The Blackberry Queen

Chapter Five- Strange Little Town

A warm smell of freshly baked bread filled the bakery. Abélie eyed the display with longing, her stomach loudly protesting its hunger.

There were already three customers when they stepped inside, all of them engaged in animated conversation with the baker.

“I heard the Duchess is going to marry a nobleman from the capital,” declared a woman in her fifties.

“I’ve heard that too,” replied one of her companions, a basket of vegetables in hand. “I hope they’ll throw a beautiful reception. It’s been such a long time since we’ve had proper celebrations in our streets.”

The third woman, silent, paid for a loaf of bread, her expression gloomy. She left the shop without a word, which did not escape Oscar’s notice.

The woman with the basket watched her go before turning back to the baker.

“Why does Ruth seem so withdrawn these days?”

“Oh—so you haven’t heard?” whispered the other customer. “Her elder brother has disappeared.”

“Her brother? The highway rogue?”

They both glanced around. Oscar pretended to be interested in whatever Abélie was staring at.

“The same one who used to rob convoys?” one of them asked in a low voice.

The older woman nodded.

“Perhaps he fled to escape the guards. It’s no great loss.”

The woman with the basket nodded as well, though she still seemed saddened.

“Poor Ruth. And her brother isn’t the first…”

They exchanged a few more dismal words while the young Lord turned his attention back to Abélie, who was pointing at a large brioche. The baker turned toward them.

“Forgive me, dear customers—have you made your choice?” she asked with a gentle smile.

“I’ll take that brioche,” the young maid said eagerly.

The baker took up her tongs and grabbed the pastry, casting a glance at Oscar.

“And you, good sir, what would you like?”

“That will be all, thank you.”

“Are you sure, sir?” Abélie insisted. “Everything looks so good!”

The baker chuckled.

“Thank you, young miss. Without boasting, this is the best bakery in Mulberry.”

As she spoke, she handed over the brioche wrapped in newspaper.

“But tell me—you’re not from around here, are you?” she asked Oscar.

He slipped his hands into his pockets.

“That’s right. If you have any places worth seeing in town, I’d be delighted to hear of them.”

She seemed to ponder the question.

“Well, we do have many shops and craftsmen, but I don’t know whether that would interest you.”

She cast an enquiring glance at the two other customers, but neither seemed to have a better suggestion.

“However, I would advise you not to go out at night,” she continued.

The young Lord raised an eyebrow.

“Because of the cold?”

“No, no—but some unsavoury individuals are roaming the area.”

Oscar and Abélie exchanged a puzzled look.

“What kind of unsavoury individuals?” asked the newly appointed majordomo.

“Hard to say… sinister types, perhaps. They keep looking around as if they’re being followed, and there’s something unsettling about them,” the baker explained sadly. “I can’t say more—I don’t stay out alone in the streets at night to gather further information, you understand.”

“Of course,” Oscar replied with an understanding nod.

Seeing that the baker did not wish to say more, Oscar paid the few silver coins for the brioche and greeted the group with a nod.

“Thank you for the information, ladies. Have a good day.”

And with that, Abélie at his heels, he stepped outside.

He still caught a faint, “Such a charming young man, if a little severe,” before the cold air seized them.

Out in the street, little had changed, except that a fine rain was now falling over the city. Turning up the collar of his coat, Oscar surveyed the surroundings. With that, he set off toward the other side of the city, with Abélie and the soldier at his heels. Walking up the grand avenue, they reached the main crossroads—the one connecting the southern road, by which they had arrived, to the eastern road leading out of the domain. It was in that direction that Oscar headed.

The city, though calm, seemed insufficiently guarded to him. After all, Mulberry was the capital of the Duchy of Wingfall. It housed its duke—or at least, its duchess. It was surprising that there was not more security, or at least regular patrols.

As the rain picked up, the few passers-by hurried into shops and buildings. Oscar noted the striking absence of visitors or foreigners. No business seemed geared toward tourism. The city likely received very few outsiders. For how long had this city been this secluded?

Soon, they reached the eastern gate of the town, which was a vast stone arch, engraved and imposing. A remnant of what must once have been enormous ramparts, now collapsed, yet still impressive. Beneath the arch, two guards in mauve uniforms—the colour of Mulberry—were sheltering from the rain, leaning on their spears. They did not appear overwhelmed by events. Oscar approached, Abélie and the soldier from Eau-Claire following close behind.

“Good day, gentlemen. Not too worn down by the cold?”

“Oh! You must be Lord Rivière!” exclaimed the older guard, bowing his head. “Welcome to the city, sir.”

His comrade followed suit.

“There’s no need for so much courtesy, gentlemen. I merely wished to meet the soldiers of Mulberry,” Oscar explained. “Please—stand at ease.”

The older of the two guards straightened.

“What are you doing outside in this weather, my Lord? The weather isn’t quite pleasant.”

“I was hoping to walk around the outskirts. Your forests look plentiful—and magnificent.”

The two men exchanged a hesitant—perhaps worried—glance.

“Well… The surroundings of the city aren’t safe, especially for civilians. It would be most unfortunate if you were to be injured, my Lord.”

“I’m perfectly capable of defending myself, and I’m not alone,” he said with a smile, gesturing toward his modest escort.

True enough, the soldier from Eau-Claire—Frédéric—was imposing. Still, the two guards remained unconvinced. Worse, they shook their heads.

“I’m sorry, my Lord. It wouldn’t be prudent. Without the approval of the captain of the guard—or the Duchess herself—I can’t allow you to go that way. The forest… well, no one goes there.”

With a resigned air, and faced with the guards’ apologetic expressions, he finally nodded.

“I understand. I’ll follow your recommendations, gentlemen.”

They apologised once again before suggesting a few shops in the city centre.

Oscar left them shortly thereafter, their steps now leading back toward the heart of the city.

Abélie, her ears tucked beneath her cap, eventually spoke.

“That led us nowhere.”

“Nowhere? I’m more eager than ever to explore that forest.”

The young girl pouted.

“Sir… It sounds dangerous out there. I understand your desire to stir things up, but perhaps not at the cost of your own health?”

“Do you truly believe the forest is dangerous?”

“The guards have no reason to lie. They seemed quite sincere.”

“Hm. That’s true—but it still intrigues me.”

“Either way,” she said, changing the subject, “it’s time to head back. Lunchtime has passed, and I wouldn’t want you to starve.”

“Let me wander a little longer.”

After a few more hours of roaming—and despite Abélie’s protests—they finally returned.

At dinner, Lady Brynn was already seated at the table, waiting for him. Oscar greeted her courteously and took his place opposite. Servants brought the dishes. After a few moments of relative silence, the duchess spoke.

“You did not dine here at midday, my Lord.”

Though Oscar perceived a faint smile on her lips, he also clearly sensed the tone of an interrogation.

“I wished to go out and visit the city surrounding your castle—that is true.”

“Without an escort. Even if Mulberry is a calm city, that was hardly prudent, my dear.”

“I tried to visit the forest east of Mulberry, but some guards discouraged me,” he continued, ignoring her remark. He thought he detected a flicker of irritation in her emerald gaze.

Lady Brynn tapped one of her utensils against the rim of her plate, clearly searching for her words.

“No one goes into the eastern forest. It is inhabited by brigands. Do not make the mistake of wandering there.”

As he was about to reply, she cut him off sharply.

“And I have heard that you are seeking to promote your young servant to the rank of majordomo. There is already a majordomo in this household, Lord Oscar.”

“Mr Brennan is your majordomo and your intendant, Your Grace. I wish for Abélie to become my personal majordomo. It is only logical that we each have one, since we will be evolving in parallel over the coming months—if not years.”

She stared at him, her expression unreadable. With his father, Oscar would have lowered his eyes—he would hardly have dared speak at all. With the Duchess… he had always found it easier to stand his ground with women. That did not mean it came easily.

After a long moment, she sighed.

“I can only commend the intention. Very well—your young attendant may become your personal majordomo. However, I reserve the right to forbid her access to the same places I forbid my own majordomo, naturally.”

Oscar nodded; it seemed reasonable—though it only heightened his curiosity. From behind her wine glass, Lady Brynn studied him.

“So, you are accepting… my earlier proposition?"

"The one about marriage and our... life arrangement?"

"Yes," she simply confirmed, as she reached for her glass of wine.

"I…" he began, "I cannot go back; therefore… I do." He continued, just before she was about to speak, "However, I think we should see how well we appreciate each other's company. And the wait before the wedding could be useful for that."

She seemed to consider it for a moment.

"I didn't intend for the wedding to take place before the spring."

"Of course," he nodded politely.

The silence stretched uncomfortably. Lady Brynn sipped her wine and spoke.

"Though our situation is far from ordinary, every word I spoke yesterday was genuine. I want you to feel free here, Lord Oscar. If I must restrict certain accesses, it is for safety reasons. But I will endeavour to facilitate your movements as far as possible,” she commented, sipping her wine.

“And how far does that ‘as far as possible’ go?”

“As far as your comfort requires.”

“And the forest?”

“The forest is off-limits,” she said curtly. “All I wish is that we stay out of one another’s way.”

He looked at her. She met his gaze.

The rest of the dinner unfolded in a complete and heavy silence.