“What kind of future could you achieve by traveling to the Léonas Empire?” Gerard quizzed.

  “The new Léonas Emperor’s alliance and support.” Eine maintained eye contact while articuting each word.

  “You truly believe you can manage such a feat in a month?” he derided her ambition.

  “It is not impossible, Father, especially since you already attained half of the objective.” She tugged her blood-stained lips, cshing her ethereal features against a devilish smile. “The obtained support will guarantee His Highness’ and the House of Croix’s future.”

  “Should I express my appreciation for your dedication?” The Duke mocked, raising a brow. His expression was indecipherable.

  “I am undeserving of your praises,” she replied, feigning ignorance of his ridicule. “You have taught me well.”

  “An individual’s arrogance will hasten his demise.”

  “I am grateful for your wisdom, Father. I will carve the advice into my memory.” Eine held his gaze. “If there are no other matters, please allow me to return to my manor to prepare for the upcoming journey.”

  A suffocating silence descended between them. Pressure besieged Eine as she braved the agonizing wait for Gerard’s decision. What penalties would he deliver her? Despite shivering from the winter-like temperature, she willed her body to preserve its posture. Any sign of weakness would only make him further doubt her capabilities.

  The Duke pierced down at Eine, face devoid of emotion. Finally, he nodded, signaling behind her. The door opened, and Yusef waited on the other side. “My daughter has fallen ill after returning from the Capital. Thus, she shall rest in her quarters to regain strength. No one shall be allowed to disturb her until the departure date to Léonas,” the Duke ordered.

  “As you wish, Your Grace.” The bck-cd man inclined his body and gestured for Eine to follow him to her carriage.

  Imprisonment.

  It was the punishment the Duke served to Eine for disobeying him. Should she be relieved or suspicious that it was not more severe? For now, she would rather be blissfully ignorant than concern herself with Gerard’s intentions. “Thank you, Father.” She again bobbed a curtsy before trailing behind Yusef down the corridor with Cecil.

  The blond-haired young man quietly heeled Eine. After they arrived at the carriage, he extended his hand to help her. She smiled and accepted his gesture. However, when Eine touched his familiar callused palm, she felt another texture. Her brows furrowed, but she maintained her composure and entered as Cecil closed the door.

  Sitting on the cushioned seat inside the carriage, Eine exhaled and finally rexed her posture. She gnced down, opening her hand to observe a small, embroidered handkerchief. Cecil had tucked the item into her palm during their contact outside the main manor. How pathetic did I look? Her lips folded into a bitter curl as she used the soft fabric to wipe away the remaining crimson color on her face. The sting on Eine’s cheek had yet to abate. It was another salient reminder of her circumstances.

  Despite the perceived appearance of the Duke of Geris’ daughter with prestige and wealth, Eine understood Estel’s position never exceeded a stringed puppet dancing to her puppeteer’s tune. Gerard occasionally indulged her slight whim but never permitted her to deviate from his control. She remained a caged rose in the Croix estate’s gilded garden. However, Eine could not ensure the storyline progressed like the original unless she broke free from her shackles. Estel’s character, established in the book, was much more than that of an obedient doll. She inherited her father’s shrewd and tyrannical nature, willing to sacrifice morality to achieve her goals, no matter the devastating consequences.

  After discovering the purpose of the transaction between Geris and Léonas, Eine decided she would become a key pyer in their game. Yet despite her efforts to exert influence, Gerard never allowed her to meddle too far into his affairs. The Léonas’ ascension ceremony finally showed her lights at the end of the tunnel. If the Duke were not inclined to give Eine the opportunity, she would create one herself. Despite the risk of displeasing Gerard, the benefits of attending the event would outweigh the costs if she succeeded. As for the problem of obtaining Nickos’ cooperation, she would have plenty of time during the imposed house arrest to review her secret journal.

  A few days had passed since Eine became ‘ill.’ Beside her bedchamber and the antechamber, all other areas in Estel’s manor were prohibited. Even the maids were not allowed to serve her. Mariam would bring Eine meals three times daily and had to leave afterward. Despite the so-called punishment, she preferred the current arrangement. Since arriving in the book, Eine always felt uncomfortable having servants surrounding her from morning to night, watching her every movement. However, she tolerated their presence so as not to raise suspicion. The confinement offered Eine a temporary reprieve from the outside world. At least for a short period, she no longer had to calcute each step while donning a confident facade.

  Eine stared at the tray of food Mariam had brought several minutes ago, and her thoughts wandered to the poison testers. She had seen no one else accompanying the young maid since the first day she was ‘bedridden.’ Did they already examine the food before reaching her quarters? Due to the many distractions in recent months, Eine had pushed the investigation back into a corner of her mind. Even though she had diverted her attention, the threat endured. The attempts for her life had not ceased because many more poison testers had forfeited their life since then while on duty.

  LittleFoodie