The Lady Will (Hopefully) Avoid Her Doom

8 - Clue

⚠️: This chapter contains brief mentions of the death of a parent by poisoning/illness as well as maternal death immediately following childbirth. Reader discretion is advised. Take care of yourself and your mental health. 🩵

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"Your Highness, you're being left behind," Mr. Clair remarked quietly. Rowan, who had been watching the others depart, turned to face him.

"Thank you for pretending not to recognize me in front of them, Mr. Clair. The work we're doing must remain secret, especially from those who matter most to me," Rowan said.

"Yes, Your Highness, which is why I must wonder why you risked staying behind to speak with me."

"I stayed because I wanted to know if what you told Oliver earlier was true." Rowan gave a knowing smile, sensing Mr. Clair's deceit.

"Well, Lady Elizabeth is indeed talented, but your suspicions are correct. I've never heard the melody she played, and it's unlikely for a novice to play that instrument so well. If I didn't know better, I'd wager she has at least five to six years of experience playing the horn," Mr. Clair explained. His expertise in music was so profound, one might think he'd been a school band director in a previous life.

"I see. So, what made you cover for her?" Rowan inquired, curious about the connection between Elizabeth and Mr. Clair, who had never met before.

"Why, her playing, of course! You know I have a soft spot for musicians. Her performance was so captivating that I couldn't help but take her side," Mr. Clair responded, the awe still lingering in his voice.

"I have to agree," Rowan said with a small smile. "Since she seemed to enjoy herself so much, I'd like to buy a horn for her as a gift. What do you think?"

"That's a wonderful idea, Your Highness! Based on what I saw today, I believe it would make Lady Elizabeth very happy," Mr. Clair responded enthusiastically. "However, there's no need to purchase one; I'd be happy to give it to you."

"In this economy? Absolutely not. I'll pay for it. You shouldn't offer expensive merchandise for free, especially to those who can afford it. It's bad for business," Rowan lightly lectured. He was all too aware of the dire economic situation many of the empire's subjects and merchants faced, and it was an issue he'd already spent countless hours agonizing over. He couldn't stand hearing about families on the brink of starvation. He hadn't yet identified the root cause of his people's struggles, but he was determined to find and address it.

"True enough. Very well, then. I'll gather everything and have it sent to the Duke's estate," Mr. Clair stated.

"Please, don't trouble yourself with delivery. I'll pick it up next time we meet. Thank you for your help," Rowan replied. He suspected Elizabeth wouldn't want to draw attention to her newfound ability to play an instrument, so he planned to keep the horn at his own home for her.

"As you wish, Your Highness. Now, I must ask that you be on your way as quickly as possible, lest the others discover your absence," Mr. Clair said with a bow. Rowan nodded and turned to leave, but a figure stood in the doorway, blocking his path.

"Looks like it's too late for that, Little Brother," Mikhail said, leaning casually against the doorframe.

"Indeed. And what brings you back here, Mikhail?" Rowan questioned. Although displeased with his brother's return, he was at least relieved that Elizabeth and Oliver hadn't accompanied him.

"I noticed you were missing after making it only a few yards down the street, so I slipped away to find you. Turns out, you hadn't left at all. I wonder why that is," Mikhail said. He smiled. "You know it's rare for me to fail to notice your absence."