Under a Dimmed Sun [UNCENSORED]

SII: Chapter XXXVII: Ink, Milk, and Honey

In the hushed ambiance of the library, the scent of aged parchment and the soft rustle of quills filled the air. Albert, immersed in the world of written words, seemed unusually silent as he pored over letters and reports.

Alice, donned in modest attire befitting her role, diligently worked as Albert's assistant, arranging documents and organizing the library's vast collection. The flickering candlelight danced on the wooden shelves, casting shadows that whispered tales of ancient knowledge.

Noticing Albert's silence, Alice ventured to break the stillness. "Sir Albert, would you like some tisane, ale, wine, or perhaps some milk to accompany your work?"

Albert, without lifting his gaze from the parchment before him, clicked his tongue in a subtle expression of dismissal. "Choose for me," he murmured, granting Alice the authority to decide his drink as he continued to immerse himself in the written world.

In the quiet sanctum of the library, Alice, with delicate grace, served Albert a steaming cup of milk infused with honey. Nervous anticipation hung in the air as she presented the cup to him, mindful of the solemnity of this act.

Albert, maintaining his focused demeanor, glanced up from his work and commanded, "Sip it first. You might try to poison me."

Alice, her hands slightly trembling, raised the cup to her lips and took a small sip. As she set the cup back on the table, she nervously joked, "No poison, Sir Albert. I assure you, it's just milk and honey."

Albert, with a sly grin, teased, "Well, we wouldn't want any surprises, would we?" He took the cup in hand and brought it to his lips, sipping from the exact spot Alice had sipped moments ago.

A subtle tension permeated the air, and as Albert savored the taste of the milk and honey, he couldn't help but add a playful twist, "If you ever plan to sabotage me, Miss Alice, it's indeed nice to choose a method as sweet as milk and honey." The banter, delivered with a twinkle in his eye, injected a little bit of lightheartedness into the moment, dispelling some of the underlying seriousness in their interactions.

In that fleeting moment, the icy gaze of Alice's cerulean eyes met the meadow green depths of Albert's, sparking an unspoken exchange that transcended the quietude of the library. The colors mingled, an interplay of cool and warm hues, mirroring the complex dynamics veiled within their shared glances. The library, once a repository of knowledge, now witnessed the subtle dance of emotions unfolding between its walls.

With unwavering composure, Alice met Albert's unsettling proposition with a quiet resolve. Alice: "No worries, sir. I would never entertain such thoughts. I have no reason to harm you."

Albert, a complex tapestry of emotions, responded with a self-deprecating tone. Albert: "Who knows, I'm aware of my flaws and vile behavior."

Alice, refusing to accept his negative self-assessment, offered a compassionate perspective. Alice: "Please refrain from speaking ill of yourself. I believe every person possesses inherent goodness."

Yet, Albert's reply hinted at a profound struggle within. Albert: "You know nothing about me, woman. Whatever I do, I will never be good enough for my father or my brother. I will always be the second. So, what advantages do I gain from being a virtuous man?"

As he rose from his seat and approached Alice, the towering shelves stand tall behind Alice.

In a whispered revelation, Albert, exposing his another side, presented a proposition fraught with potential repercussions to intimidate Alice. Albert: "For instance, I could impregnate you right here, right now, and none would suspect it's mine since I look like my father."

Albert's mocking laughter resonated through the library, creating an uneasy atmosphere. Albert: "Oh look at your face. You look more beautiful when you are scared."

Alice, defiant yet cautious, addressed the unsettling insinuation. Alice: "I- I might already be with child, so don't you dare think of doing anything untoward to me, your stepmother!"

Albert, seemingly dismissive, continued his mockery. Albert: "Nonsense. That old man is merely counting the days until his coffin."

The library's ambiance grew heavier as Albert circled Alice, his meadow-green eyes scrutinizing her every reaction. Alice, feeling the weight of the unspoken threat, stood her ground with a mixture of fear and determination.

Alice, summoning her courage, shot back. Alice: "You forget, Sir Albert, that I am not alone. There are others who know the truth, and your actions won't go unnoticed."

Albert, with an unsettling grin, leaned in closer, his voice a low murmur. Albert: "You're a commoner sold to this family, Alice, and I doubt anyone would believe your words over mine."

As Albert retreated, a sly smile played on his lips. Albert: "We'll see, Alice. Don't you dare to stand against me or you will regret it."

Alice, though unnerved by Albert's ominous warning, maintained a facade of composure. As Albert kissed the tip of her long blonde hair, a shiver ran down her spine, and she discreetly wiped away the invisible stain of his touch.

Alice: "Your threats won't change anything, my stepson. I won't bow to intimidation."

Albert, with a mocking smirk, retreated further, leaving Alice to ponder the unsettling encounter.

As Alice continued her work, the weight of Albert's words lingered. She couldn't deny the allure of his charm, a very good-looking man of his age, indeed. But beneath the surface, she sensed a darkness that sent shivers through her being.

The day unfolded, with the Mohn estate carrying on its usual rhythm, unaware of the silent struggles within its walls. The sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows that danced across the library's shelves.

In her chamber later that night, Alice, by the dim glow of a solitary candle, contemplated the challenges that lay ahead. The unborn life within her became a symbol of resilience, a flicker of hope in the face of uncertainty.

The Mohn estate, cloaked in the stillness of the night, held secrets that only time would reveal. As Alice rested, the echoes of Albert's words faded, replaced by a determination to navigate the intricate web of nobility with unwavering strength.