The front of the castle stood in quiet preparation to receive Lord Varent on his arrival.

The morning air carried a faint chill, softened only by the pale stretch of sunlight that filtered through the towering walls.

Adele stood at the top of the steps, still and composed as she waited.

Her posture was perfect, with her chin lifted just enough to suggest dignity without arrogance. The soft fabric of her gown fell around her in clean, deliberate lines, untouched by the wind.

Behind her, two maids stood in silence.

Adele’s attention remained fixed on the gates ahead. Her father’s instructions echoed clearly in her mind to receive Lord Varent properly, and not embarrass him.

Her fingers curled slightly against her sides.

The sound of wheels broke through the quiet.

A carriage rolled through the gates slowly. Its presence immediately drew the attention of every servant within the yard. The horses slowed as they approached the steps, their hooves striking softly against stone.

Adele inhaled once, and moved forward.

Her steps were graceful as she descended the stairs. The maids followed behind her, just far enough to remain unseen, yet close enough to attend when needed.

The carriage came to a stop.

A footman stepped forward quickly, reaching for the door.

It opened, and then, she saw him.

Lord Varent.

His face appeared first, followed by the rest of him as he stepped down from the carriage. His expression stretched into a smile the moment his eyes landed on her.

Adele did not return it, not even out of politeness. She walked toward him anyway, and stood before him.

There was no warmth in her gaze. Her gaze held measured distance in them.

"Adele," he greeted, his tone smooth, as though nothing had ever been wrong between them.

She did not respond.

Her eyes flickered briefly over him, assessing.

He did not seem bothered. If anything, his smile deepened.

"An apology," he said, reaching into the carriage.

Adele’s gaze followed the movement without interest.

He pulled out a small blue box. It rested neatly in his palm as he extended it toward her. "For what happened between us at the ball."

Adele looked at the box. She did not reach for it, nor acknowledge it. She remained silent. Her expression remained unchanged.

Lord Varent paused, just for a second.

Then, slowly, he opened it.

Inside, a bracelet lay nestled in soft fabric. It shimmered faintly under the light, delicate and expensive. It looked carefully chosen.

Adele’s gaze lingered on it for a moment longer. Then she lifted her dark gaze to his face.

Still, she said nothing.

The silence stretched between them, slowly turning uncomfortable, and heavy.

Something flickered behind his smile. Not really irritation, but close enough to one.

He inhaled slowly.

He moved again. This time, his hand disappeared back into the carriage. Adele’s brows pulled together slightly. She seemed so u impressed by him.

He drew out a sword from thw back of the carriage. The metal gleamed as it caught the light.

A ripple passed through the air. The servants nearby stilled. Even the maids behind Adele shifted slightly.

Lord Varent stepped forward. He dropped to one knee before her.

Adele stilled.

The sword turned in his grip as he held it by the blade, offering the hilt forward. He bowed his head.

"With this sword," he began, his voice steady, carrying across the courtyard, "I swear my loyalty to you. Never to do anything that would make milady displeased," he continued, "or even in the slightest beat uncomfortable. I—"

His voice went on.

However, Adele was no longer listening. Something else had caught her attention at the far end of the courtyard.

Her gaze shifted there, and then she saw him.

Torak.

He stood near the edge of the yard, speaking quietly with a maid. His posture was relaxed, but his presence was anything but unnoticed.

Adele’s breath stilled for just a second.

Her eyes locked onto him.

Torak paused, sensing her. His head turned slightly, and then, their eyes met.

For a brief moment, everything else disappeared. All of it faded. There was only that look, and the stillness it came with.

Suddenly, Adele lifted her chin with pride, and control.

Torak held her gaze for a second longer. Then, he bowed at her respectfully, and nothing more. The was what she wanted.

And then he turned away. He walked off with the maid, with his figure disappearing gradually past the archway.

Adele watched him go.

She did not blink, nor move. Not until he was completely gone. Only then did the world return.

Lord Varent’s voice filtered back in.

"...my devotion, and my respect—"

Adele looked down at him. Her expression was calm again, untouched, and unmoved.

"Rise," she said quietly, completely untouched by his gesture.

He stopped speaking immediately.

His head lifted, and he stood up immediately. Hope flickered briefly in his eyes.

Meanwhile, Adele did not acknowledge the bracelet. Nor the sword and his act of loyalty.

Instead, she turned.

"Walk with me," she said simply and began to move, leaving him no choice but to follow.

.....

The kitchen was filled with so much bodies moving at once.

Heat rose from the stoves, filling the space with warmth. The scent of spices and fresh ingredients lingered heavily in the air as maids moved quickly from one task to another.

Orders were being given and followed immediately. At the center of it all, Madam stood there.

Her posture was firm.

"No, not that. Set it aside. The meat needs more time. And where is the broth I asked for?"

A maid hurried forward with a bowl.

"Here, Madam."

Madam glanced at it briefly, then nodded. "Good. Keep it warm."

"Yes, Madam."

She turned slightly, scanning the room again.

At the edge of the kitchen, Mitchell stood, hesitating a bit.

She stood just outside the main movement of the room, with her hands clasped lightly in front of her.

Her eyes followed Madam carefully.

She stepped forward.

"Madam," she called softly.

Madam turned. Her gaze landed on her immediately. Her gaze remained sharp, as if she wished to strip Mitchell off whatever mask she wore.

"Yes?"

Mitchell dipped her head slightly. "I... wished to speak with you."

Madam studied her for a moment. She nodded once. "Make it brief."

Mitchell stepped closer.

Her expression softened slightly. "I was hoping..." she began, her voice quiet, respectful, "to be considered for a position."

Madam’s brows lifted slightly. "A position?"

Mitchell nodded. "Yes. I would like to serve more directly."

Madam’s gaze sharpened. "And where exactly do you think you are serving now?"

Mitchell lowered her eyes briefly. "Under the Luna," she said.

The kitchen noise continued around them, but between them, it stilled.

Madam’s expression changed. "Why?" she asked. "What are you speaking of?"

Mitchell hesitated, just enough to seem natural.

"I believe... I could be useful to her," she said softly. "She is new. She may need someone attentive and careful."

Madam watched her, unmoved. "No."

Mitchell stilled at the rejection. Her fingers tightened slightly.

"I already have those assigned to her," Madam continued. "And I choose them carefully."

Mitchell nodded slowly, as if accepting it. Then when she lifted her gaze again. There was something softer there now.

I understand," she said quietly. "But... it’s not only that."

Madam did not speak.

Mitchell inhaled slowly. "I want to know what it feels like," she said.

Madam’s gaze flickered.

"To serve under her," Mitchell continued. "To serve under the most humble Luna this realm may ever have."

Madam stilled. She had not expected that. She flet almost proud of Aire. Yet, her eyes lingered on Mitchell, longer now.

Mitchell held her gaze. She appeared to be open.

Seconds passed between them, until Madam exhaled slowly. 𝒻𝑟ℯℯ𝑤𝑒𝑏𝑛𝘰𝓋𝑒𝓁.𝒸𝑜𝘮

"...you speak well," she said.

Mitchell said nothing.

Madam looked at her one last time, then nodded. "I will make provisions."

Mitchell blinked in shock. Then bowed her head quickly. "Thank you, Madam."

Madam turned away almost immediately.

"Do not make me regret it," she added.

Mitchell’s lips curved slightly. "I won’t."

The moment Madam turned away, the warmness in her eyes disappeared, and her smile dropped, bringing out her inner motive.