Chapter 21
Vidalia closed the door softly behind her, still unsettled.
Prince Edgar's behavior… didn't add up. Not at all. In the novel, he was supposed to completely ignore the servants—cold, distant, raised above everyone else. He never noticed anyone until he fell hopelessly under Angela's spell. And yet… he had spoken to her. To her. Twice.
She turned toward the cracked mirror hanging on the wall. Her reflection stared back at her, blurred and half-devoured by the shadow of her veil. Her figure looked frail, almost childish in her simple linen dress. She shrugged, resigned.
"I suppose I'm not quite as invisible as I thought…"
With a weary step, she crossed the cramped room she shared with her two fellow servants and collapsed onto her thin mattress.
Ruby was already stretched out on her bed, arms above her head, staring at the ceiling.
"Well," she sighed dramatically, "today was… eventful, to say the least." Then, with a mischievous laugh, she added, "But honestly, the prince is very handsome."
Vidalia smiled faintly, but it was Zoé—sitting cross-legged on the floor—who answered, her brows knitted in her usual moral judgment.
"Handsome or not, he's still an unfaithful fiancé and a shameless flirt. Can you imagine? Visiting another young lady's house without any official reason!"
She straightened, arms crossed.
"And Angela… did you see her? She was like a different person. Her voice, the way she walked… she was acting. I'm sure of it."
Ruby shrugged dreamily.
"Love changes people. Love is beautiful…" she sighed.
Zoé rolled her eyes.
"Love is mostly a trap when you're not the legitimate fiancée."
The door creaked softly as Vida entered, hanging her veil on the hook near her bed.
"Vida!" Zoé exclaimed, her tone immediately gentler. "Are you alright? Were they decent to you today?"
"She seemed pleased, I think. She barely noticed me," Vida replied with a small smile as she carefully folded her apron.
"That's good," Ruby murmured, nodding.
A brief silence fell. Then Zoé spoke suddenly, her gaze distant.
"I feel sorry for Lady Camélia."
Ruby lifted her head, intrigued.
"Why?"
Zoé hugged her knees to her chest.
"Because she's going to be betrayed. Because no one will defend her. And because she's engaged to a prince who can fall for any girl who laughs at his jokes."
The silence returned—heavier this time. Even Ruby had nothing to say. Vidalia lay back, staring at the ceiling for a long moment before speaking softly.
"Don't worry… Lady Camélia won't let herself be crushed," she said, running her fingers through her tousled hair. "And besides… things won't stay this way. When the duke finds out, he'll take steps to protect his daughter. I'm sure of it."
Ruby and Zoé exchanged a surprised look.
"You sound like you know Lady Camélia… and Duke Vesper pretty well," Zoé said suspiciously, raising an eyebrow.
Vidalia bit her lip, then murmured, cheeks flushing,
"Lady Camélia is my friend."
Silence.
"You're joking, right?" Zoé blurted out. "A noblewoman, friends with a servant?"
Vidalia crossed her arms, slightly offended.
"I asked her. And she said yes." She added, with a hint of pride, "She's already met Angela, actually. And… let's just say it didn't go very well."
She told them about their meeting at the café. Ruby listened, wide-eyed, while Zoé shook her head.
"By the Goddess, your Camélia has nerves of steel," Zoé muttered.
Ruby laughed nervously.
"The rumors won't die down anytime soon… High society is heading straight for war, I'm telling you. The next few years will be chaotic."
A light knock tapped against the door. Vidalia quickly put her veil back on as Naya darted behind a cushion. The door opened to reveal Flora, a lively young maid holding a bundle of envelopes.
"Hey, girls! You got mail this morning!" she said cheerfully. "You too, Vida… though two of yours don't have a sender's name. Still want them?"
Vidalia nodded, intrigued. Flora handed out the letters and disappeared.
Vidalia sat on the edge of her bed and picked up the first one. She immediately recognized her grandfather's warm, rounded handwriting.
Ruby smiled as she saw Vidalia's face light up.
"Maybe it's your new friend?" she teased.
Letter from her grandfather
My precious Vidalia,
I hope this letter finds you well, and that the nights in the capital aren't too cold. As for me, everything is going fine.
I'm counting the days until I can come get you for your leave. Your grandmother would have been so proud of you… and I'm proud enough for the both of us.
Get ready for long walks, Aunt Eleanor's apple pies, and a thousand stories I've saved just for you.
You're always in my thoughts, my treasure. Take care of yourself.
With all my love,
Grandpa Eddy
Vidalia felt her heart race. A radiant smile bloomed on her lips. She was going home. Home.
"That letter really makes you happy," Ruby said warmly.
Blushing, Vidalia opened the second envelope. Pale violet ink, delicate folds. Camélia.
My dearest Vida,
I wanted to thank you once again for the lovely time we spent together. You brightened my day in a way very few people can.
I would be honored to repeat our outing—perhaps tea at Alice's, or a stroll through the Garden of Lilies? Tell me what you'd prefer, and I'll gladly adapt.
I look forward to seeing you again. You are a rare companion, and I hope our friendship will flourish despite any obstacles.
With all my affection,
Camélia von Greenwood
Vidalia froze for a moment, then slowly nodded, eyes shining.
"Camélia…?" she whispered.
"Seriously?!" Ruby and Zoé exclaimed in unison.
She nodded, dazed. She was going to see Camélia again. A real friend.
Then she opened the third envelope, hands trembling—and her heart tightened.
The handwriting was less confident, slightly slanted, as if written with hesitation. But the words were full of warmth.
Dear Vidalia,
I hope you'll forgive this unexpected letter. I am your uncle, Frédéric. Your grandfather has spoken of you often, and I… I am sincerely happy to know that you exist.
My wife, Eléonore, and I would be honored to meet you. We've learned that you'll be spending a few days at the manor, and we await you eagerly.
I don't yet know what kind of uncle I'll be… but I would like to try, if you'll allow it.
With all my affection,
Frédéric von Reinhart
Tears welled up without warning, sliding gently down her cheeks like a summer rain.
"Vida? What's wrong?" Zoé asked, worried, stepping closer.
Ruby wrapped her in a gentle embrace.
"Those are happy tears, I think," she whispered softly.
Vidalia nodded against her shoulder, unable to speak.
For the first time in a long while, she felt surrounded. Truly surrounded.