Annelie sat by the window of the meeting room with her eyes fixed on a world that seemed so far away and unreachable. The Harrington residence had always been grand, but to the girl, this place was nothing more than a gold-clad prison.
The glamour of luxury could not hide the fact that inside, she was caged, isolated from the noise that was never controlled. Ever since Anna, her sister ran away to continue her education at Aedec and took the social world of the Eldbourne region by storm, Lady Harrington has become very protective of her.
Every inch of what Annelie did was closely monitored, as if her mother could sense the situation repeating itself.
Outside the door, the sound of Lady Harrington's footsteps could be heard clearly reaching the room. Annelie once again took a deep breath. Knowing that an unwanted conversation was about to begin.
The door of the meeting room opened softly and Lady Harrington began to step in with a luxurious gown that symbolised the high status of their family.
"Annelie," Lady Harrington said, glancing at her daughter sitting by the window.
"What are you thinking about?"
Although her voice sounded flat, the suspicious tone was clearly felt. Annelie, who was still faithful to her daydreaming, reluctantly replied, "I was just looking out, Mother. Thinking about how life is out here." A long sigh was heard from Lady Harrington who had now taken the chair by the window and sat down. Looking at the reflection of her daughter who was quite charming.
"That's what worries me," she said. "I saw a look in your eyes that reminded me of the look Anna used to have. She too often looked out of the window and wished for freedom...until she ran away without me knowing." her voice began to tremble as she recalled the incident.
"What happened, then?" Continued Lady Harrington. "She ran away, breaking all the rules. Luckily, she ended up marrying the young man I had chosen. I never want a repeat of that, Annelie." Annelie's face started to turn away from the window and looked at her mother.
"But, Anna is happy. She found her own way, something that might not be found here."
"Happy? It's not like we have to keep dealing with all that kind of stuff." said Lady Harrington, who was beginning to stiffen. "Happiness does not always come from the freedom you desire. I hope you will not repeat your brother's mistakes."
Meanwhile, Lord Harrington sat at the far end of the room. Silent with a newspaper in his hand. Although not engaged in conversation, his breathing was clearly audible-rude, and heavy. A sign that his mind was far away from the past events that were beginning to haunt him.
Lord Harrington folded his newspaper after his gaze fell on one of the articles that was featuring an opinion on the Duke of Eldbourne. Then, his hand soon stretched out to reach for the cup of tea on his side table.
"Did you hear about Duke Eldbourne?" He murmured, breaking the silence. His voice was low and barely audible, even the tea in his hand had just quenched his thirst.
Lady Harrington turned her head, giving her husband a sharp look. "Of course I heard,"
"He's dying, isn't he? The entire aristocracy is talking about it. News about his heir is starting to appear in many places." Lady Harrington continued as she turned her body to look at her husband who had now put tea on the table.
Lord Harrington nodded, as if agreeing with that statement. However, his eyes traced the writing on the newspaper once more.
"Rumour has it that the heir is unclear. The whole community is asking who will fill his shoes. Some of them even go as far as to look into the Duke's past. Of course, he's always been clean on the surface."
Hearing that from her husband, Lady Harrington frowned. She was clearly not impressed with the public's speculation on the matter.
"Who else would be the heir but the Sainz family? They are the only family left and Sainz is indirectly his flesh and blood."
Lord Harrington was silent again, pressing his newspaper onto the table next to him. And once again, he said nothing. His heavy breathing was the only answer. Meanwhile, Lady Harrington continued in an increasingly stern voice.
"If the family heir is really from them, then we must make sure to stay on the right side. Our relationship with them could determine the future of the Harrington family."
Annelie, who was listening to all of this, remained silent, feeling that she had nothing to do with all of this. However, her mind began to drift. Duke Eldbourne's name was always heard among the aristocracy.
But, it all came back to Annelie who rarely cared about her surroundings. However, now with her mother constantly controlling her every move, this topic felt like a warning signal. As if everything that happens out there could have an impact on her life here.
Meanwhile, Lord Harrington remained faithfully staring at his newspaper with a blank look. "The Sainz family..." he muttered, sounding quite heavy. "I'm not sure they're that nice, let alone the big scandal they had a few years ago."
"I never said they were good, but they are the choice we have. Who else is left to be Eldbourne's heir if not them?" Said Lady Harrington who immediately responded to that.
"True, but you know what they do, what they hide behind that big name," Lord Harrington's statement involuntarily made himself sigh.
"Their family business may be legal on paper, but as everyone knows, there's more to it than that." he continued which unknowingly made Lady Harrington reply quickly, "Yes, I know."
"But that's why we need to maintain good relations with them. Our family can no longer afford to lose influence after everything that happened with Anna. We need to make sure we stay in a strong circle."
Lady Harrington's words hung in the air as Annelie subconsciously began to process the conversation that she could not understand. The name mentioned, Sainz. The Sainz family? It sounded quite familiar to the girl. However, she was instantly awakened to the memory of a familiar person.
Isabel Sainz, Anna's best friend.
"Mother, Father..." Annelie finally said, a voice that sounded a little shaky but was masked by her efforts to be calm.
"I think I'd like to go back to my room." Lady Harrington looked at her carefully, as if searching for any suspicious signs.
"Are you done daydreaming, Annelie?" She asked quite considerately though she did not leave a cold impression. Annelie nodded and started to get up from her seat with slow movements.
"I just feel tired."
Lady Harrington narrowed her eyes, as if in doubt, though ended up with a slow nod of her head and said, "Alright, go rest. Don't think too much about unimportant things," then, she glanced at her husband. "I'll check a few more things before the night gets too late."
The atmosphere in the Harrington residence began to subside as the night wore on. Lady Harrington escorted Annelie to her room before, the girl actually sat on the side of her bed, wearing a softly coloured silk nightgown.
Next to her, Lady Harrington was sitting while tidying up the blanket, to make sure everything looked perfect before she left her daughter's room. Tonight, Lady Harrington's face seemed much softer than before, perhaps the relief that there was nothing suspicious about what happened today was strengthening her feelings.
"I don't want you to think of anything that might disturb your sleep, Annelie," Lady Harrington said softly despite her obvious firmness.
"Get enough sleep and don't make me worry."
Annelie nodded slowly, but in her heart she already felt that it was not something she could comply with. However, a faint smile of relief crossed her mother's face.
"Sure, Mother. I'm going to sleep now."
Lady Harrington looked on for a few more seconds, then stood up, sighed, and started to walk towards the door of the room. Before the door was completely closed, she looked at her daughter once more. As if to regain the relief that she would always get.
"Good night, Annelie." said Lady Harrington. With a slightly trembling tone of masked anxiety, Annelie could only reply softly, "Good night, Mother."
After the door to the room closed and Lady Harrington's shuffling subsided, Annelie took a deep breath. The whole room was submerged in the heavy silence of the night. But that night, her eyes stayed awake and that whirling mind had a strong desire that she could no longer resist. Perhaps, it was time.
When the ticking of the clock showed the peak of darkness, Annelie threw off the blanket and slowly got up from her bed. Her steps were light, barely audible as she tried to open the door to the room carefully. Making sure no one was awake. With enough courage, she started down the dark corridor towards her nanny Tina's room which was located in the quieter part of the residence.
Once the small steps were there, Annelie stood in front of the door, looking around once more just to make sure everything was safe. Then, she gently shook the door to Tina's room-once, twice, until it opened.
"Ms Annelie? Is there anything you need in the middle of the night like this?" Despite sounding sleepy, Tina couldn't keep her surprise at the door. Before she opened it slightly to get a sense of reality and looked at Annelie with confusion.
"Tina, I have to go out tonight," Annelie said in a whispered voice and full of conviction, however, the trembling lips still remained visible. "Please help me."
Tina who was shocked by the sentence, made her eyes round in disbelief. "No way, Ms Annelie! This is too risky. What if Lady Harrington or Lord Harrington finds out, we'll both be in big trouble."
Annelie tried to take Tina's hand gently, as if she would not give up on this situation. "Tina, I just want to go out for a while. I promise, we won't go far. I just want to get some fresh air at night. You'll keep me company and keep me safe anyway. Isn't that right?"
Tina shook her head and looked absolutely terrified. "If they know... they'll know! I can't just let you out."
Annelie could never submit to that fact. She brought her face closer, her voice now softer. "Tina, I feel trapped here. I just want to feel alive again. You can come with me, we won't go far, just to the neighbourhood of Eldbourne. No one will know, I promise."
After a few moments filled only with the contents of each other's minds that led to silence, Tina finally let out a long sigh to restart the conversation.
"Alright," she said quietly, though the sense of doubt never left her. "But, you must keep your word. Not far and not long."
Hearing that naturally made Annelie smile with relief and press Tina's hand gratefully. "I promise, Tina. Thank you."
Tina got ready, putting on her coat with nimble movements before the two of them moved cautiously to sneak out of the room towards the back door of the kitchen area which was safe enough for a discreet exit.
The darkness of night finally greeted them after a few steps away from the Harrington residence. The path stretched out in front of them, the thin blanket of fog tonight so noticeable as to bring Annelie's every step to a small rebellion. One step closer to the freedom she had longed for.
The reflection of the moon along the road they were travelling on seemed to faithfully walk with them in the darkness of the increasingly silent night. Although in Tina's heart, there was still a feeling of fear that they could be discovered right now. Annelie, however, was calm. For her, every step was the new breath she had been yearning for.
After walking for some time, they finally arrived in front of the city library. The old building still stood firmly, but the silence in the dim night was palpable outside. The entrance was adorned with various intricate carvings that showed a long history. Oil lamps also provided a warm glow.
Annelie paused for a moment, staring at the library before turning to Tina who was standing beside her. "Tina, I'm going inside. There are some books I'd like to borrow." however, those words suddenly made Tina look at her in surprise.
"At this hour? Isn't the library closed already?" Tina asked.
"This library is exclusively for the nobility at night. We can enter anytime with the permission I have. Besides, I know the guards. They'll let me in." said Annelie trying to explain something that wasn't entirely true.
Although Annelie continued to give an understanding smile, Tina seemed hesitant and uncomfortable with this situation that she found unclear.
"But why does it have to be the middle of the night? You can come tomorrow morning..." Tina still stopped at nothing to get them away from the darkness of the night. Although Annelie still hoped that there would be some achievement from her plan tonight.
"Tina, do me a favour. I just want to enjoy some time alone in the many books I've been wanting to read. Trust me, I'll be fine." Annelie hoped to reassure Tina with that gentle yet determined look.
Tina came to an end that Annelie was satisfied with. When Tina let out a long sigh, Annelie knew that the woman had turned away to trust the assurance of Annelie's words.
"Alright, do I need to come in?" Tina's question made Annelie reject it spontaneously. "No need,"
"I mean, you can wait here. I won't be long." Although it sounded awkward, Tina could only believe it.
"Okay, I'll wait here. Don't take too long, Ms..." Tina's words made Annelie nod gratefully. Gently, Annelie patted the back of Tina's hand and replied, "I promise, it won't be long." an attempt at reassurance once again.
Without further words, Annelie walked towards the library door. She turned her head once more before entering the building, as if to make sure Tina was in her place. Of course, Annelie still saw Tina standing by the gate, though she had a worried look on her face in the shadows of the trees surrounding the library.
As Annelie started to enter the gate, the library greeted her with a silence that was only broken by the sound of her footsteps on the wooden floor. The air inside the room also felt warmer with the scent of old books and candles burning in some corners of the room.
Annelie was quite taken aback by the glamour of the tall shelves filled with books from floor to ceiling, standing majestically throughout the library. It seemed to bring a calming atmosphere amidst its splendour.
Annelie made her way carefully through the hallways of the library, but of course her goal was not just to borrow books.
Her calmness in stepping deeper made her notice a large table in the corner, sitting a middle aged man she knew well-Sir Ethan, a caretaker of the library and the holder of the secret behind the library's night door. The man's eyes immediately caught the movement of Annelie who was now smiling at Sir Ethan's demeanour that had never been different since the before. Always wearing a neat black shirt and being formal, always polite.
Annelie stepped closer as she opened the flap of her coat to stare at her interlocutor. "Good evening.." greeted Annelie in a soft voice.
Sir Ethan returned her smile and replied, "Good evening, Ms Harrington,"
"It's been a long time since I've seen you, I remember you being as small as your sister's shoulders back then. Now you look much more mature." Sir Ethan said, which unconsciously made the old memory linger in Annelie's mind.
"Lady Addresskey has told me that her sister might be coming. Please come in. You know the way." said Sir Ethan as if he already knew the direction where Annelie was going. Annelie nodded.
"Thank you." the girl replied before stepping towards the door in the corner of the room.
However, tonight felt quite different. Upon entering the usually quiet room, Annelie immediately realised there were more people than usual. Not just any people, but women from all walks of life-all dressed in elegant yet demure gowns. They seemed to be chatting in small groups along the bookshelves.
Annelie furrowed her brows even more when there were so many women in the library. As she remembered, a few years ago, this room was only filled with a few people who came. However, time had taken up so much space that tonight seemed more crowded than she expected.
However, Annelie didn't think too much about that. The important thing right now was that she had come to look for Isabel. She hadn't seen her since Anna got married and tonight was something to look forward to.
Once again, Annelie endeavoured to look around her, her body combing through the crowd. Her slowing walk continued between the shelves as she wondered if she should ask one of the people there about Isabel's whereabouts... However, before she could ask, a soft voice sounded from behind her.
"Annelie?"
Suddenly Annelie turned around and in front of her stood a light brown-haired woman with a touch of sharp eyes full of warmth. Isabel smiled, recognising Annelie from a distance.
"I almost can't believe you're actually coming." Isabel said with a small chuckle punctuating her sentence.
Annelie smiled widely in response to her having found Isabel. "Isabell," she replied in a warm tone, an immediate sense of relief washing over her.
"I was looking for you. It's been a long time." Annelie continued.
Isabel nodded in agreement, still smiling she replied, "Yes, it's been so long. I almost forgot that you are the sister of Anna, my best friend." She chuckled again, her eyes radiating joy at this unexpected encounter.
"Anna always told me about you and I've been wanting to see you again for a long time."
Annelie felt her heart grow fonder hearing that. She felt that tonight, in a library full of stories, she not only found beauty in the fragrant smell of books, but something more important.
Isabel looked at Annelie with a sudden curiosity in her eyes. The two of them began to walk slowly, past the rows of bookshelves filled with dusty old literature.
"How did you get out in the middle of the night?" Isabel asked with slightly raised eyebrows.
"I heard rumours that Lady Harrington was very strict with you after Anna's escape. I didn't expect you to escape without her knowledge." Isabel continued. Annelie smiled faintly as if hiding a deeper truth.
"I'm just going out for a bit. You know, she does keep a close eye on things, but tonight...I need a little fresh air and maybe a little adventure." Annelie's eyes lit up, even though she felt that tonight was full of great risk behind the feeling of freedom.
Isabel chuckled at that reply as she shook her head.
"You're braver than I thought. Maybe that's why we're friends." Isabel's remark elicited laughter among them but, suddenly, stopped and glanced at the other group of women still talking in the corner of the library.
"Did Anna tell you about this community? This community is different from what you might imagine," Isabel said in a lower voice, as if to send a signal.
"It's not just an ordinary women's club." Isabel's continuation raised many questions for Annelie, "What do you mean?"
Annelie didn't remember Anna ever explaining this association before, she only remembered being invited here just to play a lot of games. And it seemed like that culture had never changed until now. Annelie's consciousness immediately picked up on the number of women using this room as an escape.
"Here, we can express many things that only men usually do-gambling, drinking, and playing. There are no restrictions while we're here, Annelie. You'd be surprised how nice it is to feel the freedom that has been taken away from us."
Hearing that explanation, Annelie's eyes opened wide. Something inside her was touched. She had always longed for freedom and now she saw that there was a place where she could escape the clutches of the oppressive noble life. Isabel looked at Annelie with a mysterious smile, as if thinking of something interesting.
After a moment of silence, she said, "Annelie, do you know about the city festival that will take place next week?"
"Festival? I haven't heard about that. What's going on there?" Asked Annelie who was filled with momentary confusion.
Isabel smiled wider, her eyes sparkling. "Every season, Eldbourne holds a massive festival to celebrate some event. From the harvest season to the glory of the city. It is one of the biggest events in the country and everyone, both nobles and commoners, come to celebrate. There were parades, musical performances, dances, and even huge fireworks."
"Wow, really?" Asked Annelie who was starting to imagine how cool it would be. "How come I've never heard of this before?"
Isabel shrugged with a chuckle, "Probably because Lady Harrington is too busy watching your every move. We're all leaving tomorrow night and I'd like you to come along. Who knows, you might find a grain of gold in the middle of the desert..."
Annelie felt a growing sense of curiosity and freedom growing inside her. The festival sounded like the perfect opportunity to experience the outside world without fear and she was eager to know what life was like outside the walls of family restraints.
"Sounds fun," Annelie said, her voice filled with an enthusiasm she couldn't hide. "How can we meet there?"
"Next week, at sunset, we will gather at the west gate of the town square. From there, we can leave together. Believe me, Annelie, you will not regret this."
Annelie smiled, despite her deep doubts. The thought of the festival made her feel more alive than ever. However, the realization that running away at night like tonight was not an easy thing, let alone for a festival that took place in the city. How could she go out without Lady Harrington, who was always watching her?
Isabel, who seemed to be able to read the change in Annelie's face, furrowed her brows. "What are you thinking about? There's something bothering your mind."
Annelie looked at Isabel with a slow breath. "I was just thinking...can I do it? They're so strict and I'm already out tonight. I'm not sure they'll let me go to the festival. I guess I'll have to find a way to escape again tomorrow night."
Isabel shook her head and smiled gently. "Annelie, maybe you don't need to run away this time. Have you ever tried asking Lady Harrington directly? Who knows, she might give you permission if you explain yourself well."
Annelie frowned, a little surprised at the suggestion. "Asking in person? I never thought he would allow me to attend the event."
"You wouldn't know if you hadn't tried it. Lady Harrington is strict, but she's also your mother. If you're honest and show that you really want to go, she might see that this is something important to you. After all, this festival is a big event and many noble families will be attending. It's possible that she might feel more comfortable if you go with official supervision, rather than you secretly running away." Isabel explained as she placed her hand gently on Annelie's shoulder.
Annelie was silent for a moment, contemplating Isabel's words with full awareness. Part of her wanted to believe that Lady Harrington would grant permission, but the fear of rejection made her hesitate.
"You're right," Annelie replied in a low voice, "Maybe I should try it. If I keep running away like this, I'll only live in fear. If I want to taste freedom, maybe the first step is to dare to ask."
Isabel smiled proudly at the decision. "I'll still wait for you at the gate at sunset. If she doesn't give permission, I'll think of other ways to help, but we'll start with a quieter approach first."
Annelie felt a little more relieved at Isabel's suggestion. She knew it would not be an easy task, but perhaps there was a small chance of getting the freedom she wanted without having to run away secretly.
"Thank you, Isabel." Annelie said with a smile.
"I'm sure everything will be fine." replied Isabel excitedly. It was getting late when they finally parted ways after leaving the library.
The cold air greeted Isabel as she stepped outside, but her mind was still filled with the conversation with Annelie. The upcoming festival sounded like it promised excitement and the lingering anxiety in her heart.
Arriving at the Sainz residence, a mansion with classical architecture, Isabel is greeted by a familiar silence. However, when she stepped into the meeting room, her surprise immediately came to see Ledger sitting on a chair with his son-William, who was now cheating on Ledger's lap. The boy seemed to be having trouble sleeping, his eyes still open despite looking tired.
Ledger turned his head when he heard Isabel's footsteps approaching.
"You're coming home late again." he said in a calm yet firm tone, his eyes sharp as ever. Although his tone was soft, there was a vigilance that always radiated from him, like a protector who never let his guard down. Isabel smiled a little, trying to hide her sudden anxiety.
"William can't sleep?" Asked Isabel trying to divert attention for a moment towards her nephew.
Ledger nodded while patting his son's back gently. "Yes, he's a bit cranky tonight, probably because of the cold weather." After that, Ledger looked back at Isabel more seriously. "You're from the library again?"
Isabel sat on the chair opposite her brother, removed the scarf wrapped around her neck and replied, "You don't need to ask if you already know everything."
"I guess, you met the lady in the golden shell." Ledger's sudden statement with a faint hint of a smile behind his words.
The suddenly tense Isabel knew exactly who Ledger was referring to and she didn't like the way the young man was talking about Annelie. Her face hardened visibly, but she kept her tone of voice restrained.
"Stop calling her that cheap name." Isabel said sharply, remembering the nicknames people often threw at Annelie in the noble gossip magazines.
Ledger, who laughed softly at the tightness, "Hahaha alright. I was just joking. But I'm serious. I think Annelie can be one of us." Ledger said.
"Don't act weird, Ledger." Isabel said after rolling her eyes, as if trying to contain her irritation. She wanted to end this conversation that felt like a trap.
"No-no, listen to me first." said Ledger, his hand still gently patting William's back. "You know...soon Annelie will make her debut. And that beautiful face of hers would be a shame if it wasn't painted to be a display in the frame of Eldbourne Castle." Ledger said in a half-joking and serious tone.
The conversation left Isabel speechless for a moment. There was something behind Ledger's words, like a plan that had not been fully revealed. However, Isabel chose not to respond further. She stood up slowly, tidying her scarf before walking out of the room.
"I'm going to bed. Good night." she said briefly, without turning her head.
Ledger only smiled faintly at Isabel until his sister completely disappeared from his sight. In his heart, he was sure that Isabel understood the meaning of their conversation that night, that Annelie was not only a beautiful girl, but also an opportunity.
Ledger started to stand up from his seat and walked slowly towards William's room who had now started to fall asleep in his arms. It didn't take long to arrive at William's room, Ledger carefully laid William down on the small bed surrounded by soft curtains.
Ledger gently rubbed William's head, his normally stern face now seemingly softening for a moment.
"Sleep well, William. I will always look after you." Ledger whispered before closing the curtains with the bed.
As Ledger exited the room and closed the door slowly, he found Ricardo standing in the hallway with a tense expression.
"What's wrong?" Asked Ledger in a low but authoritative tone.
Ricardo stepped forward, his expression full of anxiety to say, "Sir, there's a problem. A syndicate from the other side of the country has begun to come from across Krouk. They claim the territory as their own."
Ledger frowned, his body that was tense from hearing the news suddenly responded when a name came to mind.
"You mean the eyeless Alistair?" Asked Ledger with his voice rising slightly. The name brought bitter memories and anger that he found hard to hide.
"Correct, sir," Ricardo replied, nodding. "They are beginning to move around Krouk. Even many of our outposts there have fallen and we heard all this from the few who survived."
Ledger's face hardened, his cold gaze uncontrollable and full of determination. "How can that be? Aren't there a lot of our men standing guard over there?"
"We don't know how they managed to sneak in, sir. But they moved quickly and their attack was highly organised. Our remaining men reported that Alistair himself led this movement." Ricardo said after looking down as if feeling guilty about the situation.
Ledger clenched his hands tightly. Past events began to loom over him that made his name always associated with Alistair. The syndicate leader, known as Alistair without eyes, is a man who never wants to know or care about the consequences of his actions. He takes whatever he wants without considering who his victims are. Ledger knows this more than anyone, as Alistair is the man responsible for the death of their parents.
"Get some of our best men ready," Ledger ordered firmly. "We have to check the news directly, secretly."
Ricardo looked doubtful for a moment, "Sir, what if this is a trap? Besides, won't the others get suspicious?"
Ledger let out a long breath, trying to calm his anger before replying, "Don't let them know. I don't want them to panic, especially Isabel and Josep. They have their own responsibilities and I won't let the past haunt them like this."
Ricardo nodded. "Yes, sir. I will prepare the others."
However, before Ricardo left, Ledger added in a lower voice. "And one more thing," Ricardo paused for a moment, realising the order.
"Don't forget to send this news to uncle. Duke Eldbourne must know about it. If Alistair makes a move, it's not just a threat to us. He could threaten the entire region." Ledger continued to let Ricardo rush out of the hallway to carry out the order after nodding once more.
In fact, Ledger not only wanted to ensure the safety of his family, but also warned his uncle to be prepared for his next plan.