chapter four: Blackthorn manor
631 Words
The carriage rolled to a gentle stop before the grand iron gates of Blackthorn Manor.
Elara leaned toward the window, taking in the sight before her.
The manor stood proudly against the clear blue sky, its gray stone walls draped with climbing ivy. Elegant gardens stretched across the estate, blooming with white roses and lavender. A marble fountain stood at the center of the courtyard, its water sparkling beneath the afternoon sun.
"It is beautiful," Elara murmured.
"It belongs to House Ravenshire," Lysette replied. "One of the oldest noble houses in Valerion."
As the carriage door opened, a footman offered his hand to help Elara descend.
Moments later, the grand doors of the manor swung open.
A young woman in a pale lavender gown stepped outside with a welcoming smile.
"Princess Elara."
"Nerina."
The two exchanged graceful curtsies before sharing a polite embrace.
"I wasn't expecting your visit," Nerina admitted. "But it's a pleasant surprise."
"I hope I'm not intruding."
"Never."
Nerina linked their arms together.
"Come inside."
The manor's interior was just as magnificent as its exterior. Crystal chandeliers hung from the high ceilings while portraits of the Ravenshire family lined the marble walls.
Everything felt elegant...
Yet somehow warmer than the royal palace.
Unlike Valencrest Palace, Blackthorn Manor felt lived in.
Comfortable.
Almost... peaceful.
"I've had tea prepared for us," Nerina said.
"I remember you always preferred jasmine."
Elara smiled.
"You remembered."
"I remember more than people think."
As they entered the drawing room, servants quietly arranged the tea table.
Elara's heart skipped.
Among them...
Was Cassian.
He carried a silver tray with practiced elegance, placing porcelain cups before the two princesses without making a sound.
The moment he looked up, recognition flashed across his face.
"Your Highness."
His bow was respectful, just as it had been at the royal ball.
"It's good to see you again," Elara said before she could stop herself.
Cassian looked slightly surprised.
"The pleasure is mine."
Nerina glanced between them.
"You've met before?"
"Briefly," Elara answered.
"At King Alistair's birthday ball."
"I see."
Something about Nerina's smile suggested she noticed more than she let on.
Cassian poured the tea before stepping back.
"If you'll excuse me."
As he turned to leave—
"Cassian."
He paused.
"Yes, Your Highness?"
Elara searched for something—anything—to say.
"The tea..."
She lifted her cup.
"...smells wonderful."
A faint smile touched his lips.
"I'll be sure to pass your compliment to the kitchen."
He bowed once more before quietly leaving the room.
Elara watched the door long after it had closed.
"You really enjoyed the tea," Nerina said with amusement.
Elara blinked.
"What?"
"You complimented it before tasting it."
Heat rushed to her cheeks.
"I... suppose I did."
Nerina laughed softly.
The rest of the afternoon passed with pleasant conversation.
They spoke about books, music, the upcoming harvest festival, and life within their respective households.
For the first time in months...
Elara genuinely enjoyed herself.
As the visit came to an end, Nerina walked her back toward the entrance.
"I hope you'll visit again."
"I'd like that."
"I would too."
As Elara stepped into the waiting carriage, her eyes searched the manor one last time.
Standing near the entrance, speaking quietly with another servant...
Was Cassian.
For only a heartbeat...
Their eyes met.
He offered a small nod.
She smiled in return.
Then the carriage began to move.
Lysette remained silent until Blackthorn Manor disappeared from view.
Finally...
"So."
Elara looked at her innocently.
"So?"
"You've made a wonderful new friend."
"I have."
"And seeing a certain butler had absolutely nothing to do with today's visit?"
Elara looked out the window, unable to hide the smile tugging at her lips.
"...Maybe just a little."
Lysette laughed.
She had a feeling...
This was only the beginning.
- Writer
