Chapter seventy-five: A Summons to Town
The following day, I sat in my room, trying to read a book Alora had gotten for me. It was as thick as a tome and so long I kept spacing out. The topic itself was interesting, as it covered aspects of magic, but it was bogged down by theory.
Around noon, I closed the book, pinching my nose. I can't read it anymore. I'm going to going nuts if I try.
A soft knock sounded on my door, moments before Alora walked in an envelope in hand. "Good afternoon, my Lady." Alora giggled, walking over. "You have another letter from Nadine Mauve!"
"Is there a reason why you keep opening my letters?" I asked, snatching it out of her hand. "From my understanding, staff shouldn't be reading their master's private matters."
"Reading?" She tilted her head, tapping her chin. "I didn't read it, my Lady."
"Then who- no never mind." I waved her off with one hand, pulling out the letter from the envelope with the other. "Leave me."
"Oh." Alora crouched down, resting her arms on the edge of the bed. "I must return the letter once you read it."
This is ridiculous. I scowled, unfolding it. If she wasn't the one reading it, then who was? The headmaid? I shook my head, skimming the letter quickly. It was far shorter than the previous one and gushing about how much fun our last meeting was. I found myself grinning as I continued to read the flowery handwriting.
The contradiction between the letter and Cassius as a person was hilarious. Anyone that read the letter would never guess it was him, even if they tried. At the bottom of the letter, a request to visit a boutique in town this afternoon was scribbled.
He hadn't hinted whether or not he had the antidote, and I had no idea either way. Today is only the start of the second day, isn't it? From Tyrine's reaction, I assumed it wouldn't be finished for several weeks, even with Cassius expressing it would be ready in two days.
I shoved the letter back into the envelope, handing it to Alora. "I'm going out today." I turned, tossing my legs over the bed. "Lady Nadine is inquiring for my assistance in picking out a new dress."
"Oh!" She sprang up, grinning from ear to ear. "I will ready you an outfit!"
"Nothing flashy." I called as she sprinted toward the door. "Get me something comfortable to walk in."
"Right away!" She giggled, disappearing out the door.
I really hope he has it. I stood, stretching. I don't know how much more I can take Alora acting this way. Not that her personality before was great. I reached over, grabbing the book and placing it on the nightstand. I'll try reading it later. It might have something worth reading.
Around ten minutes later, Alora strutted into the room a white sundress slung over one arm. In her other, she had a pair of shoes with a two inch heel. I'm surprised she listened to me.
She quickly helped me change, chatting about how much fun I would have with my new friend. She asked several probing questions about "Nadine" that I deflected easily. The more she talked, the less her questions made sense. At one point, she asked me if Nadine was a fruit and if she wore shoes.
I stopped responding to her and waited, painfully so, until she finished up. After what felt like hours, she told me I was finished. Head throbbing, I left the room and walked down to the first floor – to be greeted by Martin.
"Good afternoon, Lady Kyla." He smiled, opening the front door. "The carriage is ready to take you to Ciera's Boutique"
"Thank you." I walked across the room, stopping beside him. "I don't believe I told you where I was headed."
"Oh," he bristled, face flushing. "Your maid told me. I apologize."
I stared at him for a few seconds, before turning away. His lie was painfully obvious, but I had no desire to point it out. It's better they think I'm an idiot rather than have a working brain.
"No need to apologize." I laughed, stepping outside. "I was wondering why she took so long to get my dress. Have a good day, Martin." I waved, walking down the stairs.
"You as well, Lady Kyla."
It's a pity. I thought, as I reached the carriage and climbed inside. The driver flicked his reins, and the carriage began to bump gently down the path. It wasn't lost on me that Martin was employed by Justin and not someone worthy of trust, but of all the people inside the manor, he was the only one who wasn't mentally incapacitated.
The only way Martin would have been aware of my destination, was if he had been the one to read the letter. He must have been the one that told Alora of the destination, since she claimed she hadn't read it. This is frustrating.
"I can't trust anyone." I muttered, looking out the window.
The scenery rolled by, transitioning from trees to houses. The closer we got to the center of the city, the more homes and shops sprang up. I found myself wondering if I ever got out of the mess I was in, would it be possible to live a simpler life, away from high society. Ridiculous, really. I thought, tapping my finger on my thigh. I don't even know how I'm going to get away from the Blaine's in one piece.
Several minutes passed by, before the carriage slowed. I glanced out the window to see a quaint shop at the end of the road. A sign scribbled in elaborate text, above the door, informed passersby they had reached Ciera's Boutique.
I climbed out of the carriage before the driver had a chance to offer his hand. He froze mid-stand and shook his head smiling.
"In a hurry, my Lady?"
"No," I yawned, stretching slightly. "The ride took longer than I thought. I wanted to stretch as soon as possible."
"I understand," he gave a nod, sitting back down. "I get that way myself. D'you mind if I take the horses to get some water? Today's been a hot one."
"No, go ahead." I walked toward the bright pink, floral door to the building, grimacing. Why did he pick such a weird shop?
With a shrug, I pushed open the door and instantly got hit with the faint sound of instrumental music and a strong smell of roses. Confused, I looked around for the source of the sound. I found it after a few minutes along the wall. The object was an off-white, small, and square. Unconsciously, I took a step toward it, craning my neck up to see.
"It's fascinating, isn't it?" A woman's voice suddenly said beside me, making me jump.
"Oh. Uh. Yes." I said quickly, flustered. "What is it?"
"A magic device." She grinned, pointing toward it. "My sister made it. She's a mage."
"Oh." I blinked a few times, turning to look at her.
Her hair was wild and curly – sticking up in several directions. In the mass of the red curls, a bright green flower stuck out. Her outfit as well, a silver and brown shade vaguely reminded me of something Madam Poshlyn had worn when I first met her – although not because of the coloring.
"Are you here for a fitting?" She asked, tapping my nose with her finger. "I don't take walk-ins normally. I don't remember meeting you either. Hmm."
"I- no, I'm not here for a fitting," I took a step back, putting distance between us. "I'm here to meet Nadine."
"Nadine?" She stared at me blankly for a few minutes, then furrowed her brow. "Oh. Nadine." She turned, motioning for me to follow. "Right. You mean him."
She led us toward the back of the shop, pushing opening a door and making it slam against the wall. I looked over her shoulder to see Cassius glowering in the center of the room.
"Must you be so dramatic, Ciera?" He snapped, crossing his arms.
"Of course, sweetie." She blew him a kiss and nudged me inside. "I brought you the badger."
"The what?" I asked, too confused to register that I was letting her shove me inside.
"You have twenty minutes." Ciera winked, reaching for the handle. "That's when my next appointment is."
"Just leave," Cassius let out a breath, exasperated. "This won't take long."
"Sure, sure." She laughed, closing the door between us.
"Why did she call me a badger?" I asked, walking up to him. She's like a tornado. Why does she remind me of Poshlyn so much?
"Who knows?" Cassius shrugged, pulling out a small black pouch. "She's eccentric."
"Is that...?"
"The antidote." He placed it on the small table between us. He chuckled when I looked down at it, unable to hide the shock on my face "Why so surprised? I'm a man of my word."
"I didn't doubt you." I glanced up at him and paused.
Although the prince looked the same as usual, there were deep lines of fatigue on his face. Is he exhausted from getting the materials or did something happen? I shook my head quickly, removing the thought. It's not my problem and I don't care. I can't waste time thinking about the man who will kill me later.
"Thank you for getting the antidote." I reached forward to take the bag, but Cassius's hand descended, pressing on top of mine. "What are you-"
"This isn't for free." He said, a slow smile spreading across his lips.
Of course it isn't. I sighed, suppressing a shiver. I should have known better than to think he would help me without strings attached.
"If it's money you want-"
"Don't insult me." His fingers twitched on the back of my hand, and a dark shadow passed behind his eyes. He leaned forward, stopping a few inches from my face. "If you accept this, you'll owe me a favor."
A favor? I stared at him, forcing myself to remain in place. Warning bells screamed through my head, telling me to turn and leave. For a split second I considered telling him to keep the antidote and fleeing the room. Is Alora being fixed worth being in debt to the Crown Prince?
"What...type of favor?" I asked slowly, going against my better judgement.
"You'll find that out later." He shrugged. "Do we have a deal?"
"As long as the favor doesn't involve me dying." I grumbled, regretting my choice already. Had I just made a deal with a devil?
"Who do you take me for?" He laughed, removing his hand. "I would never let one of my people get harmed intentionally."
"That doesn't exactly make me feel any better." I sighed, lifting up the pouch and looking inside. Around twenty to thirty vials were inside – something that should have been impossible. I looked up at Cassius, eyebrow raised. "How are there so many in here and why?"
"It's a magical item." He turned, pulling a cloak over his shoulders. "That bag holds enough antidote for two people, no more." He walked to the door, pausing to look back at me. "To remove the brain washing and ensure it doesn't return, she must take it once a day for two weeks."
"How long does it take to work?" I asked as he pulled on his hood and opened the door.
"A few days at most." Cassius slipped out, tossing me one final look. "I'll be in touch, Lady Kyla."
"Sure." I muttered as he closed the door behind him.
This can't be good. I shoved the item into my pocket, crossing my arms. Whatever he's going to ask of me, can't be good.
I waited for several minutes, mind spinning over the possibilities. Unfortunately, nothing concrete came to mind.
As I left the building, a looming sense of dread pitted in my stomach.
Did I do the right thing? Should I have never agreed to his ultimatum?
I didn't have the answers, even as I rode back to the manor.
I'm sure it will be fine. I thought, resting my hand against the pouch.
I still had time before my destined death.