Damn it.
My goals were unravelling before my eyes. If things continued as they were, my hopes of bringing Taeryn into the Rosamund estate as a manservant would be dashed. Madame Rosamund's mistrust of me was palpable, and it coiled around my plan like a tightening noose. Yet, despite the uncertainty, I was determined to make it work. I had to fulfil my end of our deal.
As Beatrice carefully brushed my hair, I couldn't suppress the deep furrow of frustration that marred my brow. When I had initially returned to my room, I found a new dress hanging in the closet, accompanied by matching gloves and heeled shoes placed neatly on my desk. What was so important that I needed to be dressed to such an extent?
"My lady, your hairpiece is secured," Beatrice said softly, stepping back to admire her work.
"Thank you, Beatrice," I replied, forcing calm into my voice as I stood and made my way toward the drawing room.
As I entered the drawing room, Madame Rosamund's voice greeted me with its usual coolness. "So, you've finally arrived, Mielle."
"Yes, Madame," I responded, bowing respectfully as the door swung open.
"You don't need to be so distant just because I've grounded you," Madame Rosamund said with an odd warmth in her voice, a jesting tone I rarely heard. "It truly breaks my heart. But hopefully, you'll learn something from this experience."
Distant? This was how I'd addressed her since childhood. Her sudden change in tone was unsettling. I glanced up, curious, and my eyes met those of a guest standing beside her. My heartbeat quickened.
"Pardon me, Grandmother," I began, quickly shifting my demeanour to be more amicable. "I didn't mean to seem so standoffish."
The guest was a man, seemingly my age, though his presence carried a weight far beyond his years. His white hair was strikingly out of place for someone so young, contrasting sharply with his hazel eyes. His hair was short, save for a thick rat-tail braid at the back, secured with a small, ornate pin. Despite his handsome features, there was a weariness about him, lines etched into his face as if burdened by years of experience.
Madame Rosamund stepped forward, her expression softer than usual. "Mielle, allow me to introduce Mathieu Levan. He is the third son of House Levan and an esteemed knight."
The name hit me like a jolt. House Levan was not the most powerful, but their ties to the Empress were significant, thanks to the Lady of the House, who was part of the Empress's inner circle. This was not just any introduction; it was a calculated move. The Madame's ambitions were far greater than I'd anticipated.
"Oh goodness, there's no need to be so shy," she said, pulling me into a hug that felt more like a trap than a comfort. As she held me close, she whispered in my ear, "In order to secure you an escort for the debutante ball, we had to align ourselves with the royal faction. The Empress has plans for everyone, Mielle. She has the power to recommend someone of notable status to accompany you, and such an endorsement would significantly elevate our family's standing."
I swallowed hard. So this was the result of her intermingling at the ladies club. Sure, the empress had plans for all, but that would only help if she had good intentions for the Rosamund household. I recall that the Rosamund family had power equivalent to a ducal house. I doubt the empress would allow us to attain such a position again under her control.
"But Grandmother…" I began, my voice faltering as I glanced over at Mathieu. His gaze met mine, unwavering and intense. There was something in those hazel eyes—an emotion I couldn't quite place. Curiosity? A subtle warning? Whatever it was, it sent a shiver down my spine.
"I understand, Grandmother," I finally managed, though my mind was spinning with the questions.
Madame Rosamund broke off the hug, her tone softening slightly as she continued, "Mathieu will be your escort. He is here to ensure that everything proceeds as planned."
I nodded, accepting the situation as it was. There was no turning back now. "I see," I said, forcing a polite smile as I curtsied. "I am Mielle von Rosamund, the paternal granddaughter of Justine von Rosamund."
"I hope the two of you will get along," Madame Rosamund added, her eyes flicking between us.
Mathieu's eyes lingered on me for a moment longer before he gave a brief nod of acknowledgement.
"Now, I must prepare for supper. Will you be joining us?" Madame Rosamund asked, turning her attention to Sir Matthieu.
"No, I'm afraid I must dine with my family," Mathieu replied. He speaks little, but when he does, his voice is deep.
"Of course, Sir Mathieu. Family obligations are paramount," Madame Rosamund said with a practiced smile. "Naturally, you are always welcome at our estate."
"Thank you, Madame," Mathieu responded, his face as impassive as ever.
With a brief but respectful bow, he turned and exited the room. I watched him leave, feeling as though his departure had drawn a curtain over the evening, sealing away its unspoken tensions and undercurrents.
The door clicked shut behind him, and Madame Rosamund turned to me, a subtle glimmer of amusement in her eyes. "What a quirky fellow, no?"
"Quite," I replied, still processing the interaction.
"He's suitable as an escort for now," she continued, her tone becoming more serious, "but do not get too close to him. I don't want any marriage rumours starting because of so-called 'good chemistry.'"
"Why not?" I asked, and my curiosity piqued. "He comes from a reputable house, and he's a knight. Surely, that makes him a decent match."
Madame Rosamund's expression darkened slightly, and she leaned in closer, her voice lowering. "He may be from a good house, and yes, he's a knight. But he's also a bastard."
My eyebrows shot up in surprise. "A commoner?"
"No," she replied, shaking her head. "He's of noble blood, but his mother is not the Madame of the house. Despite that, Madame still loves him very much. Or so the rumours say."
Madame Rosamund straightened, her expression softening but still firm. "Remember, Mielle, we must be strategic in our alliances. Mathieu is useful, but only to a point. Do not let sentiment cloud your judgement."
"Sentiment? He is only my escort," I replied, chuckling slightly. "When would I even have a chance to converse with him when he barely opens his lips?"
"Hmm, I suppose at our dinner party, two nights from now?" She responded, her voice laced with a hint of amusement.
"Dinner?" I echoed, caught off guard. This was the first I ever heard of this. Spending an entire evening in close quarters with that enigmatic knight was not ideal, to say the least. "With Sir Mathieu?"
Madame Rosamund nodded, her eyes sharp as she observed my reaction. "Yes, a small gathering. Just the family and a few select guests. It will be an opportunity for you to familiarise yourself with him—enough to ensure the appearance of a strong alliance, but nothing more." she said, lightly tapping my nose.
"But we're short on staff. We have only Beatrice and a few young maids," I pointed out.
"That's true, but we can always bring in some temporary help," she replied thoughtfully.
Oho. This was my chance! If I could persuade her to let me handle the hiring, I could bring Taeryn into the estate.
"Madame, allow me to take care of hiring the extra staff. That way, you can concentrate fully on the dinner preparations," I suggested. "I hardly know our guests well enough in order to prepare anything suitable to their tastes."
Madame Rosamund raised an eyebrow, her fingers pausing mid-air after the light tapped on my nose. "You? Take care of hiring the servants." Her tone held a note of surprise but also intrigue. "That's a rather unusual offer, Mielle. Are you certain you're up to the task?"
I kept my expression as composed as possible, careful not to reveal the excitement bubbling just beneath the surface. This was the opening I needed—the opportunity to bring Taeryn into the estate. If I could pull this off without raising suspicions, it would be a significant step toward achieving my goals.
"Absolutely, Madame," I said with a confident nod. "With the debutante ball approaching, I think it's time I took on more responsibilities within the household. It will be good practice for managing my own affairs in the future."
Madame Rosamund seemed to consider this for a moment, her sharp eyes studying me closely. I could almost feel her weighing the risks and calculating the benefits. After a few tense seconds, she gave a small, approving nod.
"Very well," she said slowly. "I'll entrust this task to you. But remember, you're still grounded; have one of the younger maids seek out the candidates for you."
"Of course," I replied, keeping my voice steady. "I'll ensure that only the most qualified candidates are chosen."
Her lips curled into a faint smile. "Good. I'll focus on the dinner preparations then. Don't disappoint me."
"I won't, Grandmother," I assured her, bowing slightly.