The Cobra's Gaze and Bite [Cobra Commander x OC]

Entry 08 : Birthday Celebration

Entry 08 : Birthday Celebration

31 | 1600 | A | APR | 22

"Permettez-moi de prendre votre manteau, Mademoiselle Sarah."

Allow me to take your coat, Mademoiselle Sarah.

"Bien sûr, Armand."

Of course, Armand.

It was still hard for me to say that, even though I'd been living in Chateau Lacroix for well over three months now. I hadn't been explicitly told that I would have to adapt to a way of speaking to others, especially when it came to those of elite social society, but I figured it out quickly without much nudging. I would often get looks from the permanent staff, most often from Armand, and my grandfather would make subtle comments. Nothing too harsh, and so far they seemed pleased with my progress.

"Comment s'est passée votre sortie aujourd'hui?" He then asked me and I replied simply, "Très agréable, grand-père m'a offert un cadeau généreux."

How was your outing today?

Very enjoyable, grandfather gave me a generous gift.

Today was my birthday, and my grandfather decided to arrange a private tour of the Paris Catacombs for me. I had been planning to write a novel involving a serial killer nicknamed "The Catacomb Creeper" and was big news back in the nineteen-thirties for the twenty-six murders of both lost tourists and native Parisians in, previously, unexplored sections of the catacombs, and so this was a wonderful surprise from him. Most of the morning and the entirety of my afternoon was spent being guided through the tunnels to the popular spots, as well as the not so well known parts. As much as I wanted to explore the sections that were deemed hazardous, I didn't want to get my guide in trouble. I did manage to convince him to show me the locations of where the Catacomb Creeper's victims were found though, so it was all good.

I certainly planned to take a shower now that I was home, and then relax the rest of the day away. Before I could leave for my room, however, Armand light stopped me with a hand on my shoulder.

"Le Comté a une autre surprise pour vous, Mademoiselle. Il est dans votre chambre et une fois que vous avez été nettoyé, il aimerait que vous le rencontriez dans le salon."

The Comté has another surprise for you, Mademoiselle. It is in your room, and once you are cleaned up he would like you to meet with him in the drawing room.

I gave him a quick nod, and Armand gave me a small smile before letting me go to attend to his other duties. Frowning a little as I climbed up the stairs to reach the hallway that would lead to my room, I wondered what else my grandfather had in store for me. Entering my room, my jaw nearly dropped at what I was seeing on my bed. It was a dark green evening dress and a pair of simple low-heeled pumps. There was also some elegant silver jewelry, some bangles to go on my wrist and silver-chain necklace that had diamonds, my birthstone, artfully hanging from it. Not knowing what to do initially, I stared at the ensemble and further wondered what exactly my grandfather had planned for tonight.

Then it hit me.

A soirée... he had, most likely, planned a small party for me to celebrate my birthday. The dress, the shoes, the jewelry, it all made sense. Of course, he'd plan something like this, and it played right into a proper introduction into elite French society too. The location also made sense, letting me know that it was only going to be a few guests and ones he wanted to introduce me to. Sighing, I turned my focus away and headed for the shower.

Thirty minutes later and I was staring at myself in the full-length mirror, certain I was looking at a different person. I looked good in the ensemble that was gifted to me, my dark brown hair curling around my shoulders due to its length. The green of my eyes stood out more wearing the dress, making a striking effect. Looking at the stranger before me, I didn't know what to think. I wasn't sure if this was me or just a shiny veneer. I gave myself an uncertain smile, trying to sell the idea of a future Comtesse, but I couldn't bring myself to see it.