Moments before Edward's call to Sir Tansi, Elizabeth found herself pinned beneath the scorching scrutiny of her educator, Selena. Each passing second felt like an eternity under that intense gaze.
Aware that her pain-ridden body might betray her, Elizabeth swiftly explained her need for rest. The words tumbled out, a desperate plea masked as polite explanation.
"I understand," Selena replied, her eyes never leaving Elizabeth's. She seemed to be observing more than just her physical state, searching for something deeper. "I didn't come to tutor today. I merely wished to see how you were faring." A relaxed smile graced Selena's lips as she rose, her hand briefly resting on the piano for support. She leaned closer, her voice dropping to a near whisper. "If there is anything... anything at all... you know you can confide in me, and I will sort it out."
Elizabeth nodded, offering a grateful smile in return. "I will," she affirmed, though a knot of doubt tightened in her stomach.
Just then, the door swung open, revealing Beatrice bearing a tray laden with tea. The aroma wafted through the room, a momentary distraction from the tense atmosphere.
"I am leaving. Perhaps another time," Selena said, politely declining the tea. She picked up her bag and moved towards the door, her departure leaving a palpable void.
Beatrice nodded in acknowledgment, then turned her attention to Elizabeth, offering her the tea. "The tea wasn't for her," she giggled, a sound that sparked a chuckle from Elizabeth. "I heard you weren't feeling well, so I made this." She placed the tray on the table beside the piano and carefully lifted a cup. Approaching Elizabeth, she extended the offering. "It's a recipe I learned from Sir Tansi. It releases muscle tightness and reduces pressure."
Elizabeth gratefully accepted the cup and took a tentative gulp. The liquid was scalding hot, a jolt to her senses.
"It's hot. I just made it," Beatrice quickly added, noticing Elizabeth's involuntary grimace.
"My bad," Elizabeth chuckled, finding the situation amusing and the conversation surprisingly enjoyable. "I should have tested it rather than gulping it down."
She had never truly had friends, only one, and that relationship had ended in heartache. The memory cast a fleeting shadow over her face.
Elizabeth shifted, inviting Beatrice to sit closer. Her mood had inexplicably lifted, drawn to the warmth and genuine concern radiating from the other woman. Elizabeth couldn't tear her eyes away from the beauty before her. Beatrice's hair was a cascading waterfall of honey-blonde waves, reaching the middle of her back. Her eyes held the bluest blue Elizabeth had ever seen, captivating and impossible to ignore.
'How can someone be this beautiful?' The thought escaped her lips before she could stop it.
Beatrice's nose was a perfectly straight line, and her lips seemed swollen and red, as if she had been rubbing them.
"Genetics," Beatrice laughed, seemingly shy. Her cheeks flushed a delicate pink, making Elizabeth realize she had spoken her thoughts aloud. "But you are a rare beauty, Miss Elizabeth. Your hair color is quite uncommon."
Elizabeth offered a weak smile, attempting to steer the conversation in a different direction. "How long have you been serving Sir Tansi?" she asked, her curiosity genuine. Perhaps, she thought, she could find a way to persuade Beatrice to help her gain her freedom.
"Since I was ten. My mother served his household before me; you were just six at that time. You know this already, but it seems what Martha said was true. The incident must have caused you to lose your memory."
"It did. I can't remember a lot of things," Elizabeth replied, playing it safe. She noticed Beatrice staring intently at her hand. Lady Hira had a tattoo, the word Queen inked in tiny, slanted letters. It wasn't easily visible, but with prolonged scrutiny, it became apparent.
Beatrice's gaze was making Elizabeth increasingly uncomfortable.
"So," Elizabeth said, attempting to draw Beatrice's eyes upward. "Are you from around here, or...?"
Beatrice raised her eyes for a fleeting moment, then dropped them back to Elizabeth's hand. "Can I see?" Her innocent blue eyes seemed to bore into Elizabeth's soul. She reached out and gently took Elizabeth's hand. "You have such delicate hands," she commented, not noticing the tattoo as she turned Elizabeth's palm upward.
"Well, thank you," Elizabeth replied, attempting to free her hand. But Beatrice's grip was surprisingly tight. She frowned, trying to pull away, but Beatrice seemed determined to examine whatever had caught her attention. Elizabeth's patience began to fray. She dragged her hand back, but Beatrice held on with unexpected strength.
Her patience snapped.
Elizabeth, her mind consumed by raw survival instincts, raised her free hand and struck Beatrice across the cheek. The sound echoed in the sudden silence. Both women were stunned by the unexpected violence.
At that precise moment, Damon entered the room.
Beatrice instinctively released Elizabeth's hand, giving Elizabeth the opportunity to stand and walk away.
She fled to her room, her body trembling with a mixture of fear and adrenaline.
Meanwhile, Beatrice remained in shock, her hand raised to her stinging cheek.
"Sir Tansi will be home soon. Prepare his food," Damon said, his voice devoid of emotion. With that, he turned and left the room.
He sought out Edward and recounted the entire incident. Edward, in turn, informed Sir Tansi via a phone call.
They both knew how deeply Sir Tansi cherished Beatrice.
Soon after, a car roared into the compound, screeching to a halt. The door swung open, and Sir Tansi emerged, his eyes burning with a bloodthirsty rage.
He strode into the mansion, heading straight for the second floor, ignoring the greetings offered by the staff.
He reached a door, turned the handle, and found it unlocked, as if the occupant had been expecting him.
The room was stark white, sparsely furnished with a few black artifacts. The bed appeared neatly made.
He stepped inside, his eyes scanning the room for a particular figure.
"I wasn't aware you had switched to another body," a voice said from behind the closing door.
Sir Tansi didn't hesitate. He whirled around to face the woman, dressed in a milky-black gown identical to the servants' uniforms.
"And I've told you to mind your own business," he retorted, his voice laced with menace.
The woman stepped closer, her hands clasped behind her back, feigning innocence. "I've served you for years. I think your business is my business now," she said, her tone defiant. "Besides, she slapped me. I believe that would merit having her hands cut off, wouldn't it?"
"Don't interfere in my business again," he warned, turning towards the door, ready to leave.
"If it were someone else, you'd have already chopped off their hand. But not Elizabeth," she said, her voice filled with barely suppressed anger.
Sir Tansi didn't wait to hear more. He stormed out of the room.
Elizabeth was in her room, half-expecting Sir Tansi to arrive and punish her for her defiance. She was supposed to act like royalty, be humble and obedient, not show any signs of rebellion.
Lost in her thoughts, she heard the door open. Sir Tansi walked in.
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Author's Note: I wrote this chapter on my sick bed. I'm trying to update every day, and I didn't want to break the streak. I don't know what to think of this chapter, it's shorter compared to the others. So, bear with me. xoxo