Chapter 2: Governess Lumina

Though she did it not voice it, it was clear that Lily found the new governess rather strange.

Lumina Burgess was the oldest daughter of the Viscount of Meriwess, count Philip and his wife, countess Amelia. She remained a spinster even as she was already the age of twenty-eight.

It was not because she did not have any suitors vying for her attention. On the contrary, the governess was rumoured to be one of the most beautiful women in the kingdom, despite her age.

However, she chose to reject every man who sorted for her hand in marriage, insisting all she desired was to focus on her work as a governess.

But that was not all that made the governess seem strange to young Lily. The woman was unlike the previous governesses Lillian had previously had.

She tolerated all her antics, even encouraging her to continue with them. Instead of scolding the young mistress when she did something her mother would consider misbehaviour, the governess would laugh and brush it aside.

However, when she was teaching the young mistress skills like music and art, she was nearly merciless. She tolerated mistakes in basic etiquette and manners but would not tolerate Lillian hitting the wrong key by accident.

"If i may ask, governess Burgess, why are you very lenient with me when i fumble basic etiquette?," Lily asked one day, overcome with curiosity as no matter how hard she tried, she could not understand the woman. "Isn't it a crucial part of being a proper lady?"

The governess smiled at her. "Yes, it is, young miss. But at the same time, it is not...not for you at least."

"What do you mean?," Lily asked, confused.

The governess stared down at her, a faint smile on her lips and a strange glint in her eyes.

"I teach you the things you will need, young miss," she replied. But before Lily could ask anymore questions, the governess turned her gaze away from her.

The action by the governess usually indicated that she was done with whatever conversation they were having and Lily went back to practising the notes she had been instructed to learn on the piano.

"You have a vibrant soul, child. Keep it."

The sudden words by the governess was enough to confuse the young mistress even further. She wanted to stop and question the governess further.

However, she knew that if she paused mid-play, it would displease the governess. So she resolved to question the older woman later.

Unfortunately, she never got the chance as the governess was summoned by the court of Meriwess and had to leave session early.

The governess did not return for days after that and was substituted by another for the time being. Curious as to why her governess hadn't returned, Lily sought to ask her parents.

She walked to her father's study where her parents usually spent time in after dinner. As she walked closer, she noticed the door was left ajar and in the lonely corridor, her parents quiet whispers carried in the air.

Her steps were quiet and graceful, as taught by not just the governess, but all the women around her.

And because her steps were somewhat soundless, her parents did not notice her by the door, which they had left open.

She paused by the door, unsure whether to walk in or leave as it seemed they were having an important discussion.

"...yes, it is odd that his body was recovered at the mouth of the forest," her father mused, his expression, thoughtful. "And he was barely recognisable. Whatever had happened to him, it was too violent to be a mere curse of the forest, Feia. He was attacked...brutally."

Her mother, Feia, had a worried expression on her face. She had her arms wrapped around her body, a habit she was fond of when she felt afraid or wary. "Isn't this the third attack this week?"

Her father nodded solemnly. "Yes. Multiple bodies have been spotted at the mouth of the forest this week, in similar conditions as this recent one."

"Then is it that we are running out of time?," her mother's voice quietened even more as she asked, leaning towards her father.

Her father placed his hand on his chin, massaging it thoughtfully as he usually did when he thought deeply. "I think so. I spoke with Philip, George seems to think he has something to do with it."

"That's thoughtless!," her mother replied sharply, visibly agitated. "Philip and Amelia have been nothing but loyal allies to the king!"

"I agree," her father nodded, calmly. "But still, we must be vigilant. Only George truly knows what darkness resides in that forest and only Philip has been in there and survived."

Her mother pursed her lips, obviously upset but unable to deny her husband's words.

"We must focus on keeping Lillian safe," her father said, determination strong in his voice. "I refuse to let her be caught up in the mess we created."

At the corner of the door, Lily stood there as a frown marred her face. We?

"Then are we going to keep Lumina? Lily seems to prefer her to this present governess," her mother asked.

Her father sighed. "If that is the case then have her brought back to teach Lily. But she must be monitored while she teaches our daughter."

"It pains me to say but we can not trust any one who works with George at the moment. It is too risky."

Her mother rubbed her arms, shivering slightly. She let out a shaky sigh while nodding. "Yes, my lord."

Seeing his wife's obvious uneasiness, he arose from where he sat and walked to stand before her, enveloping her in a warm and reassuring embrace.

"It is alright, my love. We will be..."

Lily did not stay to listen anymore as she darted down the hallway.

What had her father meant by we and what had been happening that had her mother, who was known to be fearless so shaken up?

What did the king know that he chose to not tell her father, who he very often referred to as his bestfriend?

And did the king suspect the viscount of Meriwess because the forest was on the outskirts of Meriwess? Because then it would make sense for the king to suspect her parents as well if it were that was the case.

And finally who had died in Meriwess? And had the people not been informed of it? Didn't it make sense to warn the people of the killing so they would know to be even more vigilant?

All what was happening terrified Lily, but it also piqued her curiosity. She had never wanted to enter the Dark forest so badly to figure out what was going on.

Her mother usually told her she stuck her nose in places it shouldn't be and one day, her nose would fall off if she wasn't careful.

She shook her head, clearing her thoughts. Over the passed few months, she had learned to take the wild, burning curiosity within her.

Curiosity is only good when it doesn't endanger your life or others.