Lethal Affairs

Death & Secrets

The Castle stood still.

The moment she was informed that the guests were departing early, she should have suspected that something was amiss. As expected, trouble had answered the call of it's mistress.

On the verge of a panic, Marigold frantically searched for Feira.

Ysabel was missing.

In her world, it was not strange for things, people and even families to go missing. Missing was a word with a million meanings. 

Although she was no longer assigned to assist Ysabel, Marigold felt responsible for her. Master Leon had left Ysabel in her charge, and when he returns, he will surely ask for a report. 

Feira's dislike for Ysabel was no secret, and Marigold suspected that the Mistress was involved in Ysabel's disappearance. She could openly accuse her of it when Master Leon returned, but it was death to falsely accuse a Lady of her status.

She had asked the servants that had served alongside Ysabel, if something had seemed strange, but not one had been able to give an answer. Instead they had trembled in fear as if she had asked them to lay down their life for her.

Cowards; they had left her with only one option.

What she was about to do could cost her life, but her life was forfeit if she could not account for Ysabel.

Standing before the doors that separated her from the ruling Mistress, Marigold gathered courage. She knocked swiftly and entered without waiting for a response.

Quickly, she fell to her knees, "forgive me Mistress," she pleaded, "but this is of utmost importance."

The Mistress lay curled on the sofa, while her attendant stood over her. From the look on their faces, Marigold knew they had been having a very important conversation.

"Speak." Feira said.

Marigold sighed in relief, "Miss Ysabel is missing."

"Ysabel." Feira laughed. "No need to panic, she's not missing. The silly girl left of her own accord."

"Where did she go?"

"She returned home." Feira answered. 

"That is quite unlike her." Marigold muttered to herself, but Feira's sharp ears heard her words.

A shiver ran down her spin, as she cowered under Feira's glare. "If you want to live, it is best that you watch your words."

"Forgive me." 

"- but I am feeling generous," Feira continued, "so disappear from my sight before you run out of luck."

Marigold did not need to be told again, as quickly as she could, she left the room, only slowing when she was a safe distance from the Mistress's quarters.

Ysabel would not leave without  bidding her farewell, she thought

Regardless of whether Feira was telling the truth or not, something had to be done. Master Leon had to be told.

As much as she feared Feira, Marigold feared Master Leon even more. He was a master for a reason. What terrified her even more, was the Master of the Castle accusing her of being lax in her duties to Ysabel.

Her existence depended on her next decision, but not one had a happy ending.

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