Eris walked down the corridor leading to the garden, the soft rustle of her gown brushing against the marble floor echoing faintly in the stillness. Rosalyn's words replayed in her mind, like a haunting melody she couldn't escape. She was well aware of Rosalyn's ambition, veiled though it was beneath an air of indifference. Despite her casual demeanor—pretending to drift with the tide—Eris knew better. Rosalyn was the eldest of the count's children, and she saw the title of Countess as her birthright.
Now, with Theon's return imminent, Rosalyn must have been feeling the pressure. Father could very well decide to hand over governance of the southern region to Theon, despite Rosalyn having managed it capably for the past three years.
Eris paused as she reached the greenhouse. The delicate fragrance of blooming flowers filled the air, mingling with the warmth of sunlight filtering through the glass. A butterfly with silver and red wings fluttered gracefully before landing on her outstretched finger. She studied it, her golden eyes contemplative.
Desperation. That was what she had sensed in Rosalyn. And desperation could be exploited. If Rosalyn was serious about an alliance, Eris could wield it to her advantage. Rosa rarely made promises, but when she did, she kept them. Perhaps that was worth considering.
"I don't want him anymore," Eris murmured, her voice soft but laced with venom. "I want to see him bleed."
"My lady." A maid's voice interrupted her thoughts. Eris turned slightly, her gaze settling on the young woman with brown hair and freckles who stood bowing deeply. "The count and countess are requesting your presence in the study."
Eris lifted her chin, her expression unreadable as she gently released the butterfly. It flitted away, a fragile splash of color against the vibrant green of the garden.
"Very well," she said, her voice calm yet firm. Without another glance at the greenhouse, she swept past the maid, heading back toward the house.
She pushed open the door to the study and curtsied gracefully. "Mother, Father. You called?"
Her golden gaze swept over the room, noting the presence of a man she did not recognize. He sat opposite the count and countess, his posture relaxed but exuding an air of authority. His silver-streaked hair and piercing blue eyes gave him an imposing presence.
"It's as you said, Lord Ashcroft," the man remarked, his gaze trailing over her. "She is a beauty." His eyes lingered on her carefully styled hair, the soft baby hairs framing her face, and her vivid gold eyes that shimmered like molten metal. His scrutiny moved down to her light pink lips, her slender neck, and the black gown that hugged her figure. "It's no wonder Lord Loxley was so infatuated."
Eris stiffened at the comment, her composure faltering ever so slightly as her gaze flicked to the count and countess. Her mother wore a faint, mocking smile that only deepened her unease.
"Eris, dear," Lady Harriet said, her voice laced with false sweetness. "Your father and I wanted to introduce you to Lord York. We think it would do you good to get to know each other. Especially after the... incident with Lord Loxley."
Eris's golden eyes hardened, though her expression remained poised. "A pleasure, Lord York," she said evenly, offering another curtsy. Her tone was polite, but there was an undeniable edge to it.
Lord York chuckled, a deep, rumbling sound. "The pleasure is mine, Lady Eris. I must say, your reputation precedes you."
She straightened, her hands clasped tightly in front of her. "I wasn't aware I had a reputation."
"Indeed," he replied, a gleam of amusement in his eyes. "But perhaps that is a conversation for another time."
The count interjected, his tone brisk. "Eris, Lord York has expressed an interest in forming a partnership. Given recent events, we believe it would be a beneficial match."
Eris felt her stomach churn, though her face betrayed nothing. "I see," she said coolly. "If you'll excuse me, I'll need some time to consider."
Lady Harriet's smile sharpened. "Of course, dear. But do not keep Lord York waiting too long."
With a final curtsy, Eris turned and left the study. Her mind churned with thoughts, each more bitter than the last. As she walked back toward her quarters, the weight of her family's machinations pressed heavily on her shoulders.