7

The ride back in the carriage was silent and uncomfortable. Ellaise maybe the first time in her life after she became Kroudell didn't know how to act. Veran was avoiding her eyes and didn't even say a word, and she wouldn't mind that she didn't want to talk to him either, but she had to keep up the pretense. She had to act like she still believed in his loyalty to her. That was the point. She didn't know when and why he would change sides, and it would be stupid from a strategic standpoint to lose such important and powerful pawn. Veran became just a mere pawn. She had to put all her feelings aside, she was fighting in a war right now and she couldn't afford to lose even one battle.

"Don't you think I overdone it? The camelia ring?" she asked that again. Ellaise had no idea about what she could talk about with this man. She had so many questions that she could ask. No without getting exposed and burning that carriage in anger. So she decided to stick to bland 'small talk'.

"Whatever my Lady chooses is appropriate" he answered. This time remembering the scene in the store he looked her in the eyes, just for a second, and then he averted his gaze again. Feeling Ellaise's flustration he added, "She doesn't know the way of Rhaelia so she won't know the meaning."

Dear Rhaelia give me patience, Ellaise thought. He was right, Fiona was raised in Savron worshiping household. She would have to spend some time adjusting and learn the rules of Kroudel, but she will adapt. And always gossiping high society won't miss an opportunity to talk about how cruel Ellaise is for giving Fiona a ring. Well it wouldn't change much, Ellaise liked talks like that, she was proud of her reputation as a heartless person and she would achieve her goal. With the ring on her finger as her welcome gift, she wouldn't be respected by any of Rhaelia's followers and will only become entertaining gossip. Nothing more. Alliance with a 'finger' will only stain the reputation of noble families.

The only reason she was asking Veran was to test him. I was a bold move even for her, so it would be understandable if he had any objections. If he would try to correct her she would know he still sides with her if he would approve and praise her without question she could have suspicions but that answer that sounds like took from knights handbook infuriated her. Before he would tell what he thinks, what on Rhaelia happened to him?

"What is wrong with you today?" She asked. No answer, he just looked away through the window in the carriage.

The rest of the journey was silent.

Family dinner was a tradition in the Kroudel household. She could not attend breakfasts and eat them in peace in her chambers all the time as she wanted, but dinner was a different story. She felt nauseous at the thought that soon Fiona will be joining them. It wasn't because of a grudge that Ellaise holds towards her, well not completely. Mostly it was her stupid and bubbly personality that she couldn't stand. Or it will be.

This time she was amused at the thought of family dinner, usually, she didn't like them much. But this was a perfect opportunity to voice some suggestions and plans, and steps that she has to make in form of a debate. Matters that she has to work thought include all family members. The more voices in her favor the better.

Ellaise prepared herself as always, she put on the same outfit as she has when she went to the Duke this morning. This time she remembered the gloves.

When she went into the dining room Duke and Eugene already were at their places. The hierarchy was very clear, Duke sits at the end of the table, by his side empty chair in honor for the late Duchess. On the right side of the Duke was the place of the future head. Ellaise greeted the Duke and sat on her chair on the left side, across empty Elias's place. Eugene was sitting three chairs away on the right side of the table. Everyone who knew about the hierarchy in Rhaelia worshiping household would tell at the first glance only by the place on the table which children were favored and which wasn't. There was no mistaking it.

The staff has begun to serve dishes. The aroma was amazing. There were salads, delicious looking meats and fruits served on silver platters. Two dogs went under the table, the additional staff went away and only one maid stayed at the door. No one started to eat yet. Elias didn't come yet, so they have to wait for him.

The doors opened. And Elias came through it, he was visibly tired. Ellaise felt as her head start to ache. If there were a lot of problems in Elias's section of responsibilities this meant she would have a lot of work as well.

"I apologize about being late, but some matters kept me busy" he explained and sat at his place.

"Will you give me reports later?" Ellaise asked.

"Of course, I will have it sent to you later and I will require your insight on some matters". The Duke looked at them.

"Dinner is time for the family, all other issues can be settled after it. You will consult these matters with me later" the duke said.

"Yes, father / Yes, my lord" they answered and the same time.

"Can we eat yet? I'm starving." Eugene cut in. Ellaise rolled her eyes and the duke let out a sigh.

"Yes, we can start now."

Ellaise started to cut her food into small pieces and she fed the dogs piece of everything she had on the plate. The same as everyone. She waited two minutes, nothing happened. The dog was looking at her with big brown eyes hoping for more. She began to eat. The meal was delicious as always.

"I heard you have prepared gift for Fiona, I think a brooch would be more appropriate..." The Duke said. Ellaise put her fork away and looked up at him.

"It would make her the Heart. I wouldn't do it, not if Eugene is the Hand" she said and her attention returned to her plate.

"She would still be silver."

"Yes, but Eugene is my Lord's biological son from the right bed, she is a bastard. House Kroudel loses face only because of her existence. We would become a laughingstock if she would get the position of the Heart that is more vital than the Hand."

"You could make her Left Hand then." The Duke said.

"I could." Ellaise voice was still cold. "But I didn't, I showed her place and only my image will be stained not the image of the entire House."

"I agree with Ellaise that..." Elias made a pause. "That girl should get the position of the Heart but I'm afraid of your reputation in the society, Ellaise." Elias looked indifferent as always but she knew from the past life he is just awkward with showing emotions so he just doesn't.

"I'm thankful for your concern young master, but I worked hard for my reputation and this situation won't change it, it makes it even stronger. And it is better when one person averts attention from the whole family. I worked hard for the "villainess" label in society if I would be suddenly nice it would be even more suspicious."

"Just admit you like being rude and held your head high." Eugene cut in. All three golden heads looked at him as he was an annoying bug.

"She isn't she keeps up the pretense and acts according to the etiquette". Said Elias.

"I DO keep my head up" She smirked mockingly at him.

"Eugene, don't act like a child" the Duke scolded him. He closed his mouth and looked at his plate. A bit of silence, how nice. Ellaise smiled to herself.

The rest of the meal was peaceful until Ellaise decided to destroy it.

"My Lord, can I have a request?" She asked. The Duke looked at her.

"Yes, my child." It was the first time that she requested something for herself since childhood. He was quite pleased that she finally asked him about something, even if she still refused to call him father, it was very visible.

"I would like to request permission for an engagement." And at this moment all utensils and jaws dropped in complete disbelief.