Chapter 60
My first destination was not my chamber. Instead, I made my way to the kitchen. When I arrived, the dozen or so maids within came to a halt as if I were some celestial being gracing them with my presence. They bowed, they smiled.
I smiled in return, utterly false. How revolting.
The kitchen was as gaudy as the rest of this estate, every inch of it reeking of wealth. Polished marble countertops, gilded handles on the cabinetry, shelves lined with spices. A display of opulence meant only to satisfy the hunger of those who never once knew the pains of true starvation.
"What can I make for you, Lady Florence?" One of the maids, Maria, chirped with excessive cheer.
"I merely thought to acquaint myself with the kitchen," I lied with feigned innocence. "I have never seen one before." That, at least, was true.
Maria chuckled, "I can show you around if you would like!" She beamed.
"No need," I replied with a light chuckle. "May I peruse at my leisure?"
"Of course, Lady Florence! No need to ask!"
Such eagerness. Such hospitality. I despised them for it.
I rolled forward, allowing my gaze to sweep over the kitchen. The maids, however, remained as they were, watching me, waiting. They were all smiling.
Irritating people.
"Please, do continue with your work," I forced a polite chuckle. A professional chuckle.
"Oh! You must be uncomfortable with us all staring at you!" Maria clapped her hands. "Alright, everyone! Back to work!"
At last, the room resumed its natural rhythm. Maids scurried about, discussing ingredients and preparations for whatever lavish meal was to be served next. I meandered through the space, trailing my fingers over the polished surfaces, pretending to be awestruck by the gleaming tools and appliances.
And then, I saw them.
Knives.
Laid out in meticulous rows, gleaming under the warm glow of the chandeliers. Small blades, large blades, their edges whispering promises of silent efficiency. My heart thrummed in anticipation. How to procure one without detection?
As if the universe itself favored my cause, a voice rang through the kitchen.
"All done! Everyone, come look at my new creation!"
A chorus of delighted gasps erupted, and the maids flocked toward the source of excitement, their laughter and chatter rising in a merry din.
What impeccable timing.
Swiftly, I reached out, fingers closing around the handle of a knife with the weight and shape of a dagger. A perfect fit. With a practiced motion, I slipped it into the folds of my dress, securing it in my lap.
Satisfied, I departed the kitchen, casting off a remark with little care for their response. "I shall take no supper this evening. See that I am not disturbed, and ensure none come near my door. I desire solitude. Convey the same to Her Grace."
I reached my chambers without incident. No sooner had I settled myself than the door creaked open, revealing Laura as she slipped inside in haste. Her movements were practiced, quick, and yet her nerves betrayed her.
"My Lady," she whispered, her voice low, glancing over her shoulder before moving closer. In one swift motion, she pressed a small pouch into my waiting hand. "I acquired it as you asked."
My fingers curled around it as I opened it just slightly, peering inside. A slow, satisfied smile crept across my lips.
"Good," I murmured.
Laura hesitated, her hands fidgeting at her sides. "It will paralyze whoever takes it," she explained, lowering her voice further, "but it also… arouses them. The paralysis will not wear off until they… well, until they finish. But, My Lady, what are you planning? This is dangerous."
I tilted my head slightly, regarding her with a look of easy amusement. "Oh, nothing more than a little fun with Millicent."
Laura's eyes widened slightly before she quickly averted them. "Fun, My Lady?"
"Precisely."
She hesitated, clearly torn between questioning me further and knowing better than to pry. In the end, she simply bowed her head. "Good night, My Lady. I must see to the concealment of my tracks. I shall not be able to return this eve," she murmured, before slipping out as swiftly as she had arrived.
Left alone, I snapped, I let go.
Glass shattered against the walls, splintering into a cascade of broken reflections. Ornamental vases crashed to the floor, their delicate forms reduced to nothing but ruin beneath my wrath. Papers were torn, belongings cast aside, destruction blooming in my wake like a violent tempest. The ornate furniture of the Vaneeri estate that were crafted with care met the brunt of my fury.
Yet, amidst the wreckage, one thing remained untouched.
The clock upon the mantel.
When it struck three in the morning, I finally stilled, my body trembling from the fire still burning beneath my skin. I reached into my bodice, tucking the pouch deeper, ensuring its safety, then I retrieved the knife I had stolen.
I turned my gaze to my tiger-handled cane, running my fingers along its polished surface. A quiet, wicked chuckle escaped me.
"Shall we go whack someone in the head?"
Steadying myself, I rose. Pain flared through my body but I ignored it. Pain was an old friend, one I had long since learned to embrace.
With my cane in one hand and the knife hidden upon me, I stepped forward. The door creaked as I pushed it open, the dim glow of moonlight casting long shadows through the hall. And with a smirk curling upon my lips, I went to find Millicent.