Reborn

Chapter 7

Cederic glared at Lady Constantine. Two guards gripped his arms so tightly he couldn't feel them anymore. He gritted his teeth.

"I didn't do anything wrong, my lady. Why are you doing this?"

Lady Constantine set aside her mirror and stood.

"You're the living proof of my illegitimacy. If my husband finds out-"

"Your husband will not find out, my lady. That's not why I came here. I came here looking for a job. I came here to earn money so that I could survive."

Lady Constantine smiled.

"You're a naive child. I found out without you telling me. What if my husband finds out?"

Cederic growled.

"You were looking for me. Your husband doesn't even know I exist."

Lady Constantine shook her head.

"Sorry Cederic. I'm not taking any chances."

She turned around and picked up her mirror, dabbing at her face with cotton. Pausing for a moment, she looked up.

"What are you waiting for? Go on, lock him up."

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Alethea frowned. She hadn't seen Cederic all day. Where could he possibly be? She didn't want to ask around, in case that created too many questions. But where could he possibly be? Sighing, she trudged to the garden, slumping against a tree. This was where he said he'd meet her, so she'd stay there.

She sat down and closed her eyes, the sun warming her face. Just as she was about to doze off in the warmth, she heard footsteps. She cracked an eye open, expecting Cederic. She frowned.

"Lord Chanse. To what do I owe the favor?"

Chanse shrugged.

"You were sitting out here alone. I thought I'd give you some company."

Alethea pursed her lips.

"My thoughts are company enough, Lord Chanse. I do not wish to waste your time."

"It's hardly a waste of time. I have nothing else to do. And I, unlike you, find the company of people my age more engaging than the company of my own thoughts."

Alethea sighed.

"I hope you find silence just as engaging, because I'd really like to be alone with my thoughts right now."

Chanse smiled at her.

"Your friend. The violinist. What's his name? I forget."

Alethea narrowed her eyes at Chanse, her heart pounding.

"Hardly a friend. Also, Lord Chanse, it's surprising that you can't remember the name of your own violinist."

Chanse laughed, his violet eyes flashing dangerously.

"For two people who aren't friends, you two spend an abnormal amount of time together."

"I find his company interesting. He's quite an amusing idiot."

"That he is. Do you know, when you left Arundel, Cederic disappeared too. He returned only a week before you arrived."

Alethea raised her eyebrows.

"Did he, now? I had no idea."

Chanse leaned closer.

"I don't believe you."