The countess frequently invited me for meals in the third-floor dining room or the occasional private drinking party in her bedroom. To my surprise, she refrained from calling me into her office after my first visit, perhaps because she noticed my reaction to the sight of the balcony. I should really work on that… I can’t let simple architecture rattle me.

  My anticipation for this part of the story was quickly tempered. Her personality was worse than the impression given by the novel, and based on what the maids whispered when they thought I was out of earshot, it seemed that I was subject to unusual treatment compared to the countess’s previous “friends.” She seemed to delight in making me uncomfortable, often staring at me with a strange expression, as if comparing me against some private, unknowable standard.

  Regardless, she quickly capitalized on my apparent vulnerability to her charms. I had to exercise caution because she took every opportunity to keep my glass filled with wine, plying me with sweets and honeyed words at the same time. My spartan diet and villager’s upbringing had left me unfamiliar with these types of indulgent experiences, so it was hard to stay focused and restrain my feelings. While her confidence and way with words had appealed to me when I’d first read the novel, now that we were face-to-face, they felt threatening.

  It felt nice to be treasured, at least. There was a sense of familiarity to it, and after my time spent in the young lord’s company, it was a welcome comfort and change of pace. The countess was careful to pull back when necessary, ever guided by her refined sense of decorum and gift for reading people’s emotions – skills honed over the course of dozens of flings with maids and noblewomen.

  By this point, my stay at the estate had lasted into a few weeks, long enough for the countess to be comfortable enough around me to lower her guard. During one of our drinking parties, I decided to raise a question that had been weighing on my mind all this time.

  “Lady Solana, I remain grateful for the assistance you provided at the baron’s estate those few weeks ago. I’ve grown curious, though. How was it you knew to come for me?”

  The countess narrowed her eyes and smiled. “While I must protect my sources, suffice it to say a little bird fluttered her wings and brought a message to me. This led to us uncovering the young Lord Arsen’s crimes, and it was only natural to seek him out at the party. I consider it a blessing from the heavens that I arrived in time.”

  Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.

  The countess emphasized the word ‘fluttered’ by wiggling her fingers, and both the gesture and word gave way to discomfort deep in my chest.

  Little bird? It can’t be.

  “It’s good that you raised the topic of that incident, however. As much as I’m reluctant to ask this of the saintess, there’s a matter with which I require your assistance, as it may be akin to your past experiences. I won’t demand anything of you, but I would be sincerely grateful if you’d give it your consideration.”

  At the very least, I sorely needed a distraction from all the questions that had been swirling in my mind. I nodded.

  “A marchioness from a neighboring territory hosts frequent parties at estates throughout the kingdom, and the rumors I’ve heard have me quite concerned. If there’s any truth to the reports, heresy of a grand scale may be involved. I dread the possibility that some of the king’s vassals could get swept up in this matter and face excommunication, or worse.”

  While royal decree had established formal freedom of religion in the kingdom, the temple of Metis still represented the official faith, and as such, charges of heresy carried severe implications. At minimum, heretics could be sanctioned by the temple. In more severe cases one would be excommunicated, resulting in a prohibition from holding public office or having one’s marriage formally recognized.

  And while it hadn’t occurred in decades, the law still allowed for summary execution in the event of great offenses against the Goddess Metis. If a cult rose in profile to the point of meriting the countess’s attention, it was possible the temple could make such a demand.

  “If these gatherings are truly the work of a cult, Lady Solana, would they welcome a saintess into their midst? I can’t imagine they adhere to the teachings of Metis.”

  “Under normal circumstances, certainly not. But the sudden announcement of your status at the baron’s party gives the impression that you are yet unfamiliar with the temple’s teachings. With some coaxing, I suspect Lady Marigold could be convinced to see you as a frail little doe that could be influenced to share her way of thought. Your lack of religious upbringing should be an asset, as you lack habits common to Metis’s loyal worshippers.”

  The countess paused and narrowed her eyes.

  “In any case, Miss Helian, give the matter some thought. Discussing this has soured my mood, so I’ll ask for some privacy for the rest of the night. I apologize if you had any other expectations for the evening… I’ll make it up to you tomorrow.”