"Well, the masquerade is only 6 days away and I want my outfit! It should have been here by now!" Sophia was pacing in a loose blue gown in front of my fireplace while I sat on the lounge in a high-necked green dress. I laugh as she continues to pace and shake my head a little.
"I'm sure it will be here this evening, Sophia," I smile a little as Phillipa braids my hair behind me. I hear her give a small laugh and I smile widely.
"It better be, or I'll be having words with that tailor for sure," she's still fuming, and I'm still giggling. She's hilarious when she's angry, she's still so dainty.
Phillipa finishes my braids a moment later and leaves, mumbling a farewell and hurrying out the door. Sophia sits down next to me as soon as she's gone, leaning on the back of the couch.
"So what's this job that you do for the Queen every night?" Sophia raises an eyebrow and I mimic her.
"I don't know what you're talking about," I shake my head, faking surprise.
"Everyone knows you disappear at night and I was sitting on my balcony before bed last night and I saw you riding for the castle, and I guessed it would be for the Queen over the King. I just figured it out," she shrugs and smiles smugly.
"It's nothing, really, not important," I shake her off, not thinking Evangeline would want everyone knowing. And I love Sophia, but she can't keep a secret unless it's what she views as life-threatening.
"Seriously, Adelaide?" She raises her eyebrow again and I frown. "Fine, I can see you aren't budging. What do you think Isodore has planned for the masquerade?"
"I don't know. I spoke to him a few days ago and he said it was just some entertainment. And it's either just entertainment, or something incredibly horrific. Either way, I'll be ready for it," I shrug and look down at the floor.
"Alright, as long as you don't do anything stupid," she gives a small nod and an even smaller smile.
"I wont," I smile and shake my head. "But promise me, at the first sign that something might be wrong, you get out of there immediately. Promise?"
She nods quickly. "Of course, you too?"
"Sophia, my job is to let you all leave and stay behind to get rid of whatever's wrong."
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The following morning I put Huntress away into her stall with a huge serving of breakfast, which is exactly what she deserves. All I want is a hot bath and to collapse into bed.
I walk into my room and start walking towards my bathroom. I make it two steps before I notice something is sitting on my bed, blending in the covers. I walk over and stand before a deep plum-coloured box, and a silver ribbon attaching a note to it. I promptly ignore the note and lift the lid, looking inside.
A huge portion of white satin, with pearls along the neckline and a feathered mask on top. I smile down at it, gently rubbing the smooth fabric between my fingers. I smile down at it, wanting to try it on, but too tired to even function. I put the lid back on and put it in my wardrobe before peeling off my suit and wrapping a robe around me, then falling into bed.
I'm awake a few hours later even before Phillipa comes in. I hear her move around the room, putting away my boots and my suit from where I left them on the floor. I can hear the water running in the bathroom a moment later, right before I feel a soft hand on my shoulder.
"Time to get up dear," I open my eyes a little with a small smile and see Phillipa.
"What's the time?" My voice is still a little foggy from sleep, but it's barely noticeable.
"It's 2pm," she gives a small smile. "I know it's early, but there was a note left for you a few hours ago. And it was sealed so it can't be opened without you knowing. And it was delivered to the kitchen entrance by a man in a black cloak."
I raise an eyebrow and sit up. "Do you have it on you now?"
"Yes," she nods and sticks her hand into the pocket of her apron before pulling out a slightly faded envelope, with an A on the front. I take it and immediately break the seal as Phillipa disappears into the bathroom.
A, I'll be by the stables at 4pm. Trust me, meet me. Don't tell anyone.
The handwriting is familiar and I climb out of bed and throw the note in the fire. I hurry into the bathroom and take off my robe, jumping into the water. Phillipa doesn't ask questions and start washing my hair immediately.
Looks like my dress will have to wait.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
With my still-damp braids wrapped around my head, I pull my black cloak on over my suit, not sure if I'll make it home in time to change again. I do up the zips of my boots and slide daggers into all the available spaces. Just to be safe, I strap a quiver across my back under my cloak, the bow inside it as well.
I walk out of my room with the hood down across the back of my shoulders and walk down the hall quickly. I turn the corner to find Damian walking out of his room and I try not to, but I catch his eye.
"Where are you going?" He raises an eyebrow.
"Out," my voice is quiet, but still gives a small echo in the empty hallway.
"Could you be any more vague?" He gives a small laugh, smiling at me.
"No, but I was trying to be, tell Isodore I won't be home until dinner because I'm going out to find his hunter." I continue walking and leave Damian staring speechless behind me.
I hurry down the stairs and look at a clock as I pass. 3:55. I walk outside and walk quickly out to the stables. Once inside I walk to Huntress' stall near the end. The stable help are everywhere so I put my saddle on and take the reins, pulling my hood up as I guide Huntress out the back. I'm instantly in the woods, right outside the door.
I climb onto Huntress right before I see a hooded figure on a black horse, he lifts a hand and gestures for me to follow. He starts heading deeper into the woods at a fast trot. I follow, catching up quickly but keeping quiet. We ride at the same quick pace for probably 15 minutes before we come to a small clearing and stop.
He climbs off his horse and so do I. He pulls his hood off and I copy, then look up to see my brother. I gasp and fling my arms around him with a huge smile.
"Aedrioch, what are you doing here?" My voice is quiet, even though we're far from the house.
"I wish it was for good news Adelaide," he pulls back a little and looks me in the eye. "But I'm afraid it isn't."
YOU ARE READING
The Guardian
Teen FictionAdelaide Livingstone is a high-standing Lady in society, ruling over the South with her parents and twin brother. However, she is not all she seems. When her brother and her disappeared for two years across the ocean, everyone assumed they were simp...
