Annette stared at him, lost in his grey eyes. She swallowed hard, desperately trying to think of something, anything that would keep the lord's interest and favor.
"I don't have all day, Daphne. If you have something to say, start speaking," he whispered before pulling back just enough for her to breathe properly.
"I—I shall tend to the affairs of your household. You have a beautiful mansion. I can oversee it, and you would not have to pay for my services."
The lord arched a brow. "You want to be a housekeeper?"
Annette hated this.
"Yes, my lord. I will surprise you with my excellent skills," she said with a smile.
"I already have two excellent housekeepers. I have no need for another," Vincent replied, rising to his feet.
Damn this man.
"How about a maid? I could assist with cleaning the house, or even water the flowers."
"I'm afraid those roles are filled as well. I have more than enough staff in my household, and I don't require more," Vincent said, shoving his hands into his pockets. "I'll be on my way now if you have nothing else to—"
"Please, my lord. I have run out of ideas," she lowered her head, staring at her hands. "What is it you would have me do?"
A moment of silence followed. The clicking of Vincent's shoes caught her attention as he moved. She was tempted to look up, but stopped herself.
"There is one position that has been left vacant for far too many years," he said slowly. "And I think it's time for that to change."
Annette felt her heart race. Deep down, she knew whatever he was about to say would be outrageous.
"And what would that be, my lord?" she asked, trying to sound irritated.
"A mistress," Vincent replied. "It has been a while since I had someone to warm my bed."
Bile rose in her throat as her nails dug into her palms. Dear gods, she hated this man. She couldn't wait to bury a knife in his chest and watch him bleed and die properly this time.
Sharing a bed with him would wound her pride and shatter her dignity before her people. But she would endure it. Anything to infiltrate his household and destroy him when he least expected it. She would survive, keeping her end goal firmly in mind.
"If I warm your bed, will you spare my life?" she asked.
Another stretch of silence followed.
"As long as you keep me entertained, I shall spare your life," he replied.
A sigh of relief slipped from her lips.
"Have your breakfast," he said. "You will be escorted back to your chambers and prepared for my arrival tonight." He paused at the door before stepping out, closing it behind him.
Annette exhaled and pushed herself to her feet, her knees aching from kneeling for so long. She turned back to the table. Though she had no appetite, she forced herself to eat. She would need the strength for what awaited her tonight.
She settled into the chair, slowly chewing the surprisingly good food. When she was finally full, she stood and took her time studying the room, admiring the statues and artwork neatly arranged along the walls, her fingers tracing their outlines.
As she moved to the next painting, the door suddenly swung open, causing her to nearly shriek in fear. She turned toward it, taking two quick steps away from the wall.
The blue-eyed man stepped inside, his gaze flicking briefly to the paintings before settling on her.
"I'm here to escort you back to your chambers," he said, his expression neutral. His eyes were strikingly bright and impossible to ignore.
"Oh, alright." Annette smiled as she walked toward him. "Thank you for the meal. It was quite enjoyable."
"I had nothing to do with your meal," he replied coolly. "If you're pleased with it, you may thank the lord himself."
This man was far too direct.
"Alright. I'll do that when I see him," Annette responded.
They walked side by side in silence until they stopped outside the chamber she had been assigned. She turned to him. "Thank you for escorting me."
"The lord will be here by six this evening. Do not keep him waiting," he said, bowing before turning away.
Annette caught his sleeve before he could leave.
His gaze dropped to her hand, prompting her to pull away immediately, rubbing her palms together nervously.
"Forgive me," she said quickly. "I only wished to ask your name. What should I call you?"
"You are mistaken if you believe a few exchanged words make us acquaintances," he replied sharply. "I am not your friend, miss, nor do I intend to be. I am here solely to carry out my lord's orders, nothing more." His eyes narrowed slightly. "Have a pleasant day."
With that, he bowed once more and walked away, leaving Annette standing there, speechless.
Gods, why was everyone in this household so terribly rude?
All she had wanted was his name. He could have simply refused, how hard would that have been?
A foolish man. Just like his lord.
Letting out a frustrated groan, she pushed the door open and shut it behind her, bolting the lock before turning back into the room. Her eyes nearly popped from their sockets at the sight before her.
The table she had left empty was now filled with books, at least ten, if she counted correctly.
And laid neatly across the bed were dresses in a variety of colors and designs.
Annette rushed forward, lifting one to examine it. The fabric was exquisite, soft beneath her fingers. All of them were. The lord must have had them delivered while she was gone.
On the very first day, she was already receiving the benefits of being his mistress.
The dresses were beautiful, yes, but the thought of being reduced to his toy made her stomach churn. Goosebumps spread across her skin as she placed a hand over her abdomen, trying to steady herself.
Even after all these years, she couldn't bury the memories of those horrid moments. She had endured so much suffering, yet those months still shook her to her core, unraveling the confidence she had fought so hard to rebuild.
Sometimes, it made her want to tear her own heart out.
He had ruined her… ruined them all beyond repair, and—
Annette swallowed, closing her eyes as she forced her racing heart to slow. She would not think about him now. She would not let him crawl back into her thoughts. She had to be strong not only for herself, but for her family.
When she opened her eyes again, she felt calmer, though exhaustion weighed heavily on her limbs. With nothing else of importance to do, she gathered the dresses and placed them neatly inside the wardrobe, arranging them carefully before collapsing onto the bed. She waited for the tiredness to claim her, and it did not take long. Sleep pulled her under.
A knock on the door jolted her awake.
She heard it twice before dragging herself out of bed and stumbling toward the door. Rubbing sleep from her eyes, she pulled it open.
Two young women, both about her age, stood before her. One wore a blank, unreadable expression, while the other smiled warmly.
"My lady, I am Anastasia, and this is Beatrice," the expressionless one said, gesturing first to herself and then to her companion.
"Good afternoon, Anastasia and Beatrice," Annette replied with a polite smile.
"Good afternoon, my lady," they greeted together with small bows. "The lord has requested that we prepare you for a meeting."
Annette frowned and turned toward the clock. It was past noon, nearly four. She had slept far too long.
She groaned softly, barely stopping herself from cursing aloud. "Come in," she said, stepping aside.
They entered while she closed the door behind them. Annette watched as they moved around the room with practiced ease, far too familiar with the space. She wondered how many women they had prepared for their master before her.
"My lady, your bath has been prepared," the smiling maid said.
Annette reached for the laces of her dress, half-expecting the women to turn away. They didn't. Their gazes remained unbothered. With a nervous breath, she slowly undid the dress, letting it fall to her feet.
She lowered herself into the tub, the warm, rosemary-scented water washing over her skin. A sigh escaped her as her muscles finally relaxed.
After the bath, they selected a rather revealing nightdress. When Annette voiced her discomfort, they simply told her it had been chosen by the lord himself.
Left with no choice, she put it on and sat in silence while they tended to her hair, oiling and arranging it with carefully. By the time they finished, she felt less like a woman and more like a doll.
Without another word, the ladies gathered their things and left the room.
Annette barely noticed. Her attention was fixed on the clock.
A few minutes to six.
If the lord meant what he said, he would arrive any moment now. And if he didn't—
She wasn't sure which possibility frightened her more.