Nonetheless, I had become good friend with Cassandra since then.
For the next few days, I wrestled with the conflicting images of the boy I had heard about at the tea party and the man who haunted my memories.
It wasn't enough just to observe him from afar. If I was going to prevent the tragedy that had destroyed my family, I needed to understand Idris—to get close to him, to learn what shaped him. Only then could I hope to change the future.
And an opportunity had presented itself, one that I hadn't anticipated.
The Gordondales were known for their formality and distance from the other noble families, but there had been whispers—rumors circulating among the servants and the nobility alike.
Idris had recently dismissed several of his personal maids, and word had spread that he was impossible to please. No one seemed to last more than a few weeks in his service, and each new maid was swiftly turned away.
This was my chance.
Despite the protests of my family, I had made up my mind. I would take up the position as Idris's maid, and I would use it to get close to him—to understand him. If I could influence him over the coming years, perhaps I could prevent him from becoming the monster who had destroyed everything I held dear.
I stood before my father's desk, feeling the weight of his gaze as he watched me carefully. Sebastian Vale was a man of strong principles, and he had always been protective of me and Lucas.
"You cannot be serious, Isadora," he said, his voice laced with disbelief. "The Gordondale family, while powerful, is not one to be entangled with so lightly. And Idris—he's... not an easy man. Everyone knows that."
"I know, Father," I replied, keeping my tone calm. "But this is the perfect opportunity for me to get closer to Gordondale family. Plus I am a good friend of his maid Cassandra, she would help me out."
Father leaned back in his chair, his brow furrowed in thought. "And you believe that's enough to protect yourself from troubles? Why did you suddenly develop an interest in the Gordandale family in the first place?"
I met his gaze evenly. "I want to get into that circle, it will benefit our family, trust me!"
"Our family safety is not something you should worry about! Enough of this conversation, you should go help your mum out." Father must think this was just another random thought of mine, he ended the conversation and left.
But he was wrong, this wasn't some unreasonable wishes I came up with, but something I must do to save our family.
Early next morning, I took a last look of my sweet home and head off.
As I arrived at the entrance of Gordondale Manor, my heart thudding in my chest as I gazed up at the imposing stone structure. The manor loomed above me, its ivy-covered walls casting long shadows over the cobblestone path that led to the entrance. The grandeur of the estate felt almost suffocating, a reminder of the immense power the Gordondale family wielded over the region.
I took a deep breath, steadying myself before stepping forward. This was it. The first step in my plan.
The butler, a tall, imposing man with a sharp gaze, greeted me at the door but then led the way away from the Manor.
I followed the butler through one street after another, confused. Finally, we reached a set of tall wooden doors, and the butler paused, turning to me with a faint, unreadable expression.
"Lord Idris is expecting you," he said, his voice low and formal. "You may enter."
This estate in front of me was not at all what I expected to be the residence of Idris, a member of the powerful Gordondale family.
But I still nodded, my pulse quickening as I reached for the door handle. My fingers trembled slightly, but I forced myself to remain calm. I couldn't afford to show any sign of weakness. Not now.
The door creaked open, revealing a large, dimly lit room. The heavy curtains were drawn, allowing only a few slivers of sunlight to filter through, casting faint beams of light across the stone floor.
The room was sparsely furnished, with a large desk at one end and several tall bookshelves lining the walls. A fire crackled quietly in the hearth, its warmth doing little to dispel the chill that seemed to hang in the air.
And there, standing near the window, was Idris.
He was a bit different to how I remembered him from our encounter in my past life—Shorter, lean, his silver hair catching the faint light from the fire. He wore a simple, dark coat, his posture stiff and formal as he gazed out the window.
I realized he was probably just around 16 years old at this stage.
For a moment, I hesitated, unsure of how to approach him. In my past life, I had never seen Idris like this—vulnerable, unsure. He had always been so cold, so distant. But now, standing here in the dim light of his study, he seemed... different.
"Lord Idris," I said softly, my voice steady but respectful.
He didn't turn immediately, but after a long pause, he spoke, his voice as cold and controlled as ever. "So, you are the latest to try your hand at this position. How long will you last, I wonder?"
His words were sharp, cutting, and I felt a flicker of irritation rise within me. But I swallowed it down, reminding myself of the goal. I had to remain calm, remain focused. This was my chance to get close to him.
"I plan to stay as long as you'll have me, my lord," I replied, keeping my tone neutral, I even squeezed out a smile to look more friendly.
He turned then, his cold blue eyes locking onto mine. There was something almost predatory in his gaze, a quiet intensity that made the hairs on the back of my neck stand on end. He studied me for a moment, as if weighing my words, testing my resolve.
"I don't like you. Leave." Idris didn't even bother to say anything more, he was just keen to get rid of me.
Luckily Cassandra entered at this exact moment. "Lord Idris, please let Isadora stay, she helped me before at the tea party. I like her…can you give her a chance at least?"
Idris paused for a few seconds, and then nodded. "Fine, do what you like with her."
I felt a surge of relief, though I knew this was only the beginning. Getting close to Idris would certainly take time, patience. I couldn't push too hard or too fast. I had to earn his trust, or at the very least, his indifference to not get dismiss instantly.
Although, to my surprise, Idris did seem to listen to Cassandra.
"If there's anything you require, my lord," I said carefully, "please let me know. I am here to serve."
He glanced at me, his expression unreadable. "I require nothing."
"Then I will take my leave for now," I said, bowing my head slightly before turning to go.
But just as I reached the door, his voice stopped me.
"One thing," he said, his tone softer, though no less cold. "Do not ask questions. You are here to serve, nothing more."
I swallowed, nodding. "Of course, my lord."
As I stepped out of the room, closing the door softly behind me, my mind raced. This was going to be more difficult than I had anticipated. Idris was even more guarded than I thought, closed off. But I couldn't give up. If I was going to change the future, I had to break through that wall.
Somehow.