Diane stared wide-eyed at the woman adorned in the most luxurious dress she had ever seen. The air around her smelled of mobility. Her hair was held in place by golden pins of different sizes and shapes. A few strands of hair intentionally left to flow in the same direction as air.
Simply looking at her, one would notice how much she loves to keep up appearances. Diane thought of the right form of greeting, a nod? A bow maybe, or was she supposed to genuflect? She cast a glance towards Mira, hoping for a clue, but Mira only stared at her feet, with her shoulders deflated.
Diane decided to just do none. A safer choice, she imagined.
"Where in heaven's glory have you been that you are now strolling in this late?" The beautiful woman, whom Diane imagined to be in her early forties, asked with a look that showed disdain.
"Ath… Lady Athea felt a bit suffocated, so we took a walk to get some fresh air, your grace." Mira stuttered even though the question was directed at Diane. The visibly shaken Mira continued to stare at her feet.
Her grace.
If her understanding serves her well, this would mean the overall lady of the house. The fact that this interesting mean-faced woman was here in her residence meant one thing: Diane was answerable to her. Having lived all her life on her own terms, the idea of being watched constantly by in-laws felt burdensome.
"A walk, you say?" "Outside the manor, what kind of air were you searching for then, pray tell?" She stared from Mira and then to Diane.
"I heard last night that you were on the brink of death. I guess I will take it that you are well then?"
Is that a question or a statement? Was she expecting an answer? Diane took the easier approach: be amiable.
"I feel better now, thanks to your grace!"
She forced a weak smile while at it, very much determined to make a good impression at least. While she is not certain yet what their relationship has been like, starting on bad terms now is risky.
While she could be described as an agreeable person, Diane has had her own share of madness. The most recent one had caused her to be ostracized at the hospital by her colleagues, while her professors piled work on her in retaliation.
In this second life, she would prefer to not cross her superiors. The only side of her she will show for now is her amiable demeanor.
When Diane looked up, Mira was staring at her in confusion, or was it terror? She heard the girls who made up the entourage whisper to each other in hushed tones.
The woman nodded, her face slightly expressionless. She made to leave but stopped halfway, just an inch away from Diane. Diane could smell her overpowering scents, vanilla and lavender, with a tinge of honey.
"You look pale and sickly. Very sickly. Trying to imply you're not being treated perfectly at Ravenforth Manor? I hope not." "Pray tell, what exactly is it that is not to your satisfaction or to your taste, Athea?"
Diane was taken aback, not by the question but more so by the look she had in her eyes. It's okay if it were ordinary dislike or anger, but it was an expression that one can only get from someone who hates his very existence. How exactly did Athea and this stoic woman relate to be hated this much? Diane could not help but ponder.
"I have zero complaints…"
Diane said while staring into her deep blue eyes. She knew right there and then that this person standing before her had no intention of liking her, and it would be pathetic to pretend amiability just to be liked.
Something shifted in the woman's eyes; she was clearly taken aback by her curt response. Her expression suddenly went from hate to surprise and a tinge of annoyance.
"I have no complaints at all; my paleness is a result of my prolonged illness…your grace." She is now making sure to add the title she had intentionally omitted.
She gave a broad smile now, satisfied with herself.
"Well, oh well. Then, I'll be expecting you at Rose Hall by noontime tomorrow!"
She said as she walked past the gate, closely followed by her entourage.
"Rose Hall?" "What in the world is that?" Diane asked more as a mumbling than an actual question. Her eyes felt strained, and the only thing she wanted to do was sleep at this moment.
"Athea, what are you trying to do?" "You certainly know how dangerously vengeful she can be; why did it look like you were intentionally riling her?"
Mira, now at her side, queried. Diane took her hand as they walked past the hallways along the kitchen. Mira continued in her usual manner, while Diane drowned her out with her own thoughts. In less than forty-eight hours, she has met more dangers and seen more vile than in a whole week at the hospital.
What exactly does this place hold for her?
"Are you even listening to me, milady?" Diane looked at her and nodded in affirmation.
"Of course, Mira. "You were talking about the Rose Hall. Do I really have to go?"
"This is the worst time to get on her nerves, you know?" Mira said flatly as they stepped into her room; the lights on the side stand flickered consistently. Diane peeled off her dress. She examined her bruised heel, the stress of the day telling on the poor feet. From what she saw just now, that woman does not have a better time or anything of the sort. Diane knew trying to be a lovely stepdaughter-in-law was out of the question.
"Why, what is the occasion?" she asked, suddenly interested. Going to Rose Hall tomorrow meant she would be facing her all the time; it would be wiser to gather enough information early on.
The fact that Athea lost her memories worries Mira. The manor is not a place to make mistakes and get away from it. Living at the Lyselles' house was scary enough, but coming to Ravenforth Manor made her realize the world could be scarier.
"At the memorial ceremony of Dravon's mother, there have been rumors that she rebuked the Duke about ending the annual ritual, but he paid her no heed."
"So, by this time every year, she gets more irritated than usual. Calling you into Rose Hall must be to have you be in charge of the preparations and then blame you for any mishap, Athea." I hope I am wrong though.
I'll get you hot water for your bath, milady; you've had a really rough day!"
She stood up and walked towards the door.
"Would Dravon be there?" Athea asked suddenly.
Mira stopped in her tracks and looked at her in surprise.
Athea has never been the least interested in meeting Dravon. She had been overjoyed at finding out her intended husband had no intention of calling on her. Or acting married. If she felt sad or dissatisfied about this unexpected arrangement, she had not shown it. Since she woke up after her accident, it seemed a shift had occurred, for she randomly mentions his name. Mira hoped it was all due to the effects of her memory loss.
"It's his mother, Athea; obviously he will!"