Davinah's POV
I stared at my reflection in the mirror. I was a picture-perfect lady dressed in a white gown. It had a corset bodice with golden lace details, and off-shoulder straps, and the skirt was delicately made with silks and lace. My long dark hair was tucked in a soft updo, and my layers flowed freely, framing my face.
"You look like a princess, my lady," said my maid, Ms. Herbert.
"Was the parcel taken cared of?" I asked her.
She nodded. "The parcel is in our base, my lady. Is the meeting happening tonight then?"
I nodded. "Yes. After the ball, we shall go meet the others. I trust you prepared all things?"
"Yes," she replied.
I looked at her. She's not only my maid but my friend. "Please wear a beautiful dress tonight. I shall wait for you at the ball."
"But-" she tried to say.
"Enjoy the festivities with me," I begged.
She finally gave in to my request. I then dismissed her and went downstairs to join both my mother and grandmother.
"Finally," my mother sighed, "We've been waiting for you all night."
"You look lovely, Davinah," my grandmother smiled. "Do take part in dances and try not to scare the men off."
Eda knew my habit of scaring them off. Why do I? Simple. The first time I danced with a boy Eda went crazy. She talked of marriage and all sorts of arrangements. My mother, on the other hand, kept pushing me on these powerful rich men who were either older or younger than me. Rather than deal with this, I decided to swear off men. If I fall in love, it'll happen at the right time.
To my displeasure, the Viscount, Lord Vincent, spotted me on my way to the balcony. He was the boy I first danced with. Lord Vincent. He and I have an awful relationship after he cheated on me with his whore.
"Davinah," he greets.
I glared at him. "It's Miss Grandidierite," I corrected, "You must address me with such respect. After that infidelity, you've no right to call me by my name."
"I apologize for the pain I caused you," he says, "Forgive me, Miss Grandidierite, please." He looked at me with his puppy-dog eyes—the ones that used to make me melt right on the spot. Alas, it won't work on me. Not anymore.
I looked back at him. I could tell he was sincere in his apology. "Fine," I say, "I forgive you. I am way past it. Now, all I ask is for you to leave me alone."
"For how long?" he asked, his eyes pleading with desperation.
If we could go back to the way things were, I would. But we're beyond that. I was foolish and in love. Now, my priority is to help people in need.
"Let's be clear, my Lord," I say, "You and I know damn well that we can't be friends. We won't be friends. I need my space."
"I love you, Miss Grandidierite," he professed.
I could feel the strain in his voice. "You had your chance, Lord Vincent. Let us move on." With that said, I left, fleeing to the dance floor. I did the right thing; I know I did. Besides, once a cheater always a cheater. He's just like every other man I've met.
"Miss Grandidierite," called a deep voice.
I turned to meet the caller. It was the Duke of Ronsburg.
"My Lord," I curtsied. "A pleasure evening to you."'
"And you, Miss Grandidierite," he smiled. "A beautiful party it is."
"That it is," I say, "My mother prepared it. So, how long do you plan to stay, my Lord?"
The Duke of Ronsburg is a powerful rich man. My mother would have me wed him if she had her way.
Getting a man is very much easy for me. I'm not ugly. I'm rich. I am titled. I'm a catch in the marriage market. That's the only reason why my mother lets me have my liberty. She knows I wouldn't have any problems finding a husband.
"For three days," he says, "Would you care to join me for a dance."
I smiled politely. "Forgive me, your grace, but I am not a good dancer. My feet are in pain."
He nodded. "There shall be other balls, then."
Herbert certainly failed to join me as I've waited for nothing. The party went on and on like there's no tomorrow. It is already ten o'clock. I decided to retire to my chambers. As I neared by chambers, I was surprised to see Herbert bleeding. I ran to her, helping her to her feet.
"My lady," she says in between breaths, "Forgive me. I tried to stop them, but they were too many."
I felt a gust of wind blow. I brought Herbert to my room, and to my surprise, there was a man dressed in black rummaging through my things. He's tall with golden hair. His eyes were under a black mask, making it hard to recognize him.
I charged at him with the sword I picked up from the side of my bed. "Who the bloody hell are you?"
He fought back. Our swords clashed for what felt like hours.
"Who knew a maiden like you could fight," he comments.
His voice. I know his voice. Where have I seen him before?
My sword fell to the ground leaving me weaponless.
He put the blade of his sword against my neck, waiting for me to admit defeat. That was his mistake. I don't fancy defeat.
I kicked him where it hurts, causing him to fall on his back.
He jumped right back to his feet. He's fast, I'll give him that. He swiftly picked up his sword as I ran to get mine.
"What are you doing in my house?" I questioned, managing to scratch a part of his arm. It wasn't a deep wound. It was light—just enough to leave a mark. If I wanted his identity, I needed something to mark him.
"Can't you see I'm robbing it?" he replied.
"You're annoying," I say, charging at him again.
"I don't usually harm women," he says, "But if you don't let me go in the next second I will break that exemption."
I snickered. "You think I can't defend myself against you?"
He kicked me in the stomach, making me fall on my bed. It's like he was trying not to hurt me. Pathetic.
He was about to jump the window when I pulled his mask off. His icy-blue eyes shone under the moonlight. At that moment, his arrogant expression fell off his face.
"I know you," I said. But before I could say more, he jumped off the balcony. I tried to look out, but he was too quick. Why was the gunsmith robbing my house? I don't understand.
"Miss Grandidierite," Herbert weakly called.
Oh no! I totally forgot about Herbert. I ran to her immediately. In a matter of seconds, my doors flung open with guards.
"Get a doctor," I commanded.
"Are you hurt Miss Grandidierite?" asked one of the guards.
"No," I said. "I assume my mother's heard the news and immediately fled the scene. Take Miss Herbert to a Doctor now and make sure she is treated. I shall be fine in my chambers."
With my command, they left.
I put my disguise on as Afik. I will get to the bottom of this. The gunsmith will pay for what he did to Herbert. There are so many questions spiraling down to my head. But first, I need to meet my people. I will have vengeance for Herbert.
