The Heiress' Dilemma

10| Hate and hormones

I drummed my finger on the table, anticipating Ederic's arrival who definitely knew something. My peaceful self sat on my shoulder, frowning at the door while my adventurous self could barely contain her excitement.

On hearing the sounds of footsteps, I took an alert position. Ederic greeted me with a smile before taking a seat across me.

"My words are not directed towards you so you can drop the hostile expressions," he assured, curling the corners of his lips in a small smile and I dropped the forehead-wrinkling frown.

I moistened my lips. "What was it that you wanted to talk about?"

Leaning over the table separating us, he whispered, "Last night I saw Vernon climbing up all the way to your balcony. Now, I thought that he was out on a romantic expedition." He chuckled before adding, "but when I saw Preston following him, I knew there was something to the matter other than romance and if his intentions were indeed romantic, the situation came off to be a little... inappropriate."

Damnation! Why couldn't that arrogant baffoon be careful while sneaking into my Chamber at night?!

"Do you agree with me, Adeera?" He was still smiling but the slyness dancing in his eyes could not be missed.

To agree or to not agree? Several replies danced in front of my eyes. I could read pure certainty in his countenance. Raising a quizzical eyebrow, he awaited my reply.

"Yes, he did," I finally let out a response. "He did climb up my balcony."

"What for, may I ask?" He muttered. "If people get a word of this, well, there would be consequences for him and for you as well. I found you to be rather likable so I came to negotiate."

"Negotiate?"

"How about a deal? I keep this scandalous piece of information to myself, and you let me know what Vernon's plotting." He leaned back in his chair, a smug smile playing on his lips. Unlike Vernon, who often kept his face inexpressive, Ederic communicated through his smiles-smugness, curiosity, concern, politeness, and devious thoughts, all visible if you paid attention.

My eyebrow flew to my hairline. Who even offers deals like sandwiches? Well, you did. That was different and definitely harmless in comparison. Playing along would be a wise move, wouldn't it?

"Sure," I imitated his actions by placing my hands on the table, leaning towards him and his eyes became way more focused than before. "I and Vernon are..." I purposely dragged my words before slightly covering my mouth with my hand as if the words will escape if I don't stop them. "Secret lovers."

A frown graced his forehead, not pleased by my answer. "What about Preston? Why was he there?"

"If anyone found Vernon missing from his room, they can always assume that he's with Preston." I shrugged.

Wrapping his arms around himself, he took a good minute to observe my facial expressions as if to see signs of lie clinging onto my eyelashes. When it came to deceiving people, I was quite blessed. Being a generous person, I give credit for my talent to my beloved late grandmother who had me walking on eggshells around her.

"I can sense the deceit in your answer," he concluded.

"Dear me, I don't have another answer for your senses. What do I do?"

"If it's indeed romance, then, you're getting played as his would-to-be wife is already decided and I daresay it isn't you," he replied, not as jolly as before.

"As I am aware. " I leaned back, smugness flooding my senses. "Agnes will be the one, no?"

Creases of perplexion formed between his eyebrows. "Then why are you.. is he planning to rebel against Her Majesty's decision?" His sand-coloured eyes gleamed with a ray of hope.