Once we arrived at the duchess’s estate, Rosa made herself at home, becoming fast friends with many of the servants. I had expected a mixture of confusion and resentment from the staff since I was a commoner, but most of them seemed to view my situation as either amusing or a source of hope. I was living proof that they, also, might rise above their status one day.
The duchess devoted a shocking amount of time to me.
She insisted on sharing three meals together every day, accompanied me on walks or horseback rides around the estate, and even squeezed in time for leisurely chats on topics like literary arts and sciences. I welcomed the distractions; they kept my mind off of other things.
Over the next week, I discovered that we shared many interests, and on top of that, she had a fantastic personality. It was a shame that we met under these circumstances, because I could imagine getting along with her quite well… even if there was somewhere else I would rather be, and someone else I would rather be with.
I began to wonder how she could devote so much time to me while also overseeing the entire duchy. Rosa’s comments on the duchess’ working hours quickly resolved that question, however.
“The duchess is really something, isn’t she, Lady Saintess? I’m not even certain she sleeps. Any time I get up early in the morning or rouse during the witching hour, her office is brightly lit and she’s sitting at her desk sorting through papers. Do you suppose the rumors are true and that she’s maintained her vigor and ethereal beauty by draining the life from innocent maidens, like the prior Duke Coroban was reported to do? Not that those accusations were ever substantiated, on account of all the witnesses mysteriously vanishing…”
Rosa, I swear.
“Rosa, I swear… you need to mind your tongue.”
She tilted her head in confusion. “Really? I don’t think I’ve tasted anything weird lately, and I learned my lesson about licking flagpoles during winter when I was eight. Oh, you meant that metaphorically! I understand, Lady Saintess. I will take your advice to heart.”
She had a point, though. I needed to remember I was dealing with a demon and not a regular human. It was only natural that she might be able to function without sleep. At times, the duchess would make off-hand comments that revealed a rather alien perspective on the world, like suggesting we watch a meteor shower together 80 years from now. When I reminded her that I’d likely pass before then she seemed confused, so I let the matter rest.
------
“Lady Saintess.” Rosa’s quiet voice made me snap awake.
“Yes, Rosa?”
“Let’s get you back to your room.”
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Now that she mentioned it, I realized I was not in my bedroom. I had somehow made my way downstairs after heading to bed. It seemed my tendency to sleepwalk carried over to this world as well.
“Don’t feel too concerned, Saintess Helian. It’s normal to sleepwalk if you’re very stressed, and you’ve been through a lot lately.”
“Thank you, Rosa. Let’s return to my room. Could you prepare me some chamomile tea once we get back?”
She nodded and extended her hand to me. “Of course! I’ll scrounge up some honey from the kitchen and see if they have any extra scones lying around.”
When we returned to my room, someone was waiting for us.
“Lady Helian! There you are.”
The duchess stood in the center of my room, blade in hand, regarding me with concern. Her sword and boots were freshly stained with blood. Suddenly, the midnight air felt very cold.
“Oh, thank goodness,” the duchess said. “I was so worried to find you gone when I arrived to tuck you in! I suppose you stepped out for some fresh air?”
“Something like that, Your Grace.” I observed the scene before us. “What… happened here?”
She shrugged. “Oh, it seems some rats scurried in through the floorboards when I wasn’t paying attention. Perhaps they thought they could find some delicious treats here. Not to worry though, I dealt with the matter swiftly! It was no trouble at all, and the servants will clean up the mess in no time.”
Unfortunately, the mess included what appeared to be a dead assassin crumpled face-first onto the foot of my bed. I shivered involuntarily.
Rosa saw the expression on my face and gripped my hand tightly. Turning to face the duchess, she spoke on my behalf. “Where should the saintess sleep, Your Grace?”
Duchess Coroban eyed the corpse and nodded. “Good point, good point. Her bed is too crowded right now. Miss Helian, why don’t you rest in my bed for the evening? I’ll be busy for quite a while, so you can get some sleep there. You will be perfectly safe in my bedroom, I assure you.”
Rosa nodded. “How thoughtful of you, Your Grace. If it’s not too presumptuous of me, should I lead the saintess to your bedroom? I’ll prepare some tea to calm her nerves and keep her company until she falls asleep.”
Coroban clapped her hands. “That’s perfect! Thank you for your service as always, Rosa. I’ll see you later, Helian. Don’t worry about a thing, I’ll just finish up in here.” As she spoke, one of the “corpses” on the floor began to struggle, and she promptly pinned it down with her boot.
Rosa took me by the hand and led me outside, closing the door behind her.
------
As we walked through the halls towards the duchess’s bedroom, Rosa held me by the shoulder and whispered in my ear. “Lady Saintess.”
“Yes, Rosa?”
“I think it would be best if we don’t make a fuss for now. Will you let me investigate this matter?”
“Are you certain, Rosa? I don’t want you to get hurt on my behalf.”
“You don’t need to worry about that, Saintess Helian. I’m quite sturdy, and I received excellent grades from my instructors. And most importantly, I keep my promises!”
It occurred to me now that this maid had been hired by Countess Solana. I likely had nothing to worry about.
“Rosa… have you been pulling the wool over my eyes all this time?”
Rosa smiled brightly and patted me gently on the back.
“Of course not, Lady Helian. I’m no sheep, so where would I get any wool?”
