Mikael's mind spun in circles from the day before yesterday's confrontation. He could not shake off the feeling that his life had taken an unchangeable course and was dragged along a path he could not evade.
All of this was because he loved his sister and valued his family's honor. The Marquess accused him of not treating commitments with indifference, but it was ironic since the Marquess hardly knew Mikael well enough to make a statement like that.
As his mind kept running back to the Marquess, his anger simmered. Day after day, the Marquess reminders were everywhere.
At the bath, as he gazed at his reflection in the mirror, the marks were still on his skin. As he tried to walk, there was still soreness between his legs. With tight teeth and a wrinkled brow, Mikael wrestled as the Marquess invaded his thoughts.
He let out a deep sigh, shifting his attention to the window, his eyes fixed on the curtains that danced in the breeze. He couldn't help but wonder where that spoiled twin sister of his was at that moment.
The days seemed void of meaning lately without his twin sister, the quietness almost suffocating. As his thoughts swirled, he wandered to the family business matters consuming him.
A frown creased his forehead as he recognized the consequence: if he were to accompany Nicolaus and leave the capital, who would oversee the Steele family's affairs?
Mikael's fingers clenched the edge of the blanket, frustration seeping into his features. He couldn't just abandon their businesses.
He had to send a letter to Mister Remus detailing the situation and leaving things to manage in his absence, at least until he arrived at the Marquess' territory, Odelle City.
Then, the door creaked open as he was about to call for Beth to fetch ink and paper, and Secretary Cade walked in.
"Marchioness," Secretary Cade's voice was respectful as he approached.
Mikael was still adjusting to the title. Every servant addressed him as 'Marchioness,' and referred to him as 'my lady.' The sensation was utterly unfamiliar, and it left him feeling strangely disoriented. Well, it was kind of predictable, considering he was all dolled up as a woman.
"There's someone outside who's been asking to meet with you. He seemed… quite insistent," Secretary Cade expressed.
Mikael's eyebrows furrowed, not expecting any visitors at a time like this. "Who is it?"
Secretary Cade hesitated briefly before answering, "It's a gentleman who identified himself as Talon."
Startled, Mikael shot upright in his bed, eyes widening as he heard his name. Despite the lingering discomfort, the doctor's medicine worked well, speeding up his recovery.
Filled with enthusiasm, Mikael attempted to move quickly, almost stumbling in the process. A wince of pain crossed his face, and he was about to fall off. Luckily, Beth was nearby to lend a helping hand.
Struggling but determined, Mikael inquired, "Wh, Where is he?" He leaned on Beth for support as he stood and took hesitant steps forward.
...
Mikael shed his nightgown and dressed up in layers of fabric and a corset. He made sure to select a dress that would conceal all the marks on his neck, especially his nape. Luckily, he found a suitable one with a long neck and sleeves among his twin sister's dresses that he had brought along.
As Beth adjusted the wig atop his head, he caught a glimpse of his reflection in the mirror, the image of his sister staring back at him.
Once his transformation was complete, he left the master bedroom with Secretary Cade guiding him toward the designated guest area through the manor's corridors.
At last, they reached the guest area, and Secretary Cade indicated a secluded spot where Mikael and Talon could converse privately. Secretary Cade excused himself with a respectful nod, leaving Mikael alone in front of the room.
Mikael opened the door, and it creaked loudly. The noise caught Talon's attention; he was already looking at Mikael by the time the sound filled the room.
"Talon," Mikael's voice held warmth as he addressed his friend.
Talon's gaze locked onto Mikael as the door creaked open, his attention fully captured by the sight of his friend. His features shifted subtly, with genuine delight playing across his face.
"Take a seat," Mikael offered.
As his voice resonated in the room, Talon regained his composure. With a nod, he acknowledged and complied.
"Why did you come here?" Mikael inquired, his surprise evident as he wondered why Talon had knocked on the Marquess's door, a place he'd never imagined seeing him.
Talon flashed a playful grin. "Aren't you happy to see me?" he bantered, his eyes holding a glint of sadness, although it seemed like he was feigning it. He even held his arms wide, asking for a hug.
"Don't joke like that," Mikael responded, signaling Beth to bring some refreshments. "What if someone hears?"
Talon raised an eyebrow. "What's weird about it?" he asked, dejectedly lowering his arms.
"Everyone around here sees me as a married woman. I'd rather avoid any confusion," Mikael explained, worrying. He didn't want anyone to think that the Marchioness was getting too close to a single man, potentially raising suspicions of infidelity.
"But you're not really married," Talon pointed out, aware that Mikael had only played the role of his twin sister.
Beth's footsteps receded as she left, and the door shut with a soft click. As soon as she left, the room fell quiet.
Mikael picked up the thread of conversation to break the silence. He leaned again, resuming, "Didn't I tell you I still need to have that conversation with the Marquess?"
"It's been three days already." Talon shifted slightly, seemingly starting to sulk a bit as he crossed his arms over his chest. "I can't keep waiting, especially when I know you're heading out of the capital tomorrow," he remarked.
"Who told you that, and where did you hear it?" Mikael questioned.
Talon shrugged his shoulders. "Just got it from some tipsy guard at the inn, the one working for the Marquess."
His words hung in the air, creating a pause in the guest area. Just then, Beth came in pushing a wheeled cart, and the stillness was filled only by the faint clinking of refreshments being set on the coffee table between the couches.
"So, how have you been?" Talon inquired, curious about Mikael after the head butler had mentioned that he wasn't feeling great.
Mikael looked embarrassed, clearly not eager to talk about it. How could he tell his friend he got caught on his wedding night?
He knew if he started, more questions about what happened and how he got caught would come up in the conversation. He couldn't muster the courage to confess that he had spent the night with the Marquess. Or even confess he was now bond with him.
"Mikael?" Talon's face painted concern.