Whispers Of Desires: A Sense Of Courage {Book 3}

❀ꗥ～ꗥ❀ 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐃𝐢𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐨𝐜𝐡𝐨: 𝐅𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐡 𝐭𝐨 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐲❀ꗥ～ꗥ❀

A persistent ringing of a bell shattered the peaceful sleep Adanna had been enjoying. She squeezed her eyes shut, burying her face into the soft pillow deeper into the soft pillows, yearning for but five more minutes of reprieve. But the incessant chiming only grew louder, accompanied by the creak of the bedchamber door opening.

"Buenos días, Señoritas," Inés said, her voice overly cheerful for this ungodly hour. "It is time to rise. Today brings the second challenge."

Adanna groaned, a muffled sound escaping her lips. The past two days had been a blissful time of rest and leisure, a stark contrast to the hustle and bustle of the first day. Waking before dawn seemed positively barbaric.

Before she could process the horrors of the day, Inés was already at her bedside, gently helping Adanna out of bed. Juana was similarly engaged in helping Serena, whose tangled black hair suggested she was not thrilled about the early wake-up call either.

The maids bustled about, dressing them with the same efficiency, as both Adanna and Serena were still struggling to fully wake up. They shuffled downstairs like the walking dead, the bright Aeronian sun which had not yet risen, was a shock to their sleepy eyes. T

The dining room was a sea of bleary faces. The other were attempting to eat breakfast, the sounds of clattering silverware punctuated by yawns. It was clear that, everyone shared Adanna's sentiment about the early hour.

They took their seats at a table, a plate of sweet pastries and hot chocolate placed before them. The sweet aroma tickled Adanna's nose, but exhaustion overpowered her appetite. She rested her head upon her arm, the heavy weight of her eyelids fighting a losing battle against the rising sun.

Serena, "I beg your pardon," she called out weakly, her voice husky from sleep. "Please what time is it?"

The servant, a young woman with bright eyes and a kind smile, stopped and bowed. "It is six o'clock in the morning, Señora."

"Six?" Serena echoed, her voice a mix of surprise and dread. "Whatever could the challenge be that requires us to rise so early?"

Adanna mumbled her agreement, her eyes fluttering shut once more. Just then, the dining room doors swung open, and Duchess Camila entered with a flourish, her red gown embroidered with griffin feathers trailing behind her. She was followed by two figures, two maids. The room fell silent, everyone's attention focused on her.

"Buenos días, señoritas," she greeted, her voice laced with a hint of amusement at their sleep-deprived faces. "I understand that many of you are tired and perhaps a little confused about this early wake-up call."

A chorus of mumbled agreement rippled through the room.

"Well," the Duchess continued, a knowing smile gracing her lips, "as the future Duchess of the De León estate, your duties begin bright and early. One must always be prepared for the day ahead." She scanned the room, her gaze lingering on Adanna and Serena for a moment.

"Now, on to the second challenge. You shall all be heading to the drawing room shortly. The theme of this challenge is... etiquette."

Adanna's eyes flew open at this proclamation. Etiquette? Really? A groan escaped her lips, met by a similar sound from Serena. It was far too early for this...

The grand drawing room hummed with nervous energy as the contestants filed in. Adanna's eyes scanned the room, taking in the gold trimming and the lavish blue curtains that framed the large windows. The walls were covered with paintings of majestic griffins, their fiery eyes seemingly watching her every move. The room's opulence was undercut by its rustic charm, with wooden beams crossing the ceiling and a large stone fireplace crackling with warmth.