As Rosa and I returned to my room after our gathering with the squires, Selene’s voice roused me from my thoughts. “Lady Saintess.”

  This was convenient timing. “Yes, Dame Selene? Can I help you?”

  “If it’s not too much trouble, your presence would be appreciated in the first-floor dining room tonight. Some of us are gathering for a meal and it would be my pleasure to introduce you to the staff.”

  I nodded. “That sounds nice. I’ll get ready in my room. Please send for me whenever you like.”

  Rosa clapped. “That’s perfect! I’ve been wanting to see you in one of the new dresses from the countess. The one with the black lace would be a perfect match for the grim atmosphere of the dining hall, and you –”

  Selene waved politely and walked away.

  “– could pair it with the onyx hairpin and necklace set as an accent. We’re not in a hurry, so we should braid your hair this time! Since it’s a group gathering, we should make sure to pick an elegant and understated perfume that will accentuate your beauty without drawing too much attention, perhaps lavender? Oh, and as a contrast to the onyx you could wear the opal bracelet on your left wrist… I wish you were going out on an evening date so you could wear your new heels, but I suppose slippers will have to do. Let’s get to work!”

  With this, the little chatterbox gestured towards the mirror and waited for me to sit.

  The sudden invitation from the dame right after my encounter with the childhood sweethearts felt like yet another coincidence. I hoped it wasn’t a bad omen.

  ------

  Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.

  The countess loudly greeted me as I entered the dining hall. She was sitting at the head of the table, and before my arrival she had been speaking with Dame Selene, who sat to her left. “Lady Helian, I’m so glad you could make it! I worried you would sleep early after wandering the estate this afternoon. You seemed so tired after last night.” Selene frowned in response to this. The countess beckoned me to sit at the empty seat to her right. “Please, have a seat! The staff will be bringing out an appetizer in just a few moments.”

  I bowed politely, then made my way to Lady Solana’s side and took my seat. A waiter strolled over from the corner of the room and politely asked for my choice of beverage. I had a feeling I would need a stiff drink, so I requested the strongest wine available. The countess chuckled. My gaze drifted to the right, past Selene.

  And there was XXXXX. Looking right at me. A familiar discomfort made its return—once again, I found it hard to breathe.

  You shouldn’t be here. Why are you here? How can I make you leave?

  My chest was painfully tight. I saw that Selene’s lips were moving, but I couldn’t hear anything.

  The countess squeezed my hand and pulled my attention back to her. “What’s wrong, Helian? You look as if you’ve seen a ghost.”

  I thought back to Rosa’s stories and made my best excuse. “To tell you the truth, Lady Solana, I’ve heard some worrying tales about the first-floor dining hall… I guess I can’t help but feel some trepidation.”

  Solana clapped. “Ah, yes, the dearly departed lord! You needn’t worry, we had him exorcised last year. In any case, were he to return to haunt the estate, I would merely kill him again to ensure he learned his lesson.” Selene cleared her throat. “But where are my manners, we’re overdue for introductions!”

  “To my left we have the legendary moonlight swordswoman, terror of the battlefield, champion of the seven years’ campaign, Dame Selene. She is my closest ally and if any trouble should visit you during your stay here on the estate or at any point in the future, please don’t hesitate to ask for her assistance.”

  I nodded. “The dame and I have already met. She’s been very helpful.”

  “Good! I expected no less.”

  The countess then gestured towards XXXXX.