The day of Jane's death
Lewis' POV
"Lady Versailles," I take in the lavish decorations of the throne room, as my sister in law enters. It would be more apt to say it's like watching a snake writhing in its way to sit upon a shiny jewel.
Loose skin hangs in wrinkles on her face. Her hair is dyed into the shade of charcoal. Her eyes have turned opalescent. I remember there was a time when they were almost black. She walks with her bank hunched, supporting herself on a cane with two snake carvings coiling around it.
The maroon skirt she dons hides her swollen knees. And I don't have to make a bet, that every time she walks, she has pain shooting up.
"I see, our guests have arrived," she smiles.
"But why do I not see my sister?" Her grey eyebrows shot up. Only her voice seems young.
"Your Ladyship," I offer my respects.
"It's good to see you again, Duke Canton. Or should I say, Lewis," she smiles. She looks older than when I last saw her.
Then again, the curse is known to work in different ways. The reversal magic makes it work stronger than before.
"And, you are as radiant as ever, Your Ladyship," I chime in.
Joel who stands next to me, starts coughing, and I scoff at her.
"My apologies," she adds in quickly. "It's the pollen," she presses.
"O Child! Do not lie now. We all know, I don't look radiant. Nor young. But I assure you, the pollen this year gets worse. Pollen in winters! Would you believe it?" Versailles chuckles.
Her back presses against the steel of the throne. It's gilded lustre cutting in, marking it as the centre of attraction.
Above it Versailles' grim eyes watched us with scrutiny.
"Let's not beat around the bush, Lewis," she speaks eloquently.
"Where is Vanya?" Her eyes flash with the hint of a threat.
"I have been trying, to find the same! It turns out Lady Vanya's carriage was ambushed on her way back to your estate," I tell her. Her Kohl lined eyes look at me with scrutiny.
For someone who was supposed to be the Head of a noble family, Versailles was nothing short of excellence. Her only shortcoming? The uncontrolled malice.
"Do you suppose, Duke Canton, that when my sister arrives at your estate, she is attacked under your vigilance.
And you do not even write to me about it! What blasphemy!" Her voice rolls out like thunder. Her stationed guards quiver a little within their armour.
"Believe me, My Ladyship, I have tried to find her. It was the Red Daggers that did it," before I could say more, she supported herself, getting off from her throne.
"The Red Daggers you say? A bunch of fictional warriors who attacked the Dragon's Lair, and led to your father's death?" She announced.
How does she know about the Dragon's Lair? To be more discreet, we never mentioned Dragon's Lair. We even told them they were just Dragon's nest. Nothing to make them any more alarmed. Unless...
"You are not being of help here," Versailles calls out.
That's when I felt a tug on my sleeve.
"Your Highness," Joel says in the small of her voice. "I don't think you should provoke her, anymore," she looks like she is on the verge of tears.
I gave her the discreet, "don't start crying now" look.
"Your Highness, she is different," Joel whispers.
Good Lord, kids.
It was a bad idea to allow her to come. But when she mentioned something about "Dragons" and "Mages", I had to let her in.
"Joel," I scoffed, and she straightened herself.
"I will not entertain your lies anymore," Versailles drawns in our attention. "You can stay the night. I want you out of my sight before the dawn," she spits.
The cheek of this woman!
I knew Versailles feared none. But her sheer disrespect to a former King's son was disarming. Did she not see me as an equal contender?
"Your Ladyship," Joel intervenes.
"Young lady, you certainly have a thing for impatience now, don't you?" She looks Joel in the eye. I watch Joel hesitate, but she gives me only an affirming look. Her legs shake, as she proceeds.
"Your Ladyship, I have heard countless tales about your palace. I would be indebted to you if you'd let me stay and learn the fine crafts suited for a woman under your guidance," Joel pleaded.
To this Versailles chuckles.
"Come to think of it, who are you? I didn't think it useful to know your name. But now, you have made it interesting," her gaze flicks between me, and Joel.
"I, am Joel. I am the daughter of the blacksmith, Welton. My father worked for the mages, because of the debt he has taken from them," Joel speaks. If she was afraid, she didn't show it.
"Well, well. Bringing Duke Canton in to ask me a favour, when he himself is no position to ask for one. How enticing!" She laughs sarcastically.
"My Ladyship, the horse that one rides doesn't mean much to the rider as long as it gets the job done. Duke Canton, is but an amicable vessel. I have always wanted to learn from you," Joel says.
This didn't seem like what she had told me about earlier.
I'll distract her, while you can get what you want. Maybe she will let us stay for a day or two.
"Joel..." I crossed my arms, turning at her. "How can you-"
"Your Highness, my education is important to me. I am grateful for all that you have done for me," she says.
"But the house of Versailles has always been a patron of magic. The mages shall have no problem teaching me under her Ladyship's sponsorship," Joel smiled.
"Ambitious, little thing. Why would I, grant you my grace, Little girl?" Versailles questions her. "You are certainly sweet of the tongue. But do you have what it takes to be the one?" She smirks.
"Of course, My Ladyship! I can be that and more. If you confer upon me your Grace, I shall leave now stone unturned to prove my loyalty to you," she bends her knee.
Traitor.
"Very well then. From today, you shall live in the servant quarters and serve me as I wish. I shall confer upon you the finest education of Magic," Versailles draws her robe over her lap. "In the meantime..."
"Maids, show the Duke his chambers for the night," she smiles. "Have a pleasant stay," she says.
I bow to her, walking away furiously as Joel stands there.
I hear Versailles' sneer.
"Now then little girl. Take off your clothes..." I hear her words, and my heart clutches.
Just what had that little traitor gotten herself into?
***