not to catch his.
Other whispers rose from memory.
A maid dismissed in tears.
A kitchen girl with a split lip, gone before dawn.
The steward's quiet warning to the staff.
I turned a corner.
The windows showed the garden.
My gaze lifted toward the sky.
Thick clouds swallowed the sun.
'Something was coming. I could feel it.'
***
Noon - Anteroom
I opened the door and stepped inside.
My eyes shifted to Theodora.
She sat on a cushioned bench, back straight, chin lifting the instant she saw me.
Her hazel hair was tied in a neat knot, a pale blue ribbon holding it firm. She wore a bright blue dress, its fabric set with fine embroidered patterns.
Theodora rose from the bench.
Her dress caught the light as she spun slowly in a circle.
"Well? How do I look?"
I gave her a thoughtful glance, slow, from head to toe, and nodded.
"You look good. But green suits you better."
Her eyes narrowed, voice sharp.
"You always say the color I am not wearing."
I shrugged and smiled.
"I'm honest."
Click.
The door behind me opened.
Adonis came in, dressed in a fresh black tunic.
His hair had been combed back, though it was still unruly at the ends.
Theodora turned to him at once.
Her tone sweetened.
"So…green suits me better?"
Adonis gave her an approving look, his words too honest.
"Everything looks good on you."
Theodora's smile widened.
She tiptoed closer and caught his cheeks in her hands.
"That's my hero."
Adonis turned red.
I let out a sigh under my breath.
'There they go again.'
I stepped closer, deciding to stop them, and brushed her hands aside with a gentle push, before tugging at Adonis's collar, straightening it while holding his gaze.
"Enough. Rules...Smile. Speak less than you think. Don't make promises. If you don't know a name, use a title and move on. If someone talks about bread, talk about bread."
Adonis blinked at me, confused by the barrage of words.
"And if someone talks about me?"
I stepped back, eyes still on him, voice flat.
"You let them. Then you leave."
Theodora took the chance and slipped to his side, hooking her arm with his.
She smiled brightly, tone soft.
"He will manage. He has me."
I narrowed my eyes at both of them.
"That's what I'm afraid of."
Theodora stuck out her tongue at my words, before looping her arm tighter around Adonis' and pulled him toward the door.
I watched them go, she barely reached his shoulder, yet pulled him along as though she owned him.
A sigh escaped me.
'They're my headaches.'
I followed, as always, one step behind.