Delphinium, or A Necromancer's Home (TCoLaD Book 2)

Château

~ (Continued) Trisday, 8th of Aprilis, 11831 ~

Elizabeth thought she was used to opulence, having been both at court and raised in a manor, but the Château de Piques was another thing entirely. It made sense in a way; the castle was made in an older style more to defend than to relish, and her family ruled a county not an entire duchy.

This château was vast, four stories tall, with a dozen windows across the front of the building for each floor. It was made in white brick with the roof so dark she thought it black, but the sunlight reflected off of it with a sheen of red. The corners had towers made in the same colors, and balconies opened up all along the second and fourth floors onto terraces. Flowers and vines were encouraged to grow among the stone, looking elegant and free. Gardens and fields stood at its left and right, and behind it all was the grand Duc's Forest that led into Faery.

Pierre took her arm and helped her from the carriage before turning around to look at his home. Lizzy looked up to see his pained smile.

"I'd forgotten," he said so softly that Lizzy supposed she was not to hear. He squeezed her hand and she returned the gesture.

"Your Grace!" a new voice then called, "I welcome you upon your return home!"

They turned to a man waiting near the entrance. He wore fine clothes of black and silver, in a style more often worn in Italaviana and the south of Bladeren, and a great smile split his dark beard and moustache.

"Yes, lord?" Pierre asked. The other man's smile faltered, but he opened his arms in welcome.

"It has been many years, Your Grace, but I knew you as a child."

"Forgive me, but I remember little of my childhood here. Would you do me the kindness of reminding me?"

"Always, Your Grace. I was your father's young steward after Lord Dorian died. And now I am yours."

Pierre's eyes lit up, and he began to grin as well. "Vivien! Of course! Thank you for all the years you have aided Piques. I hope to relieve some of your burden." He let go of her arm to cross the road and embrace the other man. Lizzy stayed where she was, a little uncertain of what to do.

"Shall you have lunch now?" Vivien said, beginning to lead Pierre inside. "Leave the unpacking; everything will be sorted for you, of course. What will you wish to eat?"

"That would be wonderful, thank you. Any food the kitchens have is fine. Mostly, I wish to speak and discuss matters with you privately before I meet the other advisors. Please join me."

He then turned to her and raised a hand to call her over. "Lizzy, love, come with us. Your company is always wanted as well."

They waited for her to join them, Pierre holding his elbow out so she could take his arm again.

"This, Lord Vivien, is Lady Elizabeth Anne of Eichel," he said, introducing her, "And dear Lizzy, this is Lord Vivien Launcelot, my steward, and a cousin once removed."

"A pleasure, Lord Vivien." She inclined her head, but did not curtsy. Her station was above his.

"The pleasure is all mine, Lady Elizabeth." He did bow to her, and she thanked him.

"Please, follow me, Your Grace, my lady. We shall take luncheon in a sitting room, and have a short discussion as desired. I am sure you are tired from your journey."

As they walked, Pierre could not stop looking around at the home. His eyes widened as images brought back memories. At one point he turned in the wrong direction automatically and, upon apologizing, was informed that that direction lead to his childhood room and bed.