The carriage glided silently along the quiet road. The journey to the capital was uneventful, though any long travel promises its share of mishaps.
Even marauding bandits gave the caravan a wide berth. The glittering gold and the power of the lion emblem, sigil of House Grüsewald, commanded such respect that these outlaws wouldn’t even dare a robbery, treating them with utmost deference even during rest stops.
Their week-long journey culminated in an unchallenged passage through the notorious capital checkpoint. Arriving at the ducal residence, they bypassed the long queue of waiting carriages and any intrusive searches.
“There you are, Odeliana,” a voice announced.
The Duke’s Grandeur. The magnificent mansion of the Duke of Grüsewald, Lord of the North and High Lord of Reveln, rose before them. This ancient residence, the color of the sea, stood amidst vast, landscaped gardens. Its ethereal hues and the luxurious texture of its smoothly worked stone created an extraordinary sight. Fountains adorned with lion statues, the Grüsewald family symbol, graced the expansive gardens. Beautifully landscaped trees and a cluster of outbuildings rivaling a regular mansion completed the estate’s grandeur.
Sun-dappled gardens, the faint scent of flowers, the sweet scent of grass, and the melody of chirping birds exuded an air of peaceful beauty, reminiscent of a luxurious royal palace. It felt like yesterday that she was a humble queen, a facade of glamour masking a poor woman in need.
Never did I imagine I’d walk the earth again, inhabiting another’s body.
…This is my new home.
The second act had begun – a daring play set in the heart of enemy territory, a place I never expected to find myself.
***
“Welcome, Lord Blair, Miss Odelliana,” the servant greeted with composed movements and refined speech. Their inscrutable expressions, masking their thoughts, mirrored the dignity of palace maids, if not exceeding it.
“It’s been a while, Mrs. Magdalene,” Blair replied.
“Indeed,” the older woman acknowledged. “I knew of your return from studying abroad, but it seems you skipped your own home and came straight for the young lady.” A hint of disappointment colored her voice.
Blair chuckled. “Haha, were you hoping for a visit, then?”
“Perhaps a touch,” Mrs. Magdalene admitted.
Much older than Odelliana, Mrs. Magdalene had served as nanny to the Duchess’s sons and even Odette herself, filling the void left by the Duchess’s neurotic, sensitive, and frail nature. This explained Blair’s respectful demeanor towards a servant.
As Blair continued his conversation, his gaze drifted to Odelliana. A flicker of sympathy danced in his eyes, a hint he couldn’t quite suppress.
“My, my,” Mrs. Magdalene remarked, “how you’ve grown…”
Blair cut in, “Madam, as you may be aware, Odelliana suffers from memory loss. Past events, even those involving you, might be beyond her grasp.”
“Yes, I understand,” Mrs. Magdalene replied with a touch of sadness.
Odelliana, ever the noblewoman, offered the elderly lady a respectful greeting.
“Miss Odelliana, I presume? I’m Mrs. Magdalene, and I oversee the household.”
“Where is Father?” Odelliana asked directly.
“Both the master and mistress are expecting you upstairs. I’ll be attending to your needs from now on, if you’ll follow me.”
“…Shouldn’t they greet us personally?” a hint of disappointment crept into Odelliana’s voice.
“Indeed,” Mrs. Magdalene confirmed. “Your parents instructed me to show you to your accommodations first.”
Blair sighed, his expression perplexed. “Seems things haven’t changed a bit.”
“Let’s head upstairs first, Miss,” Mrs. Magdalene urged, gesturing for them to follow. “I’ll show you the way.”
Ultimately, it was a clear dismissal. Sensing Odelliana’s disappointment, Blair offered a sympathetic pat on her shoulder.
“It’s alright,” Odelliana reassured him. “I knew what to expect.”
