Morning sunlight streamed through the grand windows of Lady Althea's private study, casting golden patterns on the ornate rugs. Cale Von Arden stood beside her, poised and composed as ever, holding a silver tray with a steaming pot of Earl Grey and two porcelain cups.
"Thank you, Cale," Althea said softly, her gaze fixed on a parchment spread across her mahogany desk. Her delicate brow furrowed as she read through the dense lines of text.
Cale poured the tea with practiced elegance, the gentle clink of porcelain breaking the room's heavy silence. As he handed her the cup, he couldn't help but notice the subtle tension in her shoulders.
"Is there a problem, my Lady?" he asked, his voice smooth yet attentive.
Althea sighed, setting the parchment aside. "A letter from the Marquis of Thalridge. He's requesting an audience to discuss trade agreements."
Cale's brows lifted ever so slightly. The Marquis of Thalridge was a shrewd man with a reputation for manipulating deals to his advantage. His interest in the Rowan family was likely not without ulterior motives.
"Would you like me to review the terms before your meeting?" Cale offered.
Althea smiled faintly. "You always anticipate my needs, Cale. Yes, that would be most helpful."
He inclined his head. "Consider it done, my Lady."
As he reached for the parchment, his sharp eyes caught sight of something else on the desk—a folded letter bearing a familiar wax seal. His heart skipped a beat.
"That seal," he thought, recognizing it from the novel "The Court of Thorns and Petals." It belonged to the Duke of Westmoor, a figure who rarely appeared in polite society but whose influence was unmatched behind closed doors.
Althea's gaze followed his, and she quickly moved the letter out of sight. Her sudden defensiveness did not go unnoticed.
"A personal matter?" Cale inquired carefully.
Althea hesitated, then nodded. "Yes. One that I must handle alone."
Understanding her need for discretion, Cale refrained from pressing further. "Of course, my Lady. Should you require assistance, you need only ask."
"Thank you, Cale," she said, her voice warmer now. "I truly don't know what I would do without you."
Cale smiled gently. "I am merely fulfilling my duty."
Later that day, Cale oversaw the staff as they prepared the estate for the arrival of the Marquis. His keen eye for detail ensured that every flower arrangement was perfectly symmetrical and that the silverware gleamed under the chandeliers' light.
As the Marquis's carriage rumbled up the cobblestone drive, Cale stood by Althea's side at the entrance. The Marquis was a portly man with sharp eyes that missed nothing. He descended from the carriage with the help of a liveried footman and approached with a practiced smile.
"Lady Althea," he greeted, bowing deeply. "A pleasure, as always."
"Marquis Thalridge," Althea replied politely, though her tone lacked warmth. "Welcome to Rowan Manor."
Cale observed the exchange silently, noting the subtle flicker of disdain in the Marquis's eyes as they briefly landed on him. It was a look Cale was familiar with—the kind nobles often reserved for those they deemed beneath them.
As they moved to the drawing room, where refreshments awaited, Cale maintained a discreet presence. His senses remained alert, reading the subtle cues in body language and tone.
The Marquis leaned forward, his voice smooth but insistent. "Lady Althea, I've come to discuss a matter of great importance. The Rowan family's trade routes are valuable, but they are underutilized. With my support, we could expand your influence across the region."
Althea's expression remained composed. "I appreciate your offer, Marquis, but such decisions require careful consideration."
"Of course," the Marquis said, though there was a hint of impatience in his tone. "But time is of the essence. Hesitation could mean losing ground to your rivals."
Cale stepped forward smoothly. "If I may, my Lord, Lady Althea has always exercised prudent judgment. Such careful deliberation has ensured the continued prosperity of the Rowan family."
The Marquis's eyes narrowed slightly. "Ah, the loyal servant speaks. Tell me, Mr. Von Arden, do you handle all of Lady Althea's affairs?"
Cale met his gaze evenly. "Only those she entrusts to me, my Lord."
The tension in the room was palpable, but Althea's voice cut through it with graceful authority. "Thank you, Cale. That will be all for now."
He bowed and exited the room, but not before catching Althea's grateful glance. As he walked down the corridor, his mind raced. The Marquis was clearly up to something, and Cale knew he needed to uncover his true intentions.
That evening, as the estate settled into quiet, Cale found himself in the library, surrounded by tomes detailing trade agreements and noble lineages. He knew that knowledge was his greatest weapon in this world.
Footsteps echoed through the hall, and Althea appeared at the doorway. Her expression was weary but determined.
"Cale," she said softly, "I've made a decision. I want you to be present at all future meetings with the Marquis."
He rose from his seat, bowing slightly. "It would be my honor, my Lady."
She hesitated, then added, "I trust you, Cale. More than anyone."
Her words carried a weight that resonated deeply with him. "And I will never betray that trust," he vowed.
As she left, Cale stood by the window, gazing at the moonlit gardens. The path ahead was fraught with intrigue and danger, but he was prepared. This was no longer just a story—it was his reality. And he would navigate it with the same precision and dedication that had once made him a legend in the world of hospitality.
No matter the challenge, Cale Von Arden was determined to emerge victorious.