(RAYA'S POV)
The next morning I checked Eryx's fever. He seems to be feeling better than yesterday. He's still very reluctant to take his medicine and flails around making a mess. I wipe away the spilled medicine and rock him to calm down.
I look up at Dana, “I have a meeting with the Accountant. Take care of Eryx till I return. Do NOT hesitate to reach out to me if his health worsens,” I say with an edge of a warning. I'll not tolerate any negligence towards his care.
Yesterday I worked on finding some sort of flaw in the budget and managed to find a minor error. Reagan enters as I take a seat in the study. I've heard that his family has been serving this estate for generations. He bows respectfully and says, “Greetings, my Lady. Sir Viktor said you asked for my assistance today. Is something the matter?”
“I've spotted some error in the budget for the mansion,” I show him the minor errors and take a deep breath, “We need to rewrite the budget and get the Lord's approval.”
He looks through the papers, furrowing his eyebrows as he focuses and finally speaks up, “But my Lady, these are minor misconducts. We do not need to rewrite the budget.”
I give him a stern look and say, “I strive for perfection.”
“Understood, my Lady. I'll get started right away,” he sits down and starts working on it.
“Let the guard outside know once you're done,” I get up and start going towards my quarters. I check on Eryx's health and retrieve the keys, thinking up the way I should approach this situation.
Some time later, Lisa comes in, “My Lady, a guard has come to inform you that the budget has been revised and rewritten.”
“Very well,” I get up and take another look at Eryx before going out. I can feel my palm sweating as I walk through the hallway. It is time to execute the plan and the consequence of failing is unimaginable.
I enter the study and Reagan stands up, “I have finished rewriting the budget.” His response is respectful and curt as he shows me the revised work.
“It seems proper now,” I mumble as I look through the pages. “May I submit it to Sir Viktor to get it sealed by the Lord?”
“No need, I'll take it myself. You may leave now,” keeping my nerves in control in a situation like this is proving to be a struggle.
“As you wish,” he picks up his things and bows before leaving. I pick up the stack of documents and make my way to the Lord's office.
There are two guards at the door as usual. “My Lady, the Lord is not present in the estate right now,” they say in a stoic manner, blocking my way.
“These are important documents that need to be secured in a safe place,” I reply, maintaining a sense of authority.
“I apologise, but you shouldn't enter the Lord's office in his absence,” the guard replies apologetically.
My gaze hardens as I glare at them, “I'm the Lord's wife and the Lady of this Household. I have the Lord's permission to manage the estate affairs,” I show them the keychain, it showcases my authority over this estate.
They get out of the way and bow, “We apologise, please go ahead.” I go inside and shut the door behind me, being cautious of my surroundings before letting out the breath I've been holding in.
I carefully set down the papers and rushed towards the drawer, being careful to not make much noise as to not trigger the guards outside.
Opening the drawer, I dig around till I find the seal and take it out. I dip it in ink and stamp it on an empty paper I brought with me.
My heart sinks as I see the identical stamp of a crow I saw in that letter. What has he done?
I quickly clean the seal with a napkin and place it back inside. Just as I was leaving, the door creaks open and the Lord comes in, “What are you doing in my office during my absence?” My eyes widen as his voice rumbles throughout the room.
“M…my Lord, I wanted to submit the revised Budget Documents,” I smiled nervously, fidgeting with my thumbs.
He approaches me slowly, like a predator stalking its prey, “Why do you look so afraid?” He asks with a visible frown.
“I'm not afraid. I was startled by the sudden sound,” I try to smile, to ease the situation. The crippling fear and anxiety is making me want to vomit, but I gulp to control my reactions.
He looks down at the stacks of documents and looks up at me, “You could've submitted them after I returned. I do not tolerate people entering my office.”
“I…I apologise, it won't happen again,” I say meekly, clenching my fists behind the skirt of my dress. He grips my chin and pulls me close, “You look pale. Are you perhaps ill?”
“I am grateful for your concern, I'm doing well. Perhaps I look pale due to being awake with Eryx last night,” I carefully choose my words to divert his attention.
“Has his fever gone down?” He asks in a worried tone. “He's feeling much better than yesterday,” I regain my composure as I answer these questions.
“I suppose it'd be best for you to stay by his side now. You may leave, I'll send back the documents through Viktor,” I nod as I listen to his instructions.
“As you wish, my Lord,” I turn away and leave the office, carefully making my way to my quarters. I'm glad that I tucked the piece of paper under the skirt of my dress.
I enter my chamber and take a deep breath, my eyes fall on Dana rocking Eryx's crib. “Dana, you may leave now. I'll take care of him.”
She nods and leaves. I look around, cautious about any prying eyes as I pull out a piece of paper and store it in my personal drawer.
Tomorrow is the beginning of a new journey…
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Flower
Fantasy"Your Father has chosen your husband. He'll now lift your veil. So behave yourself," she squeezes my shoulder reassuringly. I keep my gaze down as I wait in anticipation, clutching my hands tightly to stop my body from trembling. Mother has always t...
