Bloodied Lilies

Chapter 10

Viscount Royce had called twice in the duke's absence. It had irritated him enough that Adelia felt the need to avoid him in self-perseveration. He was dangerous when his mood got this bad.

He had missed breakfast in the dining hall, having it brought up to him instead. It was around a quarter past ten in the morning when Duke Rainford emerged from his study and asked for everyone in the manor to gather in the lobby.

Adelia couldn't read his mood for his expression was carefully blank.

"Viscount Royce will be joining us for lunch. Make preparations – I want it to be grand," he announced. "Adelia, wear something that will leave an impression. A permanent one. Alcoy, Reeves, prepare the parlour. Marly, we'll have Lai and Terithan cuisine."

He continued to give orders to the servants. Trim the roses, change the table clothes, draw back the curtains. It was going to be something grand.

Adelia knew the duke was planning something. This level of grandeur was a notch above his usual showing off. Something big was happening today.

Everyone rushed off to do as they were told, Adelia and Peony heading off to her room to find a dress. Usually the duke chose her dresses for her but it appeared he was busy planning his meeting with Viscount Royce.

The selection of dresses stocked in her wardrobes were vast and varying, all in dark colours aside from Adelia's own few dresses at the end. Some were fancier than others, with frills, sequences and bows.

Adelia chose a burgundy gown with a laced up front and a long-sleeved cream-coloured blouse underneath. There was a black bow at the collar tying her blouse closed. Short ruffles hemmed the bottom of the dress and black embroidery curled roses onto the skirt.

"Did you enjoy your visit home, my lady?" Peony asked as she did up the front laces.

"I did," Adelia replied. "I had wished I could have stayed longer."

Peony was wearing an indecipherable look. Adelia realised that Peony must have dearly wished to return to her own tribe too.

"How did you end up here?" Peony didn't often say much about herself. Adelia actually knew very little about her.

Peony was silent for a moment, regarding at Adelia with her usual empty gaze. It was only now that Adelia began to realise that it was more a mask than a personality of indifference.

"I..." Peony began, voice soft. "My parents were in debt to the master. They gave me up as a trade to abscond the payments. He allowed it."

It was difficult to pick out but Adelia heard the tinge of melancholy in her voice.

Peony had hidden behind her mask to stay strong in the face of her parent's decision. She had worked hard and hadn't complained. She had hidden her sadness. Just as Adelia's teacher had. It seemed a Lai tradition to cover your weaknesses with silence and discipline.

Adelia didn't know how to offer words of consolation but Peony seemed to notice.

"My lady, there is no need to concern yourself with me. I am but a maid, here only to serve you."

"I am fond of you though," Adelia said.

Peony's gentle presence reminded her of her teacher. It was soothing.

Peony smiled at her words. "I too, am happy to serve you, my lady."

Viscount Royce arrived just before noon. He was not accompanied by his wife or servants. The meeting was apparently a secret from the rest of the aristocratic council that served under Duke Rainford.