“I thought I’d die. If the news had been a little later, it would have been a disaster,” one of the maidservants remarked, her relief palpable.
“How long has it been this time?” another inquired.
“Three years. Her last visit was when she was seventeen,” came the reply.
“Is this visit merely to ascertain her health?”
“No, this time it’s the second young master who’s returned. He came back only yesterday,” another maid explained.
“Oh, the second young master has always been very fond of Miss Odelliana.”
“He’s the only one like that. While the rest of the family couldn’t care less, he’s particularly devoted to Miss Odelliana.”
“Is he coming back for good this time?”
“That’s what I heard.”
Amidst their chatter, morsels of information surfaced — my name, Odelliana, my estrangement from family, and the unwavering devotion of this young master.
“The arrival is imminent; everyone should wait in their respective places,” the command echoed through the corridors as the maids dispersed, leaving an unsettling hush in their wake. Suddenly, a middle-aged woman, her name a mystery, approached with purpose.
“Miss Odelliana, as always, your silence suffices. Once the formalities are concluded, we shall arrange for your customary stroll,” she declared with an air of authority.
“A stroll?” I queried, curiosity piqued.
“Yes, indeed, a leisurely walk,” the woman affirmed sternly, dismissing any further questions. “You need only nod in agreement. Understood?”
As I hesitated, I was met with a stern gaze.
“I’ll repeat, your silence is preferred. Simply nod in agreement. Do you comprehend?” she demanded.
“…Yes,” I acquiesced reluctantly, knowing compliance was necessary for favor.
“Indeed, proper decorum befits one seeking favor. Remember that,” her tone was harsh, grating against my patience.
The woman’s demeanor reeked of disdain, her condescending tone betraying a sense of entitlement. It was clear from the formality of address that Odelliana hailed from a distinguished lineage, yet her caretaker wielded her authority with an arrogance that chafed against her station.
So, they’re bustling about because the young master is due for a visit? They only bother with tidiness when the family graces us with their presence, leaving me neglected and dirty otherwise, I mused bitterly, observing the sudden flurry of activity. This wasn’t an isolated incident; the efficient cleanup hinted at a well-rehearsed routine. It appeared the household staff reserved their diligence for the family’s visits, neglecting their duties in between, thereby revealing their true loyalties.
Whatever the case, it’s far from a smooth situation, I thought.
Born with disabilities and subjected to mistreatment from both higher ranks and subordinates, her existence was a testament to tragedy. Did misfortune persist even beyond the veil of death?
“They’re almost here!” a maidservant’s urgent cry shattered the silence, setting everyone into motion.
The distant clip-clop of horse hooves drew nearer, signaling the imminent arrival of a carriage. I propped myself up in bed to peer out the window, and was taken aback by the sight of a resplendent carriage.
It was no ordinary conveyance; its opulence spoke of wealth or noble lineage. Whose household could it belong to? As the carriage drew closer, my breath caught as I recognized a familiar emblem adorning it.
“That emblem…!” I gasped.
The insignia of the North. In other words, the crest of the Grüsewald Duchy, rulers of vast northern territories. It belonged to the family of Lady Odette, my husband’s mistress who had driven me to my death.
