Under a Dimmed Sun [UNCENSORED]

SII: Chapter LXVII: Renewed Bonds [15+]

Albert stood in his study, the letter from Teresa crumpled in his fist. His eyes flickered with anger as he read the words again, the official seal mocking him from the parchment. Fury boiling beneath his composed exterior.

"Peter of Wode requests a diplomatic visit, huh?" he muttered through clenched teeth. "Under the guise of diplomacy, no less."

He paced the length of the room, his mind racing. Rejecting the visit was impossible; their houses were allies under the same king. Any refusal would raise suspicions he couldn't afford.

Summoning a servant, he barked, "Fetch Mistress Alice and Miss Isabel to the drawing room immediately."

...

In the drawing room, Alice and Isabel sat side by side on a plush sofa, exchanging curious glances. Albert entered, his expression stern yet composed.

"Alice, Isabel," he began, taking a seat across from them. "I've given thought to your suggestion about the convent."

Alice looked surprised. "You mean... you've agreed?"

He nodded. "Yes. It's a wise decision. Isabel will benefit from the education and protection the convent provides until we find her a suitable husband."

Isabel's eyes widened in disbelief. "But Papa, I thought you didn't want me to go!"

Albert turned his gaze to her, his tone gentle yet firm. "Plans have changed, my dear. It's for the best."

Isabel shook her head, her voice rising. "No! I don't want to leave. I belong here, with you!"

Alice placed a calming hand on her daughter's arm. "Isabel, we talked about this. It's an opportunity for you to grow and learn."

Albert leaned forward. "Isabel, listen to me. This isn't permanent. It's just until the right time comes. I promise you, I'll bring you back."

She looked between the two adults, tears welling in her eyes. "Do you swear it?"

Albert reached out and took her hand. "I give you my word. Trust me."

Isabel searched his face for a moment before nodding slowly. "Alright... if you say so."

Alice smiled softly, relieved. "It's settled then. We'll make the arrangements immediately."

Albert stood, smoothing his coat. "Good. You'll both leave at first light tomorrow. I think it's best you accompany Isabel. The journey is long, and she'll need her mother with her."

Alice, hiding her own relief, kept her expression neutral. She nodded, grateful for the unexpected opportunity to leave. "If you think it's best, Albert." Her voice was steady, but beneath it, she knew this was her chance to escape his grasp. Alice said nothing more, her heart racing with the thought of freedom, unaware of the full extent of Albert's hidden motives.

...

Alice had ordered a maid to find a young brunette orphan girl to serve as Isabel's maid at the "convent". The girl arrived, her hair slightly disheveled but her eyes filled with a mixture of hope and apprehension. Alice, ever the meticulous planner, touched the girl's hair gently, assessing its natural color.

"We're going to make sure you're well-prepared for the convent," Alice said softly. "First, we'll give your hair a little treatment with lemon and sunlight. It will lighten just a bit, but don't worry—it will return to its original shade eventually."

The maid nodded, unsure but trusting. Alice applied lemon juice to the girl's hair and let her bask in the sunlight for a short while, giving her a faint reddish hue. The transformation was subtle but noticeable.