The weight of their secret pact settled upon Annelise and Kaelen like a shared burden, a silent understanding that colored their every interaction. Annelise moved through the formal routines of court with a newfound vigilance, her senses heightened, searching for any flicker in the Duke's demeanor, any inconsistency in his pronouncements that might corroborate the unsettling rumors. She found herself observing the reactions of the courtiers, the subtle shifts in conversation when the Duke was mentioned, the carefully guarded expressions in the eyes of those who had dealings with Baillon.
Kaelen, with his more unrestricted movements within the castle and the surrounding lands, became her unseen informant. Brief, carefully worded messages, slipped into her hand by a loyal kitchen maid or left tucked within the pages of a book in the library, painted a fragmented but increasingly disturbing picture. Tales of heavy-handed tax collectors arriving from Baillon, their demands exceeding the usual levies. Whispers among the stable hands of forced sales of horses to the Duke's men at unfair prices. Accounts from farmers in the outer villages of land disputes being settled swiftly and decisively in favor of Baillon's interests, often with little regard for prior claims.
None of these individual incidents were conclusive proof of widespread tyranny, but together they formed a disquieting pattern, a creeping encroachment that suggested a calculated expansion of the Duke's power, perhaps at the expense of those under his supposed future rule.
One particularly unsettling message, delivered by a young page whose loyalty Kaelen had subtly secured, spoke of a hushed meeting between several Baillonian officials and a disgruntled Baron from a neighboring territory, a man known for his resistance to the Duke's growing influence. The details were scarce, but the very fact of the clandestine meeting hinted at potential conflict or, even more worryingly, a preemptive silencing of opposition.
Annelise shared these fragments of information with Lord Elmsworth during one of their discreet consultations in the library. The old advisor listened intently, his brow furrowed with concern.
"This corroborates some of the more persistent rumors reaching the Queen," he murmured, tapping a finger thoughtfully on a rolled parchment. "The Duke presents a façade of strength and stability, but it seems there might be a more… ruthless ambition beneath the surface."
"What can we do?" Annelise asked, her voice barely a whisper. The thought of being bound for life to a man who might rule with such disregard sent a shiver of dread through her.
"The Queen is proceeding cautiously," Lord Elmsworth replied. "Directly accusing the Duke without solid proof could jeopardize the alliance and leave Valois vulnerable. We need irrefutable evidence, something that cannot be dismissed as mere gossip or disgruntled whispers."
The need for concrete proof hung heavy in the air, a seemingly insurmountable obstacle. How could they uncover such evidence without arousing the Duke's suspicion and potentially putting themselves in grave danger?
Meanwhile, the Duke continued his courtship of Annelise, oblivious to the undercurrent of suspicion swirling around him. He took her on formal hawking expeditions, where his displays of skill and command over the magnificent birds were meant to impress her. He hosted lavish dinners, regaling the court with tales of his military victories and the prosperity of his duchy. But in Annelise's eyes, a subtle arrogance now tainted his pronouncements, a hint of steel beneath the velvet glove.
One evening, during a musical performance in the Great Hall, Annelise's gaze drifted towards Kaelen, who stood his usual post near the Queen's dais. Their eyes met, and in his steady blue gaze, she saw a silent message of reassurance, a promise that he was still searching, still watching. It was a small comfort, but in the growing darkness, even the smallest spark of hope was precious.
As the days continued their relentless march towards the wedding, Annelise found herself increasingly isolated. She could confide only in Mathilde and Lord Elmsworth, both of whom carried the weight of the secret with grave concern. The other ladies-in-waiting, caught up in the excitement of the impending nuptials, chattered endlessly about the grandeur of Baillon and the Duke's power, their words grating on Annelise's already frayed nerves.
One afternoon, while examining the intricate embroidery on her wedding gown – a masterpiece of silver thread and delicate pearls – Annelise noticed a small, almost imperceptible tear near the hem. As she reached to mend it, a tiny, tightly folded piece of parchment fell from within the layers of fabric. Her heart leaped. This was Kaelen's doing, a new message delivered with daring ingenuity.
Her fingers trembled as she unfolded the fragile paper. The script was hurried, almost frantic.
My Lady, it read,
I have learned of a caravan, arriving from Baillon within the week, ostensibly carrying your bridal dowry and other ceremonial goods. However, my sources indicate that it is heavily guarded and traveling an unusual route, avoiding the main thoroughfares. There are whispers of locked chests and armed men who are not the Duke's usual guard. I believe this caravan warrants closer scrutiny. I will endeavor to learn more of its route and contents. Be cautious, my lady. The serpent may be closer than we think.
K.
A cold dread washed over Annelise. A heavily guarded caravan taking a secret route? What could the Duke be concealing? The bridal dowry was usually a matter of public display, a testament to the wealth and prestige of both houses. This secrecy was deeply unsettling.
She clutched the small parchment in her hand, her mind racing. This could be the irrefutable evidence they desperately needed. But how could they investigate this caravan without alerting the Duke? The risks were escalating, the air growing thick with suspicion and the unspoken threat of discovery. The serpent in the tapestry was beginning to stir, and Annelise knew that time was running out.