He sat up straight in a hurry and looked at the governess then around him, he was still in his study and the time, Alexus felt apprehension rise to his throat. It was twelve minutes past four, his gaze locked on the clock till he was shaken forcefully to focus on her.
He stared at cool and mysterious purple eyes, a worried pinch in her brow, coloured lips called out to him. ' What's wrong? Say something!'
A shiver crawled up his spine and he finally felt the present. He looked at his governess properly, she had her large as life hat on and she was wrapped in layers of a ball gown, her hair curled and flared out around her figure the moonlight always seemed to make her presence glow and Alexus felt peace returning to his troubled countenance.
'Sorry, I think I had a bad dream.' He cleaned the crusts around his eyes and sleep was not appealing anymore.
The governess brows still held their crease. 'It might not be just that.'
Her voice was deep and sweet, naturally even when it wasn't intended, she sounded seductive and suggestive, they carried notes of worry and concern along with her eyes scanning every pore of Alexus searching for anything wrong. Her hands rested on his cheeks stroking them gently.
'I was heading out when I felt it, a heavy presence in the house, but now that I'm here it's gone. Tell me, what did you dream of?'
Alexus thought about it and could feel his right hand itch, it had been the one to pick the brooch up. He considered that he needed to recover before giving any explanations. 'You still have somewhere to go, when you get back I'll tell you everything I know.'
He held her gloved wrist and tenderly stroked her worries away. 'Alright.'
A kiss landed on his forehead and he felt warmth return to his system, he sighed softly in relief. During that high she had left and all he saw last was the rest of her hat moving out the door.
He leaned back on the chair and stared at the ceiling, he wouldn't be able to go back to sleep anymore a chuckle climbed up his throat, it was pathetic to have had such a nightmare, the tingle in his right palm still unnerved him. There was much to be done, not just research but domestic affairs documents to go through too, but he didn't feel like getting back to reading, he made up his mind and headed out the study to his room the wall mirage shook to let him through.
While walking down the corridors he considered that he'd tell Winry to leave some lanterns on at night, the place was too dark for his present mood. In front of the bedroom he considered putting a lock but he reconsidered, although the governess said the presence was gone if it came back and was lurking around the house and could penetrate his dreams the last thing he needed was to be locked in the room alone with it.
While considering the pros and cons, he felt a presence come near, the air around crackled with energy Alexus was ready to strike at any moment but paused when the figure gasped and stopped in their tracks. He calmed down and could feel how familiar the presence was. It was a maid.
She quickly lit the lantern in her hand and raised it to her face so he could see her better.
'Anne.' He breathed out in relief but irritation clawed at him immediately.
'And just what do you think you're doing walking around like that? At least keep the damn lantern on.'
Anne bowed slightly and shuffled her legs. 'I'm sorry young master, it's time for me to start the chores and I didn't think I'd need the light to move around in the manor.'
Alexus understood that Elves were well attuned to the dark, they could sense sounds and pneuma better but still don't have advanced night vision she'd still need light to work better.
'Don't do that again.' He dropped the matter and opened the door to his chambers.
'Wo— would you like so— some tea young master? I know a good blend that'll relax you.' Anne huffed her words, blushing to the tips of her ears. She revered the amateur count, after experiencing various working environments she couldn't be anymore grateful for how easy the young master made it to serve him.
Alexus thought it over and agreed, he'd add a little sedative from his vial to the tea too.
Quietly, she led the way to the kitchen. Her heart doing little flips at how close the count was, so close she could feel the jacket hung on his arm brush her hands.