Ellora smoothed the pleats of her robe, moving with the ease of a dancer but the intention of one. "Mother," she said, her tone gentle but firm, "I brought tea. It came just yesterday from my village in Varelis."
She lifted the teapot, pouring the amber liquid into the dainty porcelain cup and then setting it in front of Lilian.
Lilian accepted it with a faint smile, though she let out a small sigh. "More tea? I've already had one cup this morning."
Despite her words, she brought the cup to her lips, taking a slow sip. "Ellora," she murmured, setting the cup down with a quiet clink, "I know why you're here."
Ellora paused before going on. "Mother, my parents are aging. As you are aware, it is only my sister and me. Their health has been deteriorating, and now they are concerned about what will become of my sister when they pass away."
Lilian's fingers brushed the edge of her teacup as she heard.
"I know I might be expecting too much," Ellora went on, speaking with caution, "but I had a question. Why could my sister not take the place of Lucien's wife instead?"
Lilian did not reply immediately. She let out a soft hum instead, her eyes wandering towards the window. The light of early morning sent long shadows across the floor, stretching between them like intangible threads of destiny.
Then, softly, she said:
A rose may desire to bloom without the thorn,
But it is the thorn that protects the rose from injury.
Ellora gazed at her, brows furrowing at the surprising words.
Lilian gazed back at her, her face tranquil but unyielding. "Some things, my dear, are not ours to choose. They are set before we can alter them."
Ellora dropped her eyes. She had known she would get this response, and yet, she had hoped for something else.
Lilian drained another sip of tea, then put the cup down firmly. "For now, you must go on with your work. And, Ellora..."
Ellora raised her head.
"Spend more time with Alden. The nation will require an heir."
Ellora's mouth was twisted into a small smile, one that didn't quite reach her eyes. "I comprehend, Mother."
She stood up, smoothing her robe before bowing. "May I take my leave?"
Lilian waved a hand. "Go."
Ellora moved away, heading for the door, her maid falling into step behind her. The soft patter of their footsteps sounded through the chamber before dying away into the corridors beyond.
Lilian remained silent for an extra moment, her fingertips gently drumming on the porcelain.
She didn't need to glance back to be certain Ellora departed with more burden than she'd entered with.
Lilian placed the teacup on the nightstand, its heat lost ages ago. After a deliberate intake of breath, she addressed the closest maid nearby, who held station near the chamber doors. "Summon the carriage," she directed. "I must away shortly."
The maid bobbed instantly. "In an instant, my lady."
As the Queen Dowager watched her servant rush away, she leaned back a little, her eyes narrowing in contemplation. The morning had barely started, but there was much to accomplish.
—
Meanwhile, in the stillness of Lucien's manor, Liora woke up.
An odd weight lodged in her chest as her eyes blinked open, adapting to the gentle light filtering through the drapes. She lay stock-still for an instant, allowing herself to acclimate to the strange silence.
Then, with great deliberation, she sat up.
The first thing she saw was that her veil had slipped off her head overnight, collecting on the bedding by her side.
The second was that the room was not touched.
Lucien had never arrived.
It was all just as it had been when she had come back, the bedding still smooth and in place, the pillows untouched. The extra blanket folded across the foot of the bed had not been disturbed. Even the candles at the far end of the room had burned down by themselves, dripping wax slowly onto the wooden supports.
There was no residual heat in the air, no indication anyone had come through.
He hadn't come in. At all.
Liora ran her fingertips lightly over the cloth of the veil next to her, her chest constricting.
Her mouth clamped tight as she lowered her hand gradually.
Liora sat at the bedside, her fingers trailing gently over the cool smoothness of her sleeve. The light from the morning crept in through the curtains, stretching long across the floor. The house was quiet, with only the soft chirping of birds in the distance outside.
She was okay as she at least got a good sleep; its been days since she slept like this.
As Lucien never arrived. That should have relieved her. No fight, no hurtful words, just quiet. It was for the best. These days were too much for her.
A light tap on the door snapped her out of thought. Before she could answer, the door quietly opened, and Mira and Lily entered.
Mira's smile greeted her as she drew near. "Good morning, madam."
Liora sat up, shaking off the residual embarrassment of waking up in a strange location. She looked at the two maids and forced a small smile. "Good morning. How are you both?"
Lily placed a tray of hot water and towels beside her, while Mira opened the wardrobe, picking out clothes for the day with care.
"We are well," Mira replied as she spread out a new robe for Liora. "Shall we prepare you?"
Liora nodded, and they started.
While seated in front of the mirror, Mira brushed her long, dark hair carefully, while Lily adjusted the folds of her robe. The brush strokes, soothing and rhythmic, anchored her in the present.
Next, Mira went to the vanity and came back with a tiny tray laden with dainty jewelry,golden bangles, pearl hairpins, and gemstone rings.
Liora blinked. "Where did these come from?"
Mira smiled, holding up a jade bracelet. "These were sent by the Queen Dowager. They are yours now, madam. A concubine must rest well and be adorned properly."
Liora hesitated, gazing at the ornaments.
The woman who had purchased her was also the one adorning her with jewels.
Her mouth curled into a weak smile, though she didn't know whether it was at amusement or resignation.
"I see."
When Mira and Lily had finished, Liora stood up, adjusting her robe.
"I'd like to walk around the estate," she said. "I arrived late last night...I haven't had the chance to see anything."
Mira and Lily exchanged glances before Mira nodded. "Of course, madam."
With careful steps, Liora ascended the stairs leading toward the open halls.
The estate was vast and unfamiliar, but today, she would begin to understand the place she now belonged to.