Chapter 2

The carriage, a monstrosity of polished mahogany and ostentatious gold trim, lumbered into view, kicking up a cloud of dust that momentarily obscured the late morning sun. Aurelia, her smile stretched taut across her face, felt a surge of annoyance. Even their carriage reeked of excessive ostentation, a gaudy reflection of the Crestwell family itself.

Her aunt, Baroness Meredith, stood beside her, a pillar of icy propriety. Unlike Aurelia, whose smile, though strained, held a hint of warmth, the Baroness's expression remained impassive, a carefully constructed mask that never seemed to falter. Aurelia often wondered what lurked beneath thatcarefully constructed mask that never seemed to falter. Aurelia often wondered what lurked beneath that mask. Did a hint of amusement ever flicker in her aunt's steely gaze? Did she ever yearn for a life less rigid, less controlled? Whispers of the Baroness's past, rumors of a tragic accident that claimed her husband, the late Baron, swirled amongst the servants. But the Baroness, ever the enigma, remained unfazed by the speculation. It was this unwavering stoicism, this refusal to be swayed by gossip or emotion, that Aurelia secretly admired about her aunt.

Their quiet contemplation was shattered by the abrupt screech of the carriage coming to a halt. A plume of dust billowed outwards, momentarily obscuring the imposing vehicle. Aurelia sighed inwardly. The performance was about to begin.

The coachman, a portly fellow with a face perpetually creased in a condescending smirk, hopped down from his perch and threw open the carriage door with a flourish. Emerging first, with an air of practiced arrogance, was Edgar Crestwell, Aurelia's paternal uncle. Time had not been kind to him. His once-handsome features were now etched with lines of discontent, his once-proud posture stooped with the weight of his imagined importance. He cast a cursory glance at Aurelia, his lips twisting into a sneer that spoke volumes of his disdain.

"Aurelia," he drawled, his voice dripping with condescension, "you've blossomed, haven't you? Though perhaps a touch too much… color for a young lady these days." The comment, a veiled jab at her , hung heavy in the air.

Aurelia gritted her teeth, forcing a smile that felt more like a grimace. "Uncle Edgar," she curtsied, her voice saccharine sweet, "such a pleasure to see you again."

Her aunt, Veronica, her head held high with an air of entitlement, emerged next from the carriage. She performed a curtsey in front of Aunt Meredith, a gesture so brief it could barely be considered respectful. She completely ignored Aurelia's presence, despite Aurelia's attempt at a proper curtsy. The hypocrisy was not lost on Aurelia, a flicker of anger simmering beneath the surface of her forced smile.

Charlene, a vision in a dress shimmering with unnecessary stones and crystals, followed closely behind. She fluttered her bejeweled fan dramatically, a frown marring her otherwise perfectly painted face. "Honestly," she whined, her voice dripping with affected languor, "the heat here is simply unbearable. Back in our kingdom, there's always a cool breeze…"

Her voice trailed off as she reached Aunt Meredith, offering a curtsy that, like Veronica's, seemed more like a dismissal than a greeting. Aunt Meredith, ever the picture of stoicism, managed a tight smile in response, a feat that Aurelia secretly admired.

Last but not least, came Bartram, Charlene's twin brother. Unlike his sister, elegance wasn't exactly in his wheelhouse. He lumbered out of the carriage, his chubby legs struggling to maintain control. A near-disaster was averted as he almost took a tumble down the carriage steps. He righted himself just in time, offering a bumbling apology with a bow that wouldn't have been out of place on a sack of potatoes.

A genuine smile, devoid of pretense, spread across Aurelia's face for a fleeting moment as Bartram greeted her. It was quickly extinguished, however, by a sharp jab from Charlene's elbow. Bartram, ever the loyal sibling, winced and mumbled another apology, his earlier enthusiasm dampened by his sister's disapproval.

Aurelia steeled herself. The afternoon stretched before her, filled with the promise of veiled insults, petty arguments, and Charlene's insufferable whining. Taking a deep breath, she plastered a cheerful smile on her face, ready to play the perfect hostess, all the while keeping her eyes and ears open.

"Welcome to Blackwood Manor," she said, her voice laced with an artificial warmth. "Please, come in. We have refreshments waiting in the drawing-room." Glancing pointedly at Veronica, she added, "Perhaps something cool to help you cope with this dreadful heat." A subtle jab, delivered with a sugary smile.

They all pivoted towards the grand manor entrance, a wave of cool air momentarily washing over Aurelia as the heavy oak doors creaked open. Just as Aurelia was about to step forward, a talon-like grip clamped onto her arm, yanking her back with surprising force. Charlene, all saccharine smiles and narrowed eyes, loomed before her.

"Well, well, well," Charlene drawled, her voice dripping with mock sympathy. "Still unclaimed, are we, cousin? Such a shame, really. A pity you can't get your inheritance without a strapping young lad by your side, hm?"

Aurelia couldn't help but roll her eyes, a movement so subtle it could have been missed by anyone less observant. They were practically the same age, for goodness sake. Did Charlene truly believe she was that naive? A slow, sardonic smile played on Aurelia's lips.

"Charlene," Aurelia replied, her voice a smooth, cool counterpoint to Charlene's grating tone. "Does your kingdom's etiquette require such… physical persuasion when engaging in conversation? Perhaps I should offer some pointers on proper decorum during your next visit."

... Next visit indeed.

The jab hit its mark. The slight twitch of Charlene's perfectly arched eyebrow and the ever-so-brief flicker of annoyance in her eyes betrayed the carefully constructed facade. But Charlene was nothing if not persistent. With a practiced flick of her wrist, she fluttered her jeweled fan, a renewed smirk twisting her features.

Charlene recovered quickly, a forced laugh escaping her lips. "Oh, you! Always the jester, aren't you? But seriously, darling, a touch of decorum is simply essential. After all, you wouldn't want to appear unrefined in front of a certain someone, would you?" Her voice took on a suggestive lilt, her gaze flickering towards the approaching family members.

Aurelia's smile vanished, replaced by a steely glint in her eyes. "A certain someone, you say? Do enlighten me, Charlene. Exactly who do you think would be interested in a woman like me?"

Charlene leaned in conspiratorially, her voice barely a whisper. "Why, your King himself, of course! Haven't you heard the rumors? Apparently, he's quite taken with the idea of a new consort, someone young and… impressionable."

Aurelia couldn't help but scoff. The King, the very man responsible for her parents' demise, being positioned as a potential suitor? The audacity of it all burned in Aurelia's gut. She wouldn't give Charlene the satisfaction of a reaction, though. Instead, she uncorked a retort, barbed and laced with a truth Charlene would rather ignore.

"Indeed," Aurelia replied, her voice deceptively light. "I've heard whispers as well. Whispers about a king with a rather… bloodstained past. One that taints not only his reputation, but the very air he breathes."

The temperature seemed to drop several degrees as the weight of Aurelia's words hung heavy in the air.

Aurelia snatched her arm free from Charlene's grasp, the force sending a jolt through the other woman. Charlene recoiled, her perfectly manicured nails leaving faint red crescents on Aurelia's skin. A flicker of something akin to rage flickered in Charlene's eyes, but it was quickly masked by a sickly sweet smile.

"Well, well," Charlene purred, her voice laced with a strained sweetness, "Perhaps you're right, dearest cousin. A little dishevelment never hurt anyone, adds a touch of… mystique, wouldn't you say?"

Aurelia met her gaze head-on, a smirk playing on her lips. "Mystique, or simply a woman comfortable in her own skin? Unlike some, I don't require a constant facade to navigate the world."

Turning on her heel, Aurelia swept past Charlene and into the cool embrace of the manor, leaving a flustered and speechless cousin in her wake. The heavy oak doors closed with a thud, muffling the cacophony of greetings and forced pleasantries.

The day went on treacherous with Charlene on her tail muttering subtle remarks to her and Aurelia had tried her best to retain her cool, not to mention Charlene's mother, who never failed to complain about Aurelia's poise.

Night finally came,the manor had settled into the hushed silence of the sleeping hours,the only sound heard was the light pattering of the rain. With each lightening ,light streamed through the tall windows of Aurelia's room, casting an ethereal glow on the mahogany furniture and intricately woven tapestries. But beneath the serene facade, a tempest raged within Aurelia.

She lay sprawled on her bed, the sheets tangled around her restless form. Her brow was furrowed, and a sheen of sweat clung to her skin. Nightmares, vivid and horrifying, had plagued her since the fateful day her parents vanished. Visions of a shadowed figure, cloaked in crimson, and the metallic tang of blood filled her dreams, a constant reminder of the tragedy that had shattered her life.

Tonight was no different. She thrashed against the invisible chains of the dream, caught in a loop of helplessness and despair. Suddenly, a guttural scream tore from her lips, ripping through the stillness of the night.

Aurelia yelped awake, ripped from her nightmare by the sudden absence of the dream's terror. Disoriented, she found herself in the suffocating darkness of her room. Rain lashed against the windows, a rhythmic counterpoint to the frantic hammering of her heart.

A parched dryness clawed at her throat. Water. She needed water. With trembling hands, she fumbled on the nightstand, searching for a familiar weight. Relief flooded her when her fingers brushed against the cool smoothness of a porcelain jug. But the relief was short-lived. Lifting the jug, she felt only the disconcerting rattle of emptiness.

Frowning, Aurelia tried to recall. She was certain the jug had been full before she succumbed to the clutches of sleep. Was it a figment of her dream, or was this another annoyance courtesy of the Crestwells? A low groan escaped her lips as she threw back the covers and slipped on a loose robe.

Grasping the single lit candle from the nightstand, Aurelia cast a wary glance at the heavy oak door. It seemed to loom before her, a barrier between the flickering warmth of her room and the inky unknown of the hallway. With a deep breath, she gripped the doorknob, the cold metal sending a shiver down her spine. Hesitantly, she turned the knob, the sound swallowed by the silence of the manor.

Beyond the threshold, the hallway stretched out before her, shrouded in darkness. The wind howled outside, its mournful cry echoing through the halls. A floorboard creaked somewhere deep within the house, a sound that sent a jolt of nervous energy coursing through her.

Taking another fortifying breath, Aurelia stepped out into the hallway, the flickering candle flame casting dancing shadows on the walls. The air was thick with the scent of dust and something else, a faint metallic tang that made her stomach clench. This night, it seemed, held more than just her recurring nightmare to unsettle her.

The rain hammered against the windows, each boom echoing through the vast hallway. Aurelia shivered, goosebumps prickling her bare arms. Her trek towards the kitchen was momentarily halted by a flicker of movement in the corner of her eye. Hesitantly, she turned to face the darkened window.

The pounding rain obscured the view, but a flash of lightning illuminated the courtyard for a brief instant. A tall, lanky figure stood there, almost inhuman in its silhouette. Just as quickly as it appeared, the figure vanished back into the shadows.

Fear, cold and sharp, snaked through Aurelia. But before she could dwell on it, a voice cut through the tense silence.

"Aurelia?"

Aurelia whirled around, relief flooding her features as she saw Gaius approaching, a lantern casting a warm glow on his stoic face.

"Gaius," she breathed, her voice shaky. "What are you doing here?"

Gaius's expression remained unreadable. "What are you doing out in the hallway, my Lady?"

Aurelia hesitated, then gestured towards the window. "I... I thought I saw something."

Just then, another voice chimed in from behind Gaius. Charlene, her tone laced with saccharine sweetness, spoke, "Why, Aurelia, there you are. Lost in your home, are we?"

Aurelia stiffened. "Charlene," she replied coolly. "What are you doing here?"

Charlene grinned, a glint in her eyes as she flipped her blonde hair. Her hand possessively found its way onto Gaius's arm, who subtly stiffened under her touch. It was no secret that Charlene held a certain fondness for Gaius, though perhaps not enough to consider marriage. More likely, she simply enjoyed the attention she garnered from Gaius , especially if it made Aurelia jealous.

Unaffected by Charlene's display, Aurelia mirrored her question. "What are you doing out so late?"

Charlene's smile widened, becoming overly sweet. "Why, I simply grew terribly thirsty and became hopelessly lost in these labyrinthine halls. Thankfully, I found our ever-reliable Gaius, who was more than happy to escort me to the kitchen for a refreshing drink."

Aurelia raised an eyebrow at Charlene's overly dramatic explanation. "How convenient," she said, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "Lost and thirsty at the same hour I happen to be on the same quest for a cool drink."

Charlene, unfazed by Aurelia's skepticism, clung tighter to Gaius's arm. "Isn't it a coincidence, darling?" she cooed, batting her eyelashes at him. "Perhaps we can all quench our thirst together? A little camaraderie before bed, wouldn't you say, Gaius?"

Gaius, ever the stoic guard, remained silent. He glanced at Aurelia, his gaze lingering for a moment longer than necessary. A hint of something unreadable flickered in his steely eyes, a flicker Aurelia couldn't quite decipher. Perhaps a flicker of disappointment at being dismissed?

"Actually," Aurelia interjected, her voice firm, "I believe Gaius deserves his rest after a long day. He can return to his chambers, and I'll be happy to show you the way to the kitchen, Charlene."

Charlene's smile faltered for a brief moment, a flicker of annoyance crossing her features. "But darling," she whined, "it's such a dark and stormy night. Surely a brave knight like Gaius wouldn't abandon a damsel in distress, would you?"

Gaius finally cleared his throat, his voice a low rumble. "My Lady is well within her capabilities," he said, his gaze unwavering from Aurelia. "There's no need for my assistance."

"See, Charlene?" Aurelia said. "Gaius agrees. Now, if you'll excuse me, I am quite thirsty."

Charlene pouted, her grip on Gaius's arm loosening slightly. "Fine," she huffed. "But if I get lost, the blame falls entirely on you, cousin."

Aurelia offered a tight smile. "Don't worry, Charlene. I wouldn't want you wandering these halls alone at night. There might be… shadows lurking about."

Her words hung heavy in the air, a veiled reference to the figure she thought she saw outside. Charlene shivered dramatically, her eyes widening.

"Oh, stop it, Aurelia," she whined. "You're giving me chills! Let's just get this over with, shall we?"

With a sigh, Aurelia turned and began walking down the hallway, Charlene trailing reluctantly behind her. Gaius paused for a moment, his gaze lingering on Aurelia's retreating figure. Then, with a barely audible thud, he placed the lantern on the window sill next to Charlene, the warm glow casting an orange hue on their faces.

"As you wish, My Lady," he rumbled, his voice devoid of its usual stoicism. A hint of disappointment, or perhaps something more, colored his tone.

He gave Charlene a curt nod before turning and disappearing into the darkness the way he came, leaving Charlene fuming and Aurelia with a disquieting flutter in her chest.

The rest of the walk to the kitchen was filled with Charlene's incessant chatter, which Aurelia mostly ignored. Her mind was preoccupied with the strange encounter outside the window.

After having a cool refreshing drink, Aurelia traced her way back to her room, she stopped by the window glancing at it as soon as the flashing of lightening, but much to her disappointment or relief, the courtyard appeared empty. Perhaps the figure was simply an imagination..