"Excuse me, Rosalinda," Cassandra interrupted, her tone icy. "Are you comfortable addressing the duchess so informally, especially upon her arrival?" Mrs. Maire's eyes dropped, apologetic. "Forgive me, Your Grace."
Cassandra's smirk deepened. "You should apologize. The duchess suffered memory loss from her coma four years ago."
Cashiopine's frown silenced Cassandra. "Must you mention that?"
Cassandra feigned innocence. "Oh, sister, I'm just pointing this out to the maid."
Mrs. Maire bowed. "I'll leave now, Your Grace."
Cashiopine nodded curtly.
"So, how's—"
Cassandra's words trailed off as Cashiopine walked away.
Cashiopine spun around, her voice firm. "Cassandra."
Cassandra's eyes widened. "What?"
But Cashiopine had already turned, her elegant stride carrying her away.
Cassandra: "Oh, sister..."
✧~•~✧
Kiana sat serenely in Elyria Park, lost in thought, when Leonard the farmer approached.
"Kiana, I've been searching for you," he said with a warm smile.
"What's up, Mr. Leonard?" Kiana asked, curiosity piqued.
"I need your help. Can you bring these flowers to the mansion?" Leonard requested.
Kiana nodded. "Sure."
"Cut them carefully and arrange them in a vase," Leonard instructed.
Kiana's hands moved deftly. "Consider it done, Mr. Leonard."
✧~•~✧
The flickering candlelight danced across the lavish parlor, casting shadows on the walls. Duchess Cashiopine's eyes were fixed on her book, her expression serene. Cousin Lukas, Baroque de Barcelona, and Cassandra Bach Baroque conversed in hushed tones.
Luka's laughter echoed through the room. "Hahaha! We should be the most powerful nobles of all!"
Cassandra smirked. "Of course, dear Cousin Lukas."
Lukas turned to Cashiopine. "What do you think, Cashiopine?"
Cassandra chimed in, "Oh, please, sis, join us."
Cashiopine closed her book, her movements deliberate. "You two enjoy yourselves. I'll leave."
Luka's brow furrowed. "Where are you going?"
"Outside," she replied softly, disappearing into the night.
-----
As Rosalinda approached, Cashiopine Bach Baroque, stood poised, her slender fingers grazing the gilded mirror frame. The soft rustle of Rosalinda's skirts announced her presence.
"Your Grace?" Rosalinda curtsied.
Cashiopine's piercing blue-green eyes narrowed slightly. "Yes?"
"I saw you wandering, Your Grace. Do you require something?" Rosalinda asked gently.
Cashiopine's gaze drifted toward the sprawling gardens. "Just exploring."
Kiana, a discreet lady-in-waiting, passed through, her eyes darting toward the pair. "Okay, stay calm," she whispered, her cheeks flushing.
Rosalinda's eyes sparkled warmly. "I'd love sharing stories about your childhood, Your Grace."
Cashiopine's brow arched. "What stories?"
"I was your maid before, and you loved climbing trees!" Rosalinda smiled.
Cashiopine's eyes narrowed, her slender brows furrowing. "Really?" she asked, her melodic voice tinged with skepticism.
Rosalinda curtsied deeply. "Yes, Your Grace. Your mother forbade tree climbing."
Cashiopine's perplexed expression deepened. Her gaze drifted, as if beckoned by the ghosts of her past. "That's a vastly different version of me," she whispered, her voice barely audible.
A faraway look crept into her eyes. Memories long buried began to resurface, haunting her.
"All I recall is being with someone who ruined my life," Cashiopine murmured, her words dripping with anguish. "I was supposed to be the perfect woman, living a flawless life – no problems, no chaos, no pain."
Rosalinda's concern intensified, but she remained silent, knowing better than to intervene in Cashiopine's private turmoil.
As Cashiopine's mind wandered, the opulent room faded, replaced by visions of:
_Axel's captivating smile_
_Laughter echoing through grand halls_
_The stairs_
_The fall_
_Shattered dreams_
The silence stretched, heavy with unspoken words.
Rosalinda's gentle voice echoed through the hall. "Kiana!" She beckoned her daughter forward. "Your Grace, this is my daughter Kiana."
Kiana's curtsy was flawless. "Nice to meet you, Your Grace." Cashiopine nod was brief before she departed, leaving an air of mystery.
Kiana looked up, flowers in hand. "Mom, where should I put these? Mr. Leonard told me to arrange them in a vase."
Rosalinda's smile softened. "Let me take care of it, dear. It's almost 9 p.m. Time for bed."
"Okay, Mom. Goodnight," Kiana whispered, disappearing into the darkness.
✧~•~✧
Cashiopine strolled alone, lost in thought. Memories of her childhood maid flooded her mind. "Did I really love climbing trees? Ladies don't climb trees. Was she truly my maid?" she pondered.
A strange noise echoed through the forest, snapping her back to reality. She gazed up at the towering trees, her heart racing.
Crows swooped down, startling her. "Augh!" Cashiopine stumbled, her slender frame crashing against the earth. Rosalinda and Cassandra rushed to her side. "Your Grace, are you okay?" Rosalinda exclaimed.