Lewis
The day before Jane's death
Location: The Scrolls
"How can you let her stay around when you know what she has done?" José tells me. His travel to Versailles Estate has worn him down.
It's only been some time since he has returned. Of course, Versailles wouldn't deny hosting us. Vanya's still missing.
"She's a girl. If she is smart enough to lie, she can be smart enough to be other things. You cannot expect people to not learn from their mistakes," I tell him, as I watch him carefully places the envelope with the seal on it.
"True," he says. He doesn't look me in the eye. A faint resemblance of disappointment marks his face.
"Your Highness, Lady Versailles has sent her response," he tells me. The very fact that he had resorted to the court formalities told me that José was very mad at me.
"And how are you after your quick, but long travel to and from the Versailles Estate?" I asked.
"Great," he presses, but doesn't add much to it. "I'll leave you to it," he adds, and walks out.
How strange! Do friends stay mad at each other for long? Surely he wasn't doing this only because of the girl.
In my solitude, I reach for the flat knife. I slice through the seal of House Versailles. Inside, a neatly folded creme paper lies.
Dear Duke Canton,
It would be our pleasure to host you at House Versailles. We await your esteemed presence at our estate. All the preparations have started as we speak.
It thrills me to know that you readily want to mingle with your "other" family. Given the state of affairs, I couldn't help but appreciate the filial sanctity that it brings forth.
Surely, it would be great if your brother, and my Liege husband, Lord Theodore returns from his voyage. I very much look forward to your reunion, and his presence at the court too.
Of course, the fact that Lady Vanya hasn't returned to our estate implies that things are looking sunnier for our proposal before. I take it, she has taken a profound liking to you and the Capital.
It would do me great disservice if I keep you from coming here sooner. Please find my noble gift of ten of the best horses that were trained to ride on the rocky roads, which would make it easier to cross Bertua and reach the Versailles House at Gaskoff.
I will be looking forward to seeing you soon, Brother-in-law. Hopefully, in a cordial light.
With love,
Lady Versailles
Like all her other letters this too was same. A threat laced with sugary words to hide the wickedness of their implications.
"I couldn't think that this woman was supposed to be a woman at all," I grimaced.
"And what do you mean by that?" Joel shows up from where she was hiding.
"Good Lord! Joel, didn't I ask you to not do that? Were you eavesdropping on José?" I asked, and she shrugs.
"For one, I am trying to practise what you taught me. I am learning to control the mana that I have stolen from the blue bell blooms," she chips in.
"You cannot go on listening to people like that!" I tell her.
"But I am not. It's only because I want to practise for the Council meeting," she smiles.
"Sometimes I fear that you will die from your ignorance. Now, you will just probably be in more trouble because of all that you know," I tell her.
"There was never nothing that I didn't know. I am just trying to be useful. I learnt a new trick," she says, and holds out a poorly developed branch.
"Is that your new wand?" I asked, and she nods.
"It lacks the aesthetic appeal, but it's more efficient," she says, proudly.
"A week before you had no idea what you were doing, and now, look at you!"
"Well, Your Highness... We all have to start somewhere," she smiles.
"Don't give me that. One might think that you have surpassed those beyond your years but you too, have a lot to learn!" I scoffed.
"No shame in that! All trouble ensues when we don't acknowledge what we are. One thing about me, I would never lie to myself," her eyes glow.
"For sure. You will only lie to everyone else," I put in with ease.
"In higher society, it doesn't befit a lady to spy from the confines of a man's private chambers.
From now on, you will not practice magic here," I tell her.
"No! You cannot do that! You must not keep me from my excellence. You gave me your word for it," she seemed determined.
"Half of anything is harmful," I tell her. "Would you atleast listen to me, Little lady?" I shot up a brow at her.
"Of course," she said, the faint glow of misery was unmissable.
"You will have your own chambers, in the West Tower. It's secluded, and no one ever goes there. You can practice all sorts of magic in there. I hope it will ascertain you that I am not giving up on you already," I tell her and she nods.
"But I liked the East Tower more," she mumbled and I let out a sigh.
What's with children and their insatiable sense of satisfaction?
"I want you to go and fine Sir José. He will get you some gear and find you clothes that suit your features," I said, watching the lanky drapes of the soldier's uniform on her.
"I read that letter you were reading," she says, out of the blue.
"I thought the Kingdom of Gestalt was in good terms with House Versailles in Gaskoff," she begins. "But she is clearly threatening you, and you want to be cordial with her. I do not understand," her face grimaced.
"That's enough, Joel. I want you to do one thing at a time. I remember telling you everything about magic. Stray away from the Court. It's not the place for learning," at this she chuckles.
"Regardless of what you say, it's important for me to learn about your political standing. And who's to say that you might not be harmed? With you, Your Highness, lies my only chance at learning magic. I cannot let you die, for certain-"
"Good Lord! I think you should clam your reins. One thing about me, I cannot be killed easily," I said.
"Well, that's not true. I have studied about dragons. There are forty types of poison that can be coupled with sharp weapons to penetrate dragon's skin. And you are only half of it!" She adds boldly.
"There's no use of fake confidence with you. Well then, if you must know. We are heading at the enemy territories. There's something that Versailles knows and I don't," I tell her.
"Can I come with you?"
"You know the answer to that. Absolutely not," I tell her and she stomped out.
Ugh. Kids.