A sudden rapping on the door interrupted her thoughts.
"Who is it?" she quickly slid open a drawer, throwing the envelope and its components inside.
"It's me." Thedosia replied from behind the door.
Tia paused.
She's here to talk about what happened yesterday, I'm sure.
She braced herself for a scolding as she called out, "Come in."
Her mother stepped inside, looking around the office.
"This place is much warmer than I expected," she glanced at the tall windows through which the morning light poured in, "despite the incoming frost."
The young lady nodded, "I had the heating systems replaced. I can't stand the cold."
Thea laughed, "Right. You and winter were never the best of friends."
She sat down in front of Tia's desk, tapping a finger on the wood.
Artemesia was not bothered. She went back to sorting out her brother's documents, mumbling to herself about Jonathan needing an assistant.
Suddenly, the Duchess broke the silence Tia didn't notice had settled.
"So…?" she picked at her nails, feigning nonchalance.
Tia raised a brow, "So… what?"
She met her daughter's eyes, "Are you going to keep something like that from your Mother as well?"
The young lady's brow creased, "Pardon? Keep what?"
"Your… affair?" Even the Duchess was confused now.
"My… what?"
"Your affair… with His Highness?"
Oh.
Tia exhaled slowly, setting down her quill. "Just where do you hear such absurd rumors, Mother?"
It was Thedosia's turn to look exasperated, "Lily told me she saw you and the Crown Prince involved in… indecent behaviour back there."
She blinked, then rubbed her temples.
He wasn't wrong about servants spreading the word faster than lightning.
"I-... I don't even know what to say," she admitted finally, her lips pursed.
"So… it's true?"
No reply.
"It must be false then."
Silence again.
The Duchess took a deep breath through her nose, "Artemesia? I'm talking to you. Yes or no?"
"I… don't know?" she replied unassertively.
Thea blinked, "What do you mean you don't know?"
She sighed, and leaned back on her chair, staring at the door.
"I'm… not going to say there is nothing… But, even I don't know the nature of our relationship."
The other stated, "I don't believe that's possible. Does he like you?"
"...Yes."
"Do you like him?"
"..."
"You don't even know whether you like him or not?!"
"I-I'm indecisive!"
Thedosia huffed. "Lies."
She straightened, and laced her fingers.
"I… don't know if I deserve him."
"Why not?" her mother questioned, curious.
"..."
"Artemesia. Stop dodging me."
"Why are you even here?" Tia met her eyes, irritated, "I thought you would scold me."
The older woman's eyes softened. "No, I was asking if you were okay with him or not, and if the whole rumor thing was a misunderstanding. Since…"
Her voice dropped a few notes when she finished, "he's… a good choice."
. . .
Artemesia was sitting at her vanity, all ready to ruin someone's reputation.
Her hair fell in soft waves to her shoulder, a braid wrapping around her head as some pieces were left out to frame the face, threaded with pearls.
Her gown flowed from deep charcoal to pale lilac, fading like night into dawn. Sheer sleeves drifted from the shoulders, weightless and soft, while delicate embroidery traced the bodice in quiet, starry patterns. At the hem, the fabric melted into a faint shimmer, as if the dress were slowly unraveling into light.
"Oh my god," Leah was squealing, "you look absolutely magnificent!"
She offered her attendant a small smile of gratitude. After all, Leah was the one who picked the dress.
"Lilac and light purples are practically your brand colors now," she swooned.
Suddenly, the silence outside was interrupted by the clopping of horses. Leah rushed to the window, almost tripping.
"My Lady, My Lady! His Highness has arrived!" she called out eagerly.
Tia drew a shaky laugh, shaking her head. "You are more excited than I am."
She headed straight down, accompanied by Leah.
Thankfully, both John and Thedosia were out. She told them she was going to a banquet, but not where or with who, or else they would probe about her partner.
Gravel crunched under her heels as she walked outside. The cold evening air pained her nose, but she enjoyed the scent of roses wafting from the courtyard.
Leander was standing outside his carriage, as handsome as ever, dressed in red and gold.
He glanced up when he saw someone approaching, his lips curling into a smirk he didn't bother hiding.
"Lady Montclair," he acknowledged, reaching out for her hand, "You outdid yourself."
Artemesia didn't grant him a single finger as she curtsied, "It is only fitting if I dress according to my partner's status, Your Imperial Highness."
His lips twitched, annoyed, but he maintained his composure as he opened the carriage door.
Once again, he tried for her hand with a look Artemesia knew too well.
We're being watched.
Which wasn't wrong. Almost every servant in the Estate had their eyes fixed on them.
He's just using it as an excuse now.
She sighed, but obliged. The man grinned, victorious, and did exactly what Tia dreaded he'd do.
Another soft kiss on her gloved knuckles.
She flushed, but managed to keep a straight face, "How indecent."
Leander laughed, "Guilty as charged, my Lady."
He then guided her inside the carriage, before hopping on himself, and signaling for the driver to begin the journey.
The ride was quiet, neither spoke a word.
Artemesia suddenly realized how small the space was. She shifted slightly, wincing at how loud the rustle of fabric was.
Leander glanced at her, and noticed her discomfort. He quietly pulled his legs towards himself, giving her room to breathe.
She did. Soon enough, he heard a soft sigh from her lips.
He peeked to the side again. A small smile crept up his lips.
She was rubbing her knuckles.
He turned the other way, holding back his mirth.
She's too cute.
Soon enough, the fabulous Blackridge Estate came into view. Many carriages were lined up outside, a hint to the number of guests in attendance.
The carriage stopped, and Leander finally, fully, looked at Artemesia. Not a peek, not a glance.
Her shoulders were unusually hunched as she fiddled with her fingers.
"Anxious?" he joked, smiling.
She flinched at the sudden noise, momentarily meeting his eyes, and shook her head.
"I don't have any reason to be." she countered.
"Okay, let's run through the plan," he revised their jobs for the night, "There's a wedding announcement about to happen, and we stop it. Tilt the scales in our favor and expose the Blackridges."
Tia nodded, not looking up.
For the first time, Leander properly took in the lady in front of him. A gorgeous purple dress that complimented her eyes, the bodice accentuating her waist. The translucent sleeves flowed down to the fitted evening gloves, and her lips were tinted a dull rose.
As if she sensed she was being stared at, she glanced up. Sure enough, he was gawking at her, and their eyes met as soon as she lifted her head.
He looked away immediately, Tia cleared her throat. "We… should go. It's not polite to be late."
He bobbed his head, and opened the door, jumping outside.
Artemesia sighed, shaking her head.
No footman, no nothing, and he just hops out.
She took his hand once again, and gracefully stepped out of the carriage.
Glancing around, she noticed there weren't as many servants accompanying him as there should be.
"Shall we, My Lady?"
He offered his elbow this time. Artemesia took a deep breath, and slid her arm inside the gap.
"After you, Leander."
For a moment, he was surprised. But it quickly melted into a soft smile as he guided her forward.
"As you wish, Tia."