Delicate

4 | The Lake

Caroline sat by her window, the dim light of her chamber casting a soft glow of warmth around her. She gazed out at the night sky, noticing it was darker than usual and the stars seemed fewer, swallowed by thickening dark clouds that hinted an impending storm. The thought of rain sent a shudder through her spine.

In her hand, she held a black glove, her thumb absentmindedly tracing the delicate stitching. MT. The soft fabric brought her mind back to earlier that night, to the ball, and the unexpected encounter on the balcony. She remembered how Madonna had approached her, it was the last thing she expected the woman to do.

Especially after finding her snooping around.

The conversation had been brief. It was nothing special and if you will ask Caroline, it was more of a banter. During their conversation, she did not fail to notice how Madonna stole glances of her. Of how the blue eyes traced her facial features, how they fell down to the exposed skin of her neck, and how they watched her lips.

Madonna must be playing with her, she mused, a wry smile tugging at the corner of her lips. Her eyes drifted to the glove in her grasp, why else would the woman leave something so personal?

If Madonna wished to play a game with her then she will gladly entertain the woman, perhaps beat her at her own game.

With that thought in mind, Caroline pushed herself away from the window and stood on her own two feet. Her light blue nightgown falling to her ankles, she held the glove in her hand and walked away as the first drops of rain began to hit the windowpane.

Caroline rose out of bed early the next morning, the pale light of the morning filtering through the window. It was not as bright as Caroline expected it to be. She took a warm bath, the hot water getting rid of the last remnants of sleep. Afterward, she dressed in a light blue dress that reached her ankles but did not touch the floor, the fabric made out of satin, a few white lining stitched. Her brown hair was braided into a neat hairband, hoping it would tame her messy waves.

The manor was still quiet at this early hour, offering a rare chance to have breakfast alone. Caroline relished these solitary mornings, preferring them over the company of three strangers who now shared her home.

As she walked into the dining room, her steps light and birds practically singing behind her, her face fell into a grimace. The head of the table was already occupied by none other than her brother.

His presence shattered the solitude she hoped for.

Anthony looked up from his newspaper, a smug smile curling on his lips. "Good morning, Caroline." he greeted, feigning innocence.

Caroline did not bother to hide her grimace, she walked to the opposite head of the table "Good morning." she replied, taking a seat far from him.

Anthony raised an eyebrow at the distance.

Caroline only tilted her head at him.

No words were spoken until the doors opened, two servants entering the dining room and serving their breakfast. A plate was placed in front of Caroline, the same for her brother. Both servants lowered their heads and left in silence.

"About last night," Anthony began, reaching for his fork. He took a plate of bacon and scrambled eggs, placing some onto the side of his own plate.

Caroline reached for her glass of coffee "I do not see what we have to discuss about last night." she took a sip, savoring the bitter taste on her tongue.

"You still hold a grudge against me." he said.

"For stealing my doll and burning it with our brothers because you needed a witch for your knights to burn?" she looked at him "Yes, I do."