**Tatiana's perspective**
On the second day of my confinement, I found myself sequestered in my room under Lily's protective watch. Apparently, I had contracted a cold and, much to my chagrin, had become a temporary patient under her care. Her concern was comforting, yet it felt somewhat misplaced.
Lily saw to my needs with diligent attentiveness, the morning filled with regular health check-ups and hearty breakfasts. During our intermittent chats, we often discussed the current affairs and Blanc's intriguing message. The morning routine was livened up with the simple act of opening the curtains to invite fresh air and the sun's gentle warmth inside.
Lily didn't stop there. She also helped me get ready for the day, brushing my hair with gentle strokes and dressing me up with her usual efficiency. It was a peculiar feeling being looked after so thoroughly. I found myself not minding the attention, even considering the thought of her continuing this maternal care.
"Thank you, Lily, for everything," I said, a sudden query forming in my mind. "It's been two days since I've been cooped up here. Can I...?" The question hung in the air, but I already knew what the answer would be.
"What is it? You mumbled just now..." Lily's eyes twinkled with a playful curiosity, her smile hinting that she knew what I was asking.
"...Never mind." I quickly dismissed the question, realizing the futile attempt.
Lily's playful smile swiftly turned into a serious frown. It was the expression she often wore before a strict lecture. It seemed I had to miss Blanc and Lady Sakuya for a little longer. As if on cue, there was a soft creaking sound as Lily opened the door. Look and behold, there stood the familiar figure of Lady Blanc.
"Oh, Lady Blanc. You were standing out here all alone? You should've knocked," Lily's voice was filled with surprise, although her face held a different story.
Blanc's face wore a perturbed look, her arms crossed in front of her. "...Blanc, did you come to visit?" My heart lifted at the sight of her. Despite her stern demeanor, I was overjoyed to see her.
"Hmph, a weakling like you falling ill so easily..." Blanc began her usual teasing, but her presence filled me with joy. "But I suppose if you insist on seeing me, I can afford to oblige."
Her arrogance was endearing in its own way, a trait that had become synonymous with Blanc herself. As Lily left to prepare some tea, Blanc seated herself next to my bed.
"What are you looking at?" Blanc muttered, her eyes darting uncomfortably under my gaze.
"I missed seeing you, Blanc. That's all." I responded truthfully. It felt like ages since we last talked, and I had missed our friendly banter.
She blushed at my admission, stuttering in embarrassment. "W-What are you saying?! Are you delirious with the cold?"
That's Blanc, always trying to deflect her emotions. "Can I hold your hand, Blanc?" I asked, extending my hand as a gesture of friendship.
"...Here..." After a moment of silence, she extended her hand towards me. Her small hand felt surprisingly cold and soft within my grasp.
"I knew it. Your hands are so cold. I've always wanted to hold your hand like this," I confessed, enjoying the warmth spreading through me.
Blanc seemed taken aback by my confession but didn't retract her hand. It felt soft, and I couldn't help but bring it to my cheek.
"...That should be enough, don't you think so…?" Blanc tried to pull her hand away, but I held onto it a bit longer.
Just then, Lily returned with a tray of hot tea and cookies. "What do we have here?" She chuckled at our bonding moment.
"You should definitely feel Blanc's hand, Lily. It's really cold." I suggested, letting go of Blanc's hand.
"Is that so? Maybe I should indulge myself in that pleasure." Lily teased, earning a stern glare from Blanc.
After serving us the tea, Lily gave us some privacy. I then began recounting my adventure with Lady Sakuya to Blanc. However, after a while, I lost track of time and gradually drifted off in the middle of the conversation.
Nightfall had settled in, the dinner had been cleared and my last interaction for the day was with Lily, readying me for sleep. That night however, I had different plans. I had resolved to meet Lady Sakuya after dinner and once everyone had retired.
"Lily, if there's nothing else, I'll bid you goodnight," I said, barely able to conceal my anticipation.
"Goodnight, Lady Tatiana," she responded in kind, her eyes twinkling with a warmth that made me feel slightly guilty for my secretive intentions.
Once Lily was gone, the night belonged to me and my plan. My first mission was to deceive Lily into thinking I was fast asleep in my room. I stuffed an extra pillow I had requested earlier into my covers, shaping it to mimic my form. I stepped back to admire my work, the silhouette in the bed could easily pass for me. "Quite the genius, aren't I?" I thought, grinning at my own cunning.
However, as I slowly pushed open the door, it creaked loudly in protest. I had forgotten about its noisy tendencies and quickly reminded myself to be more careful. The hallway seemed to echo every sound tenfold, making the floorboards groan loudly beneath my weight. A new plan formed in my mind as the floorboards voiced their discontent.
I lowered myself onto the floor, deciding to crawl my way to Lady Sakuya's room at the end of the hall. I moved slowly, noticing that my unusual method didn't cause any unnecessary sound. As unladylike as this seemed, it was effective. I couldn't help but chuckle at the thought of my mother's shock if she were to see me now, the Tremaine daughter crawling on the floor in the middle of the night.
Finally, I reached the halfway point, Blanc's room. But as luck would have it, the door to Blanc's room creaked open just as I was about to pass. I froze in place as Blanc emerged in her bedrobe, staring down at me. I could only imagine how ridiculous I looked, sprawled on the floor like a child.
"What the heck are you doing? Playing on the floor?" She asked, her face a picture of bemusement.
Suppressing my surprise, I quickly shushed her, "I'm...ah...just heading to Lady Sakuya's room for a bit. Let's keep this between us, yes?"
Her response was an unsettling, ominous chuckle, "...Fine, but don't blame me if anything happens, hehe."
Before I could react, Blanc slammed her door shut with a resounding crash, leaving me in stunned silence. Why was she being so dramatic? Was she planning to expose me? My mind was rife with doubts, but I had no time to contemplate.
Lily had heard the loud slam and was making her way towards us. It was now or never. Gathering my wits, I scrambled towards Lady Sakuya's room and knocked urgently.
The door creaked open, revealing Lady Sakuya in her sleeping robe, her hair cascading down her shoulders. Without a word, she let me in.
"Please
hide me, Lady Sakuya..." I whispered urgently, diving under her bed covers.
Footsteps echoed in the hallway, growing louder as Lily approached Lady Sakuya's room.
"Sorry to disturb your evening, Lady Sakuya," I heard Lily say, her voice filled with genuine regret. "I came to check on the noise from earlier."
The two of them talked in low voices, but I could barely hear them from under the covers.
"Did you have a company?" Lily asked. "I couldn't help but notice an extra slipper here. If it's alright, I could prepare tea for your guests?"
My heart sank. I had forgotten to wear my slipper!
"No, it's not necessary," Lady Sakuya responded quickly.
"Once again, my apologies for the disturbance. Goodnight," Lily finally said, and I heard her footsteps recede.
I exhaled a sigh of relief as Lady Sakuya closed the door behind Lily.
"Thank you for covering for me, Lady Sakuya," I said, emerging from the covers. "If Lily found out, I'd be in for a stern lecture about breaking curfew."
A faint scent of lavender lingered in the air, a gentle reminder of Lady Sakuya's fondness for the fragrant flower. The room was impeccably organized, with every item placed in its proper position, reflecting Lady Sakuya's keen eye for detail and order. A luxurious chaise longue graced one corner, a testament to her taste for comfort and refinement.
On the bedside table, a crystal vase held a fresh bouquet of flowers, carefully arranged to exude grace and beauty. The fragrance of the flowers intermingled with the lavender, creating a delightful and soothing ambiance.
In the comfort of Lady Sakuya's room, I marveled at how beautifully it matched her personality. The bedsheet smelled like flowers, reminding me of Lady Sakuya herself. As I inhaled the pleasant aroma, I noticed Lady Sakuya's gaze on me. Feeling a little self-conscious, I immediately curled up within the same bedsheet.
-Chapter 22 End-