Chapter Three
957 Words
Blossom And Peaches
Adelaide Nightvale
I sprang up in a cold sweat. It was morning, and thankfully, it had all been a dream.
I wouldn't be seeing Eudoria today, but I would make time to visit the temple and pray for her.
Soon after preparing breakfast, I took a shower before joining Father and Gwen for the morning meal. Once we had finished, I prepared to leave for the Eyre residence.
Father had asked Gwen to accompany me, but she replied curtly, "I already have a rather busy day."
"Busy, my foot," I grumbled inwardly.
It was always much more enjoyable without her around to spoil the mood.
Dress shopping was delightful. For someone who served only as a Royal Trainer, Uncle Borron was incredibly wealthy. We selected fine dresses before returning to the Eyre House, where I had spent most of my time since Mother's passing.
Annora and I sat together, eating grapes as we flipped through the latest society papers.
One particular article caught our attention.
The Princess of Veryrfall, who had married our own King of Yorkhaven, King Vaelor Ashwake, as his second wife, had found great favour in the king's eyes. In recognition of this, he had bestowed upon her the title of Night Consort.
According to the papers, the queen had been furious upon hearing the news and had reportedly thrown quite a fit.
The two of us couldn't help but giggle.
"If this painting truly resembles her," Annora said, admiring the portrait printed in the paper, "she's beautiful."
"Veryrfall is known for its beauties," I agreed. "My mother was quite beautiful herself."
"Yes, yes, I know you're beautiful too. How could you not be? Your mother was a noblewoman from Veryrfall," she teased with a grin.
"You don't look bad yourself, my pretty Ann," I teased back, gently stroking her hair.
Mama had once told me about her birth. She was a princess born to one of the king's maids, which meant she was never particularly acknowledged among the royal family. Instead, she married my father, a respectable carpenter of Yorkhaven, and chose a quiet, happy life.
Sadly, sickness took her from us far too soon
After gossiping over the society paper, we headed to the Peace Temple at Veryrfall to pray and my dear Annora only agreed to go cause I said we would stop at the Love Temple on our way back to pray for love match.
Elissa Duskmere POV
I was finally rid of Lady Briar, much to my relief.
Mother had insisted that I show her around the mansion, but for what exactly? There was always a lady like Lady Briar. They never truly came to visit the Duskmere family—they came in hopes of seeing Theoren Ravenor, my dear brother's closest companion.
Unable to freely call upon the mighty House of Ravenor, they instead flocked to the Duskmere Mansion, much to my annoyance.
As though enduring Prince Rhydian's relentless attempts to court me wasn't troublesome enough.
The very thought was ridiculous.
Settle for Prince Rhydian? Never.
The man was the devil himself. At times, I feared he was even deadlier than Theoren.
I had planned my entire day, and Briar—the king's attendant's daughter—had nearly ruined it.
"Lady Elissa, someone is here to see you," my handmaiden, Leela, announced.
I let out an exasperated sigh.
"Not again... Who is it?" I asked reluctantly.
"Lady Lily of House Ravenor."
What does she want this time?
Lily Ravenor, Theoren's stepsister, despised me. The prince she so desperately desired seemed determined to cling to me instead, and she had never forgiven me for it.
"Where is she?"
"In the waiting room, my lady."
Reluctantly, I rose from my swing. Leela straightened my dress before I made my way to greet my unexpected guest.
"Greetings, Lady Lily of House Ravenor."
It was customary to address members of House Ravenor by their house name.
"Greetings to you as well, Lady Elissa," Lily replied with a polite smile.
"Please, have a seat. What brings you here today?" I asked without delay.
"I heard Prince Rhydian invited you to be his companion for the Blossom Hunt."
I regarded her suspiciously.
The invitation had only arrived this morning. How had word spread so quickly?
Interesting...
"Yes," I answered calmly. "He did."
"I want to buy the invitation," she blurted. "Name your price."
A quiet laugh escaped my lips.
How foolish.
She clearly knew nothing about Prince Rhydian if she believed she could simply purchase such an invitation.
Still... this presented a wonderful opportunity to embarrass the very woman who had used the prestige of House Ravenor to bully me for so long.
"There'll be no need for payment," I said sweetly. "I've been feeling rather unwell and may not attend."
Her face lit up instantly.
What a fool.
"Leela."
"Yes, my lady?"
"Please fetch the invitation from my chambers."
Moments later, Leela returned and handed the invitation to an overjoyed Lily, who thanked me repeatedly before taking her leave.
Once she was gone, Leela turned to me in confusion.
"My lady... why would you give away a royal invitation?"
I fixed her with a stern glare.
"It seems I have become far too lenient. Even you have begun to question my decisions."
She immediately lowered her head.
"My apologies, my lady. I spoke only out of concern for you."
My expression softened.
"It's quite alright. Leave my affairs for me to handle."
If there was one lesson every noble learned, it was this:
A handmaiden was not always an ally.
As for the Blossom Hunt...
For the first time in a long while, I found myself genuinely looking forward to it.
Something told me tomorrow would be filled with drama..
- Writer
