-Let's start with the very basics, - the woman said, looking sternly at me, - How do you address a person of lower social standing?
-Miss for an unmarried woman, misis for a married one, madam is universal, and mister for a man, - I confidently replied.
-And how do you address someone of higher class? - she inquired, tapping her fingernails on the sofa and waiting for my response.
-By title, it would be lady for a woman and lord for a man. If addressing someone of lower class to higher, it's Mrs. for a woman, Miss or mistress for unmarried, and master for a young boy. To members of the imperial family not associated with the throne or favorites, it's your highness. To the emperor, it's your majesty or your radiance, - I calmly explained.
-Excellent. Someone dared to call you uncultured, - the woman said, smiling, - Now, I'd like to discuss a topic you might not like. It's about ranks. Currently, you are at the second lowest possible rank for an unmarried woman of noble birth with a lost title. If you were to marry now, you would gain a title but still be half a step below your husband in the hierarchy.
-Oh, dreadful, - I remarked, and the woman smiled, observing my reaction.
-For a woman, the only method to have more rights is to become a widow or an orphan, - she continued.
-I know. My parents are dead, - I replied, my eyes downcast.
An awkward silence settled between us, and the woman, sitting across from me, brushed a strand of her hair that had started to gray. Breaking the silence, she coughed deeply, then sipped some tea from the cup in her hand. She looked at me with a slightly ambiguous expression. Encouraged by her example, I tried to imitate her movements but received an unexpected sting on my fingertip. Nearly dropping the teacup from the pain, I instinctively pulled my finger back. Oh, that hurt! I couldn't understand how she could be so harsh with me. What had my finger done to warrant such a reaction?
-Do not bend your finger that way; only unmarried or unengaged women may do so. You should extend your finger and bend the last phalange, - she said, demonstrating it to me, - Like this.
Time passed quickly, and after mastering the basics of this peculiar upper-class world, I left the room and returned to my chamber before lunch. He had been avoiding me, which stirred strange emotions within me. I couldn't quite comprehend what I felt for him. He had been the first to show kindness to me in years, the first not to judge me based on my father. His feigned indifference irritated me deeply. How could he be so distant? I felt jealousy creeping in.
On the table, there was a single book that I hadn't transformed into a storage chest for my belongings. Its bright red cover displayed the title "Amelie's Rose Garden." The book promised to be interesting. I had already begun to doubt my own words, claiming that this was all just for weak women who believed only in love and aimed to marry successfully, but here, it was not at all boring.
After lunch, it was time for me to learn how to ride in a lady's saddle. Before changing into a black riding habit with Nora's help, I put on a short fur coat and a small hat over my tightly gathered hair.
Despite the winter, the backyard was well-cleared, with no traces of snow or ice. I entered the stable and was surprised by the absence of any strong smell. There was only a faint, distinct aroma. When they brought out the horse, I was immediately taken aback by its peculiar saddle. Even with assistance, it was difficult for me to climb onto it, but I started moving forward.
-Don't be afraid; she's very calm. She won't throw you off, - the stableman said, keeping a close eye on me as I took my first steps on horseback.
-This is the kind of horse known as 'white in apples,' right? - I asked, trying to speed up, but the mare continued to walk at a leisurely pace.
-Yes, it is, -the stableman replied.
-It's such a beautiful name, - I said as I began to ride, gradually increasing the pace, making a turn, and then speeding up before finally stopping by the gate.
-You're doing well, - he said, taking the reins and calming the horse.
-Thank you, - I replied, going for another round and successfully completing it.
After the training, I returned to my room and changed back into my previous dress. I was now in the ballroom, which was absolutely breathtaking. It was adorned with gold and frescoes on the ceiling depicting divine scenes. Majestic white marble columns stood tall, supporting the room. Outside the large windows, snow was falling, creating a fairy-tale scene. Burgundy curtains, adorned with golden cords and tassels, were partially drawn, allowing the soft winter light to filter in. The floor was elegantly laid with a parquet pattern of intricate wooden designs. In the center of the room, there was a pristine white grand piano ready to produce enchanting musical notes. From a distant corner of the room, a man of mature age suddenly appeared, as if emerging from the instrument. His gray hair brushed his shoulders, and his eyes were hidden behind large spectacles. He was dressed in a brown suit reminiscent of times long past.
-Miss Calabrio, I presume? - he said, - I am Adrian's private chamberlain. He insisted I teach you to dance. Unfortunately, I'm too old to keep up with a lively young lady like you, so I will have to instruct you on dancing independently. What do you know?
-A bit of waltz and tango. Not much else, - I replied, a bit despondently. For some reason, I felt sadness creeping in from my lack of skill.
-Tango? My boy does love it, - he said.
-I apologize for asking, but who is he talking about? - I inquired nervously, rubbing my hand.
-I beg your pardon for my words about the lord. His father was an incredibly cruel man, and I always felt sorry for him and Lady Agatha. He was like a son I never had, - he continued, lowering his gaze sadly, -He chose a wife through selection and could never love the lord's mother.
-I understand, - I whispered, bowing slightly. Strangely, I began to understand him.
-Let's start, - he said, beckoning me to the center of the room.
He skillfully played the piano, creating a beautiful melody, while the metronome set the rhythm that slowly filled the room. Feeling the notes emanating from each key, I started to dance to the music. Memory took over my body, step by step, as I moved across the room, recreating familiar movements. It had been so long since I had danced like this. The last time was at my graduation party. Back then, I had only danced twice, but my choice of partner had not been wise. After an hour and a half, he was lying in a corner, drunk as a skunk.
-Excellent! Magnificent! - the man exclaimed, applauding enthusiastically, - You have a talent, a feeling, as if you weren't dancing alone.
-Thank you; you're flattering me, - I replied, sitting down in a small curtsy, before turning away from another round of applause. Standing in the doorway was Adrian, - How long have you been standing there?
-Long enough to appreciate you, Constance. And please, continue to grant my request, - he said, approaching me and kissing my hand, -Will you not deny me a dance?
-Of course, - I replied, and he took me by the waist.
-Begin, - he said, leading me into the dance.
We continued to spin, playing together, moving in harmony to the musical flow. Each step was synchronized, and the music transported us into its world. As the dance approached its end, he gently leaned me backward.
With a temporary numbness in my body, a new image appeared before my eyes. Unfamiliar faces materialized in front of me. I saw a beautiful woman, unmistakably the emperor's second wife, standing beside three men, their faces obscured in semi-darkness that dominated the room. Only the flickering of candles provided patchy light and shadows dancing on the walls.
-This darkness, it poisons, these demons howl, - she cried out, her eyes black, and I noticed myself covering my ears, -Igor!!! I have only one son left. I won't bring another child into this world. You said the poison would keep the truth hidden from everyone, but the emperor is searching for the killer. What did your necromancer do to me?
-Extrahos, Edaxar, Desperatis, and Iratus, - I heard, and a soft voice forced me to plug my ears.
I greedily gulped down the air in deep breaths, trying to calm my excited breathing. Adrian, with his hands, stroked my hair, offering comfort and relaxation. His touch helped soothe my nerves. The people around me looked on with obvious interest and concern, treating me as if I were a child in need of care and understanding. My voice was lost, unable to utter even the simplest words. With a sense of relief, I began to regain control of my body, shifting to the side of the couch, feeling that I was once again in control.
-The new empress is possessed by four demons: Extrahos, Edaxar, Desperatis, and Iratus, - I said as I rubbed my head and tried to sit up.
-I'm not sure why she needs them, -I continued? - Witches can make contracts with them, but she has no magic. Or maybe the demons can hide themselves. When we met her at one of the ceremonies, she behaved strangely, possessed by Iratus, who hates silver. She wouldn't touch anything made of it. She never entered the sanctuaries. I suspected a lot, but never plural possession, - he said. Even as he spoke, I could tell he wasn't too pleased with the situation.