Chapter 5
A lump rose in Sylvanna's throat without warning. She found it suddenly difficult to swallow.
"All I have to say is—" Lady Adele said, her voice unsteady. "When you hear what the Empress says, I hope you won't misunderstand. This is all because of how deeply I believe in you, and the Empress is.. i think she just need some clarification"
What?
Lady Adele paused, eyes locked on Sylvanna's. "I've met countless ladies in my years, but none have made a stronger impression than you dear. You're a brilliant woman, and I see that clearly. What a shame we have not met earlier.."
Sylvanna didn't respond. Her lips parted slightly, but no words came out. She just stood there, staring at the marquise, unsure what to make of what had just been said.
"Why do you trust me? Lady Adele" Sylvanna shrugged and asked quietly. "We've known each other for, what—two weeks? The rest has been nothing but letters sent back and forth across miles in the countryside. What makes you think I'm someone.. can be trusted? What if I'm not who you think I am? What if I'm a criminal… or worse, a murderer? Wouldn't that threaten her Majesty?"
Lady Adele smiled. ''Are you?'' Sylvanna didn't respond. She only chuckled. ''Lady," she said, "I've been in this position for decades. I've seen liars and schemers of every shape and kind. People who come crawling to the Empress just to font for her favor. People who want nothing to do rather than the crown on her head. But you dear is an exception"
Sylvanna looked at her, searching for a hint of doubt. But there was none. And somehow… that terrified her more than anything. She can already hint what this is all about and she did not like it.
She and Lady Adele had only known each other for a few weeks. They had first stumbled upon one another in the forest, when she had lost her way. Sylvanna could still remember it as if it were yesterday. And, as any noblewoman would, she had invited the lady into her estate since it was already late—after all, it wasn't proper for a lady to be traveling alone in the dark.
The next thing she knew, Lady Adele was introduced inside her home. It had been so long since Sylvanna had welcomed a guest, yet somehow they bonded as if they had known each other for years. She couldn't explain it, but she knew it was real.
Lady Adele had insisted they stay in touch, and Sylvanna saw no reason to refuse. She couldn't spend her whole life keeping people at arm's length.
The following month was filled with letters exchanged between them. Until she found out that lady Adele was the current lady in waiting for the empress.
In truth, she was the only person Sylvanna kept in contact with from the capital.
As much as she was happy to see her again, there was nothing else in this part of the capital that felt worth returning to. The capital held no charm for her.
Her parents were long gone. She had a few distant relatives left, perhaps—but she had no desire to see them. The thought of running into them again made her stomach turn.
That's why it was difficult for her to accept whatever request they give. What if they decided to make her stay? The reason must be why Lady Adele takes interest in her because of her lack of ambition. Not to that she had no connection or allies and doesn't belong to any factions. She was a perfect pawn.
Sylvanna tried to be positive. She didn't know what was going on right now. Unless they can offer her something that is enough to make her want to stay?
Feeling defeated Sylvanna let out a small smile "I truly appreciate your words, lady Adele," she said softly. "And your trust in me… it means a great deal. I just hope I can be of help."
The Marquise's face lit up, as though Sylvanna's words were some miracle into her ears. "Oh, you will be, my dear," she said with a joy in her voice
Sylvanna drew in a deep breath and forced a smile in return. Goodness… this wasn't going the way she wanted. Not at all. The urge to run and just turn around and vanish before it was too late was digging deeper and deeper into her mind.
But what was she even so afraid of?
Nothing… or maybe everything.
''Forgive me if you feel like I am forcing you, "Lady Adele said, feeling bad she must have noticed Sylvanna's uneasy behavior.
Sylvanna blinked, eyes widening, didn't realize she was fidgeting "No—no, I'm fine. It's not what you think, my lady," she replied quickly.. perhaps a little too quickly..
"It's just…" She hesitated, unsure how to begin. The question she had been in her mind for too long. And she didn't want Lady Adele to overthink about it. After all, she wasn't just anyone, she was the Empress's right hand and who knew she would find her question offending when it is related to her master.
"I wanted to ask you something strange," Sylvanna finally said, "But I don't want you to take it the wrong way."
Lady Adele gave her an encouraging smile. "Go on. You know I'm not so easily shaken."