Under a Dimmed Sun [UNCENSORED]

SII: Chapter XLIV: Rite de Passage

As the priest solemnly conducts the baptismal rite, Albert stands tall, cradling little Isabel in his arms. His expression is one of pride mixed with a hint of mischief, knowing the significance of his role as her godfather.

Alice watches from a distance, her gaze alternating between Albert and her precious daughter, her heart filled with a mixture of gratitude and apprehension.

Madam Mohn stands beside Alice, her stern countenance softened by the sight of her stepdaughter's baptism. She murmurs a silent prayer for the child, her thoughts wandering to the complexities of family and tradition.

The maids, solemn and reverent, quietly observe the proceedings, their presence a silent testament to the moment for the household.

Despite the absence of Sir Richaud and Edward, the atmosphere in the chapel is charged with significance, each participant keenly aware of the weight of tradition and the bonds that unite them.

As Albert stands tall in his finely tailored dark green attire, the sunlight filtering through the chapel window accentuates his chiseled features and brings out the golden hues in his pale blonde hair. His eyes, the color of mossy green forests, gleam with a mischievous twinkle as he cradles baby Isabel in his arms.

Alice, dressed in a modest yet elegant dark blue gown, exudes an air of quiet dignity. Her hair, braided and veiled, frames her face delicately, adding to her ethereal presence in the subdued light of the chapel. Despite the simplicity of her attire, there is a timeless grace about her that captivates those around her.

During the ceremony, Albert steals glances at Alice, his gaze lingering a moment longer each time they lock eyes. There's a silent exchange between them, filled with unspoken words and hidden emotions.

As the priest concludes the ceremony and exits the chapel, the atmosphere shifts subtly. The air is charged with a sense of quiet reverence, punctuated only by the soft rustle of fabric and the occasional creak of wooden pews.

Madam Mohn: "Now, Alice, I will bring your baby back to the nursery with the ladies. You may walk and meet us at the estate."

Alice: "Of course, Madam Mohn. I'll make my way there shortly."

Madam Mohn continues to coo playfully with Isabel, adjusting her blankets and ensuring she's comfortable for the journey back to the estate.

Albert: "Mother, I've got to go. Paperwork awaits me." He kisses his mother's cheek and walks past Alice, stealing a glance before leaving the chapel, the sound of horse hooves echoing as he departs.

The ladies exits the chapel and boards the carriage, heading back to the estate leaving Alice alone in the chapel. She sits, feeling the weight of the past few weeks as a new mother. It's been exhausting, especially since she chose to reject Madam Mohn's tradition of leaving the baby with wet nurses and caretakers. Instead, she's been up all night caring for Isabel.

Sitting there, she relaxes, leaning her head back against the chair, thinking she's alone and unseen.

She closes her eyes.

Suddenly, someone's hands gently close Alice's eyes from behind. They're larger than hers, clearly belonging to a man. He stands behind her, his presence looming over the back of her chair, and she can feel her hair brushing against his clothes. There's a familiar scent about him.

He whispers softly, "Don't turn around. I've already left for the estate, remember?"

Ah. It's Albert.

Alice: "Of course, so who am I talking to right now?"

Albert: "Consider yourself talking to the wind at the moment. I'm about to share something crucial, a family secret." He speaks in a hushed tone, his breath grazing Alice's cheek as her eyes remain closed under Albert's hands.

Alice: "Sure, only God knows my conversations with 'the wind'." The chapel falls silent, the sunlight streaming through the stained glass window.

Albert: "We Mohns, all of our clan, are Her Royal Majesty's eyes, ears, and hands outside the palace. It means, Isabel is now too, Her Royal Majesty's loyal subject, and it means you are too, part of us."

Alice: ".... Can you enlighten me more?"

Albert: "Ah, you naïve thing. It means our duty is to gather information for her, maneuvering for her benefit in the social circles, even assassinating individuals, all exclusively upon her command."

Alice: "... Sure, I understand." Her eyes remain closed, shocked yet oddly unsurprised.

Albert: "My brother is the heir of the Mohn clan. I believe I could outshine him. I possess more knowledge than he does; I am the one who devises their strategies, orchestrates the cons, and executes the tasks they find beneath them. I am, ironically, the brain of my family."

Alice: "Too bad you're a brain with no 'body'."

Albert: "You, woman. Are my 'body' now. Remember?" Albert's voice grows closer to her ear, tinged with a hint of anger.

Alice: "Oh.."

Albert: "Make me the heir of the Mohn family."

Alice: ".........."

Albert: ".........."

Alice: "The one you should ask is your father."

Albert: "I've spent my whole life trying to prove myself to him, but it's been futile. So, I believe you, his newly acquired mistress, can accomplish what I couldn't. Get close to him, be my eyes, my ears. Remember our deal? Do you love your daughter enough?"

Alice: "..... I'll try"

Albert: "You have to."

Albert: "I consider you family now. In fact, I'm your only 'family' in this household beside your daughter. Don't let me down." He kissed Alice's forehead gently, his presence towering over her, yet comforting in an unsettling way.

He released Alice's eyes, and as she slowly opened them, she found herself alone once more in the chapel, with only her thoughts to accompany her.