The Annex

Chapter 5

"Good afternoon Lady Vos. I have been asked by Lady DuPonte to escort you to her cottage. On the west side of the palace grounds." The maid bowed deeply.

"Alright, let me gather my belongings, I will meet you in the hall in just one moment," I closed the door and went to my weapons drawer. Grabbing a concealed thigh sheath and strapped a dagger to my thigh. I'd rather be safe than sorry. On the off chance that the letter had been sent by someone else under false pretenses, I had to be prepared. I brushed my gown back in place before giving Torr a head scratch.

"I'm ready," I announced. The hallway housed a flight of stairs just to the left that led down to a guarded entrance. The maid gave the stationed guard a nod as we headed out toward the stables. Just beyond the host of barracks were a few cottages for honored court members. I'd have to ask how Lady DuPonte managed to score a cottage within the palace walls.

The thicket of trees began just past the barracks and led through a meadow where a cottage was neatly nestled. A small flower garden decorated the sides of the cottage. Beyond the cottage, the trees merged and grew thick once more, likely to the edge of the palace walls. A small cobblestone path led up to a faded red door, framed on either side by flowerbox ordained windows, complete with shutters. I heard a squeal of delight as the door was thrown open and I was enveloped in a bear hug. My fingers instinctually went for the knife at my thigh, but my mind caught up with my instincts, ordering them to back down.

"You've grown so much," she cupped her hands on my shoulders then spun me around. "I just need a moment to take you in." I stood there without a word, too surprised to find a response. This was not the Lady DuPonte that I had expected. Although she was dressed impeccably, she wasn't the composed lady that seemed to emanate from the elegant script, nor did she mirror my mother's calmer personality. No, Lady DuPonte was like fire, exquisitely beautiful, but wild it seemed. Her hair matches her personality, a brilliant auburn. She was tall in stature with a wiry frame.

"I'm Cara," was all I managed to spit out.

"I know who you are, silly. I was there when you were born, and before too" she took my shoulders once more and guided me into the cottage. "Welcome to the Cottage DuPonte," she gestured toward the rest of the establishment. "I know you have many questions but I just want to get to know my goddaughter some." She pulled me towards two armchairs. "Please, sit down." I sat in one as she sat in the adjacent one. She tucked her hands under her chin in a childlike manner.

"So tell me, what have I missed the past twelve years," she grinned.

"You want me to recount the last twelve years for you," I sputtered.

"Give me the brief version, you know, what your deepest darkest desires are, why you're here, and boys," she giggled.

"Deepest darkest desire is...hm, I'm not sure. I'm here to follow in my father's footsteps and none," I said.

"Oh come on, there has to have been at least one."

"Well when I was a kid, I wanted a peregrine falcon, I don't know if that's incredibly dark, but it is a desire."

"No, I meant boys!"

"Unfortunately, no, I spent my childhood training and learning, there wasn't any time for boys," I raised an eyebrow at her inquisition.

"Oh come on," her pleading earned an eyeroll.

"There was nothing of interest."

"Okay, someday you'll tell me. But I do suppose we should start discussing the Annex and how you and I will be working together." Her demeanor changed almost instantly from childish foolery to a woman in charge.