Chapter 12

Creak.

Cecilia's fingers trembled as the door slid open, groaning at the intrusion. Cool cool air kissed her cheeks and ruffled her hair as the door opened further. 

Hesitant steps led her into her Grandpa's study.

Exactly as she remembered, at the same time, so very different. 

His desk that used to seem huge to her little eyes, positioned at the same place, in front of the floor to ceiling window. Tall shelves lined with never ending books, the vase with the exact same flowers. 

This room, always spotless, looked like the end result of a tornado. Haphazardly strewn papers, on the floor and on the desk, gently swaying with the wind. Several books lying on the floor, as if accidentally knocked off.

The flowers…. Grandpa's favourite flowers, dead and black. Her eyes landed on a lock and key neatly placed at the table near the door.

What had happened here? There's no way grandpa would leave here without locking the door. Was he perhaps in a terrible rush?

Deciding to start with the papers, she skimmed through them, trying to find anything of importance. When it was apparent there was nothing of use, she moved on to the desk. Files and papers related to different lands of no significance and the like sat in the drawers, coated in dust.

So lost she didn't realize when the glow of the moon vanished, replaced by the warmth of the sun. The realisation that it was morning rudely broke her concentration and she gasped. Quickly letting go of the papers, she hurriedly got up and ran. 

The place so much more clear, visible in the morning rays but she had no time to take everything in. Carefully peering out the window, making sure there's no one, she climbed out. 

"Ah It's morning already! I hate morning shifts!"

Gasp.

Cecilia stood frozen as she heard voices belonging to the guards.

"You are so lazy!" 

"How the hell are you fresh every morning? It's unreal"

"Well, Unlike you-" 

Their voices fading as they got farther away from her hiding place. Looking around and hoping there's no one else, she made her way to her room, afraid to even breathe. 

Collapsing in a heap on her bed, she succumbed to sleep. There was nothing she got out of the night but there was a strange sort of satisfaction that filled her chest. 

•

"-lady"

"My lady!"

Blearily blinking back sleep, she opened her eyes. 

"Are you alright, My lady?"

Ruby stood near her bed, eyeing her worriedly. 

"What time is it?" 

Throat dry, Cecilia motioned for her maid to give her water. Ruby hurried to comply. 

"It's 1 in the afternoon, My lady. Are you all right? Is it a fever? Should I call a doctor?"

Cecilia waved her hand to dismiss her worries. Memories of the previous night came to her and she sat sifting through them. She'd like to go there again, time was short and there could be something she had missed. It's quite possible that there's nothing to be found in there, but she doesn't want to live in possibilities of what ifs. 

"Coo"

Her eyes snapped to the source of the noise. 

A pretty dove, pure white, sat on her window sill curiously eyeing the room.

"Ah, It has been waiting for you to wake up for hours now" 

Ruby smiled happily at the bird.

"I'll get you something to eat, My lady! Is there anything you'd like to request?"

Cecilia mulled over her words and settled on a cup of coffee. 

"Coo" 

Slowly making her way to the dove, she wondered if it'd be scared and fly away. Surprisingly it stayed put. 

A folded paper tied to its feet caught her eye. Slowly reaching out, she untied it and the dove flipped its wings and flew away leaving a pretty feather in it's wake.

Wow. 

Opening the piece of paper she read,

Dear Cecilia,

I hope this beautiful morning has been kind to you, It certainly hasn't been to me. Your little sister, enraged at our display yesterday, crowded me while I was busy with an important business, with foreign guests nonetheless. It has been a matter of grave embarrassment for me. Do what you must but ensure this doesn't happen again. 

My mother is hosting a ball next week. Would you join me? It is my opinion that we can use this opportunity to officially introduce ourselves. I await your reply.

Ivan

A long sigh left her as she rubbed at her forehead. Of all things, She didn't expect Julia to act so recklessly. Was she thinking at all? 

Clack. 

Turning, her eyes fell on the entering form of ruby who began serving her meal.

She didn't know what prompted her to ask,

"Where is Julia?"

Ruby perked up at being addressed, lifted her head and replied,

"Lady Julia left just a few minutes ago"

What? 

"Left?"

"Yes, To visit Earl Jefferson"

What….?

Chills racked her frame at the mere mention of that name. Why would Julia go see that wretched man? Is this how far she'd go to get what she wants? Is it worth it? 

Did her sister hold even an ounce of love for her? 

Biting her lips to stop herself from screaming, she turned away to avoid facing Ruby. 

Questions flooded her brain. Doubts rattled her as she held herself. What had she been thinking? Fake a relationship with the Prince? Make promises she can't possibly fulfill? Go against her father's wishes? Intrude on her dead grandpa's space? And for what? In hopes for a crumb of information on a land that had stayed so well hidden? 

What had she been thinking?

In the cloudy haze of her misery, the empty eyes of Uncle Jeff bore into her, making her skin crawl and helplessness seized her throat. 

Save me.