Forgotten Blade

Chapter 7

Abigail

* * * * * *

The next day, it rained lightly, with clouds covering the sun, casting a grey pallor over everything. Victoria, however, woke up ahead of time despite having slept very little. When Marithe barged in without knocking, she was shocked to see Victoria already awake and almost dropped the tray of food she carried.

'This idiot almost made me spill the food I prepared,' Marithe thought, her face twitching, but she forced a smile. "My Lady, I didn't know you were up so early that I didn’t want to disturb you by knocking. Here's your breakfast. I prepared it myself. I hope you enjoy it."

Marithe placed the tray on the bedside table. The room reeked, and Marithe struggled to keep her breakfast down. Victoria smiled dryly and took a bite. "Hmm... delicious," she said, surprising Marithe, who smiled evilly.

"Then please enjoy the food, My Lady. I'll start cleaning your room now."

"Don't. Li will do the chores as punishment for not fetching me the same mirror. I have a more important task for you." Victoria revealed a bag full of coins, and Marithe's eyes gleamed. "Can you buy me the most beautiful jewelry for tonight's ball?" Victoria asked, placing the pouch in Marithe's hand.

"Can I trust you with that?"

"Of course, My Lady. Definitely!" Marithe beamed at the sight of the gold coins. "I'll be back as soon as I can," she said and quickly left the room. As soon as she did, Victoria spat out the food. "Disgusting."

"Li."

Li emerged from her hiding spot. "Shall I start cleaning your room, My Lady?"

"Leave it. It'll be useful later. I have a more important task for you." Victoria handed her a real pouch of money from under her pillow. "That girl doesn't know those were fake. Go buy me some jewelry for tonight's ball. You can buy three sets and two dresses for yourself."

"Me? I'll be going to the ball?"

"Yes."

"But why two dresses? Are you expecting someone else to come along, Mistress?"

"That's where she'll come in. Now listen carefully." Victoria motioned for Li to come closer and whispered instructions. "Go to the main square and fetch someone from the finest fabric and embroidery store. Her name is Abigail."

Li nodded. "Li will not fail you." She quickly changed clothes and exited through the window, blending into the trees.

Now alone, Victoria lay back on the bed, staring at the ceiling. "Now, where was the entry to the secret passageway..." she mumbled, trying to recall clues from her past life. Suddenly, it hit her. She jumped out of bed, locked the door, and scanned the room for any spy holes. Seeing none, she cautiously traced her fingers along the stone walls, listening for something.

After a long search, she noticed a slightly bulging stone. From a side view, it stood out a bit, but face-on, it blended with the wall. She pressed it carefully, and the walls parted open, revealing stairs leading to a dark abyss. "This must be it," she said, grabbing a candle from her bedside and lighting it.

Victoria descended the stairs, hoping to find the hidden room her grandfather had built to stash his treasures. After a long descent, she reached a door. It wasn’t locked. Pushing it open, she was greeted by piles of gold and chests filled with treasures. "How did Grandfather accumulate this much wealth?" she wondered.

Her candlelight fell on a sword. Not just any sword, but the Sword of War, legendary for slaying thousands and remaining sharp after endless battles. Victoria held it in admiration, remembering her forced training and battles in her past life.

As she turned to leave, a covered portrait caught her eye. Removing the cloth, she found a family portrait: her grandfather, father, three older brothers, and a lady holding a baby. The lady resembled Victoria. "Is this... my mother?" Victoria touched the painting, feeling a connection to the mother she never knew, believed to have died at childbirth. But the painting suggested otherwise. Who killed her mother? Why did they lie about her death?

Questions flooded her mind, causing a headache. Her mother looked kind and caring. Would her life have been different with her mother alive? She pondered these questions, knowing they'd never be answered.

With a bitter smile, she left the painting, closed the door, and returned to her room, hiding the sword under her bed.

Shortly after, Marithe returned, breathless. "My Lady, I brought back what you asked for," she said, opening a bag to reveal gaudy, tacky jewelry. "These cost a lot but suit you perfectly."

"Oh my! How beautiful they are. Thank you so much. I hope you can buy these again," Victoria said, hiding her disdain.

"Why, I'd love to, My Lady," Marithe said happily, unaware that the next purchase with the fake money would seal her fate. "That'll be all for today. You can rest early," Victoria said, pushing Marithe out gently.

"Are you sure, My Lady? I still need to clean-"

"No, you need to rest. You’re going to the ball tonight, so go, really."

"Well, if you insist, My Lady," Marithe said, leaving the room.

"Tsk," Victoria muttered, as Li reappeared.

"My Lady, I have done as you asked." On the bed were three sets of jewelry and two dresses for Li and Abigail. "And I brought her with me," Li said, as Abigail entered and bowed.

"It is an honor to meet you, My Lady. Thank you for rescuing me from my uncle's imprisonment. Miss Li and you are my saviors," Abigail said, smiling genuinely.

"I am Abigail, and I will do my best to assist you in your plans," she said resolutely, and Victoria smiled in victory. Abigail, talented in makeup, embroidery, gown selection, jewelry, and politics, would be crucial in her revenge.

"Then I suppose you picked out these gowns for both of you to wear to tonight's ball?"

"Yes, My Lady."

"I need you two to do me a favor."

* * * * *

Evening came, and Marithe, dressed for the ball, pushed open the door. The room stank of medicine and candles. 'Good God, the smell is worse,' she thought, covering her gags. "My Lady, are you ready?" she asked, holding her breath.

What she saw was terrifying. Victoria looked horrible: droopy eyes, black bags underneath, sweaty, messy hair, dry lips, and a smell of puke. "My... Lady, are you sick?" Marithe asked, trying not to vomit as she approached.

"Yes... I am... so sudden... can't stand..." Victoria said weakly. Marithe smiled at the thought of the poison working.

From their hiding spot, Li and Abigail fumed. How dare this servant dress for the ball without helping Victoria? Abigail wanted to smash a vase over her head.

"Please go without me... *cough!*"

"Are you sure, My Lady?"

"Yes... please have fun..." Victoria cringed inwardly but kept up the act for the plan.

"If you insist, My Lady. I will pray for your health... I'm so sorry." Marithe quickly left, breathing in fresh air. Thank God.

Marithe reported to Lady Remillia, who couldn't be happier and left for the castle with her daughters and their maids. Li informed Victoria of their departure, and she rose from bed.

"It's time."

To be continued...

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