Unknown (NaNoWriMo)

Chapter 5:

So this body was blind, but not blind. When I was on the cart, I was in darkness but now I could see. I probably looked crazy, like I didn't know what I was doing. Which I didn't, but no need to tell them.

The darkness that was holding me, made way for silver lines. Dancing through the air, shapes were forming before my "eyes". In the matter of seconds, I could see. Outlined in silver, large building emerged surrounded by trees.

Shaking off my astonishment, I was drawn to the pressure on my upper arm. Noticing a hand making sure I wouldn't fall over, I follow it up to its owner.

"Shu? Are you holding my arm?"

The figure turns toward me, facial expression blurry. I'm assuming this was Hazen, because Shu would have responded with an energetic "yes".

"..."

I guess he decided that I didn't deserve a response. Clicking my tongue, I pull my hand away from him and start walking towards the door. Since my vision wasn't clear, I slowed down my pace, but at least I wasn't stumbling back and forth.

I wasn't going to worry about how I could "turn on" my vision, until I was introduced to this Duke and Duchess. My best bet was to remain complacent to stay in their good graces, at least for now.

Not hearing footsteps behind me, I turn towards the "brothers" who escorted me there. They were still by the wagon, waiting in silence. I hated the silence. Staring at them pointedly, it was like a contest Finally, Shu said something.

"Our job was to deliver you. Sorry we can't walk you inside."

I didn't pay any attention to his serious tone of voice. They probably were busy and needed to be somewhere else. Judging by the weapons at their hips, they were probably soldiers. Therefore they either had a master or were in the army. Shrugging my shoulders, I left them with my parting words.

"Thank you for your help."

Turning back towards the estate doors, I let out a sigh and prepared for the unknown. The door opened without any resistance and I stepped into a cooler atmosphere.

Letting my "eyes" get adjusted, I was greeted with an empty room. A split staircase was towards the back of the room, allowing access to the upper floor. Portraits hung from the wall, though I couldn't make out the subject. It was quiet like no one lived here. But that couldn't be right they wouldn't have dropped me off at empty estate.

Relief flooded me as I heard footsteps approaching me. I turned in time to "see" someone. Not wanting to intrude without permission, I hesitantly call out to them.

"Excuse me, I was told to come here and meet the Duke and Duchess."

Apparently that wasn't the proper thing to say. This person, which I could now tell was a worker, marched up to me and reached for my arm.

"The Duke and Duchess are not meeting with anyone. You must be either arrogant or stupid to barge into this estate and demand a meeting."

Trying to keep myself calm, I stepped back and created space between this stranger and I. I didn't like confrontation especially in a strange world. Holding my arms close to me, I acted like a pacifist.

"I was told that the Duke and Duchess called for me. I reside in their second estate."

This worker, seemed to be a head maid of sorts, was not buying my explanation. Her brows furrowed, her hands clenched, She gritted her teeth a bit. Who would ever want a head maid with this temper, I wondered.

"That is preposterous! The only person to reside in the second estate was the late mistress. She was allowed to live there after she pleaded to leave along with her...."

Puzzled by the sudden lack of words. I tilted my head and probed for more information.

"Along with her what?"

The maid let out a gasp and mumbled "my god" under her breath. Not responding to my question, she grabbed my wrist and proceeded to drag me down the hall. It wasn't too tight, but it still wasn't comfortable.

I was struggling to keep up and my "vision" was blurry. Hoping that the maid wouldn't purposely slam me into walls, I was forced to go along. Hallways and doors passed by in a hurry. I had no clue where we were at this point. We finally arrived in front of a door, more ornate than any one around it.

Study probably? Or maybe the library?

The maid knocked on the door and only opened it when a gruff "what" responded. Shuffling forward, she approached what seemed to be a figure standing by a desk. Words were exchanged, but were too quiet to decipher.

I waited patiently for my cue, not looking around even though I was curious about the contents of this study. The maid eventually walked towards me, brushing her shoulder again mine, in her effort to leave the room. If this was any indicator of how I'd be treated here I had my work cut out for me.

Once the door had closed, I focused more on the figure before me. A man, tall and clean in appearance. This must be the Duke, I evaluated. The silence seemingly stretched on and on, but I refused to be the one to break the tension.

There must be a reason why I was summoned.

"So you're the offspring of 'that' woman."

His cool voice cut through the air and sent shivers down my spine. I had no clue what "woman" he was talking about, but I knew I was not welcome here. There was a connection between me and this estate, I felt it the moment I walked in. I had no place else to go. I needed to be here.

Lifting my chin, I prepared the words that unknowingly sealed my fate. A fate that dealt with betrayal and vow to turn the world upside down .

"And what if I am, your grace."