Chapter Three : Marquess Crawford

Chapter 3

Louise's voice became sharp, filled with sadness but at the same time a strong dose of rage, "Honestly, I don't know who it is… I have my suspicions but I'm not completely sure…"

I held Louise's delicate hand, clasping my fingers around it trying to reassure her somehow, " We will find them, and I promise you we will get revenge." At that moment I saw Louise's face full of surprise and I suddenly realised what I had just done. She's the person that tried to kill me a while ago! Why did I hold her hand?! I regretted my actions immensely but seconds later I saw something truly beautiful. A smile. Louise's rosey lips clasped together with the corners gently lifting creating the most magnificent expression I had ever witnessed… A genuine smile. "Thankyou." she said softly.

A slight peachy tint caressed my cheeks at that moment and I laughed nervously fidgeting with my fingers hurriedly , " It's okay…" I started to wonder, was Louise all that bad? And how did she become so twisted originally? The questions continuously buzzed around my mind knowing they wouldn't be answered. " So what is the plan young madam? How will we find out who killed her?.." I asked, wondering what we were planning to do next. "Marquess Crawford...I have my suspicions as on the day of Serena's death he wasn't present at the Imperial families annual gala although invited, the issue is to properly investigate him. I need a reason to enter his estate to discover proof. As he is a noble I am not allowed to kill him thoughtlessly...Any ideas?" she said as a strand of her crimson hair fell out of her loose side plait that had light pink carnations beautifully embedded into it. The room went silent for a while as I began to think of possible solutions, the gold artisan crafted clock on the wall suddenly struck twelve o'clock. At that moment I had an idea so I quickly exclaimed, " Young Miss! You can hold a tea party! " The young madam was confused, she murmured, "Pardon?" A noticeable look of confusion was in her eyes but I continued on, " You can hold a tea party and invite Marquess Crawford's daughter Isabelle, who has only recently debuted in high society. Pretending to get along with her she will surely invite you to her family estate for her next party. You could use it as an excuse to enter the estate without getting reprimanded!" Louise looked astonished, surprised that I had thought of something like that.

"Hmm..." she mumbled thoughtfully, "that is actually quite a good idea. But before we put the plan in action you are going to need to be prepared." "Prepared for what?" I asked, slightly confused. Louise began to smirk enjoying my naivety , " You need to be trained for combat. If we want to go through with the plan I don't want a weak maid that could be taken hostage in a moment's notice. I want someone capable so that they could never be used as a playing card against me. And just so you know, even if Serena asked me to protect you, you don't have any significant meaning to me and if taken hostage I would let you die without hesitation." A slight shiver crawled up my back, but I also felt determined. "Okay, I will work hard and learn combat. I will not become a burden to the young madam. I promise." I looked into Louise's eyes without hesitation and refused to waver. Although scared I need to prove that I am not weak. Louise smiled and replied, "okay."

This was not a relationship of trust, but one of two people with a common goal. Revenge. The other was just a chess piece useful in achieving success.

To be continued…