The Companion (18+)

10. The Maze

Seeing Étienne stand in her doorway was the last thing Aurélie expected in the early evening. She had just gotten out of bed and finished dressing herself, when a loud knock startled her. Amelie had cheerfully walked over to the door and opened it, revealing Étienne standing there, looking less displeased than he usually was. Amelie had held up her slate to him and he had nodded, before bowing his head to the maid as she left the room. Aurélie looked puzzled between the two, as she pinned her Dubois brooch into place.

"Is everything alright?" she asked, walking over to Étienne who had invited himself into her room. He spent a couple of seconds looking around, before turning his attention to the companion.

"It is a full moon tonight and the gardens should be fully visible. Care to take a stroll?"

Aurélie stared at Étienne, her eyes wide open in disbelieve. Did the Duke give him another earful about his neglect towards her? Or did he finally come to his senses that she was merely here to help him and provide companionship? Either way, Aurélie cleared her throat and stood up straight, her hands folded in front of her. If it meant she was about to find herself unravelling underneath him once more for his entertainment, at least he had sought her out instead.

"I would be delighted to," she said, her heart beating heavily in her chest.

Étienne held out his arm and she took it, letting herself be guided out of her room. Several staff members looked at them in surprise as they walked through the chateau. Even to them it was a surprise to see the two of them walking around so casually. Usually the pair would bicker if they were together or Étienne would be silent, his face twisted into a scowl. Tonight, however, his face was blank. Aurélie continued to wonder what had come over him. She did not know whether to be more concerned or to just accept the lack of mockery and resentment towards her. As they walked out of the chateau and to the front gardens, she decided to embrace the silence.

True to his word, the full moon hung high in the sky, casting a bright light onto the gardens of the chateau. Aurélie had been here a few times with Amelie, admiring the different types of flowers and tress that were in the Saint-Clair collection. She had wondered numerous times who was taking such immaculate care of the gardens, as she had never seen anyone tend to it during her stay. Rows of roses growing in pots lined the gravel path. Flowerbeds were neatly arranged into symmetrical shapes, thin pathways leading between then. Several benches were placed along the gravel path, a different flower bed displayed in front of them. There were two large identical fountains, each enclosed by hedges that were trimmed just above Aurelie's knee. Étienne guided them past all the beautiful flower beds and fountains, leading Aurélie to a tall hedge wall. She recognised it to be the maze, something that Amelie had avoided guiding her through, as she did not quite know the layout of it.

Effortless Étienne began walking through, expertly weaving between the hedges. He took sharp turns every now and then, and Aurélie had already long forgotten the way out. She let herself be pulled along for a while, before arriving at the centre of the maze. A modest-sized statue rested on a marble pedestal, tiny lanterns scattered around the base. Aurélie looked up towards the face of the statue, tilting her head slightly in recognition. It was the same woman depicted in the painting of Duke Saint-Clair's office. As Étienne began leading her towards one of the small benches surrounding the statue, Aurélie admired the craftsmanship. From the fine lines on her face to the ruffles of her skirts, the statue was carved with extreme precision and detail. It was as if the woman had turned to stone while still alive.

Étienne sat down on the bench, beckoning for Aurélie to do the same. From their position the woman was looking right at them, a faint smile carved on her face as she held out a rose in her marble hand.