Ashley, Paisley's mother, had formerly been a commoner without any last name.
After father's affair with her had blown up, he decided to finally be an honourable man, so he officially wedded her. Hence, making her the official mistress of the Marquis, Ashley Deor.
She looked exactly as one would picture a seductress in their head. Red full lips. Slanted eyes. A voluptuous figure. Her beauty was bold and could easily capture the attention of any man. But above all, the way she carried herself could easily bring a man to worship at her feet. Father had been one of her victims. Well, at least for some time.
As expected, with time, he got bored of her and cast her aside to the mansion's annex. He did still provide for her financial needs. But the the attention and desire he had expressed for her, had dwindled away with time. As they say, love is like a candle's light. It can glow brightly but easily be put off by the slightest wind.
That is why I don't plan to keep my position as Empress just with the help of Nathan's love. Who knows when his heart could change? I had plans to secure my status.
"I have to say, congratulations on your wedding"
Ashley's words made me halt my thoughts. I studied her expression closely and searched for signs of sarcasm.
"Thank you, for your well wishes"
Deciding to be friendly for now, I responded with a smile that didn't quite reach my eyes.
Living in this world, I had become successful with one simple rule; There is no permanent friend nor permanent enemy — only permanent interest. Unless necessary, there was no need to make whimsical enemies.
I had no animosity towards Ashley who was my father's mistress. Her fight was against my mother, and I believed mother was a capable Marchioness, able to fend off any threat the mistress posed.
My fight was with higher forces. Nevertheless, I would always keep my guard up against Ashley who talked and acted like a cunning snake by nature.
"I wonder what you've been up to these ladies"
Quickly, I shifted the conversation to topics concerning her. I was truly curious about her activities in the annex.
"Nothing really. I've just been resting. An awful sickness had overcome me" She said.
"That's horrible. I had no idea. But why didn't you summon any doctors?"
The sickness she spoke about was probably a lie, so my question made it evident to her that she was being watched and I was aware of her dishonesty.
Henry closely monitored her and no illness was discovered. Our maids watching her, had instead reported that she was constantly locking herself up in her room. It was just recently that we discovered she was exchanging letters and giving donations to a guild of magic. This was what had piqued my interest in what story she'd relay.
"I took some natural herbs. I didn't want to bother the household by bringing in doctors"
She responded to my question with a smile that would make you think she was so good natured. Keeping up an innocent facade was my act.....tsk, what a copycat. Who was this ill-tempered woman, trying to fool?
With an innocent tilt of my head, I spoke sarcastically. "The household has been providing for your luxuries, so how could the health of the Madam be a bother?"
Patiently, I waited for her act to crack. For I had seen her slip up several times in the past. Even if she did appear more dignified than when we last met, one's inherent nature couldn't be changed in a measly six months.
It was then that I saw her eyes bend in displeasure. The smile that had played on her lips become small. From her lap, she picked up her yellow fan then opened it, covering the lower half of her face.
"Haha. I can see you are a really caring person, Lady Adrianna. You seem to care for me more than how you concern yourself with Jessica" She faked a laugh, fluttering the fan slowly. "Even Paisley didn't ask about my health with such fervor. The child seemed a bit indifferent to me as of late"
"Oh don't mind Paisley. She was just probably experiencing the fierceness of love. You above all people should know how exciting an affair can be...."
My words trailed off, accompanied by a chuckle and a smile that didn't extend beyond my lips, my eyes conveying a mocking narrative.
Never would I allow someone else have the last witty remark. If I were with a fan, I too would have covered my face slyly. Then again, it was nice intimidating an opponent with a proud smirk.
We intensely stared down at each other. As if it were a contest, we both waited for the other to flicker in their gaze.
As expected, she was the first person to falter, and with a flick of her fan over her face, she smoothly changed the subject.
"Jessica must be delighted to have her daughter marry the Duke of the South. If only Paisley was able to catch the eye of such a fine suitor"
From her words you'd think she was talking about me with envy, but her tone displayed a different emotion. She seemed rather pleased.
'Strange...'
I spoke, with my arms now crossed. "She's already done it before, so I'm sure it won't be a challenge again. Although this time, I hope it isn't someone else's fiance"
I wanted to rid the sound of glee in her voice. Her intentions were not clear, so I wanted to make them so.
Twap. With force, she reeled her fan shut and set it down on her lap. A small frown appeared on her face. But she tried to control her expression, continuing the banter-like conversation.
"Enough of Paisley. Let's talk about you"
I rose an eyebrow, questioning. "What is there to discuss, concerning me?"
"Quite a lot. But first...." She flashed me a professional smile, raising her head high. "I'd like to express how helpful I'll be to you, with your future plans"
"What plans?"
"Oh my we've arrived"
An answer wasn't given to my question, as the carriage had stopped moving and was opened by the coachman. I gave Ashley one final look over my shoulder as I exited the carriage. She only smiled at me, amusement dancing in her eyes.
Turning forward, I realized the carriage had just stopped in front of the entrance of a huge white structure. It looked somewhat like an opera house because of the big blue pillars supporting the building. But I knew all the big opera houses in the South and I was not familiar with this location.
The guards, who I recognized as Deor knights, followed me from a distance. I moved quickly so I'd lose them in the reception area.
Wedding music was already being played by an orchestra. The venue was packed with guests dressed up for a wedding. Being a socialite, I could recognize a lot the faces of majority of Southern nobles. All eyes turned to me as I passed the entrance and stepped into the hall.
As I was about to attempt to lose the guards trailing behind me, I heard my name being called out hurriedly.
"Adria! My goodness!"
Frantically running to me, was my own mother who I hadn't seen for two days now.