Hidden secrets

The words echoed through Amira's mind,

"No need to feel sad he will live with me but you would be the owner," Marion assured her. Amira's eyes lit up with pure joy.

"Really?!" she exclaimed, feeling like a child again.

For a fleeting moment, she experienced a happiness she had never known before, delighted to own something that brought out such unbridled joy.

"Thank you," she said with a gleeful laugh.

As another Sunday dawned in the grand castle, Amira was adorned in her finest attire with the assistance of Nora, who accompanied her in the carriage.

The coachman steered the carriage to a stop in front of the church, where Amira entered to join the local community in prayer.

Inside the church, Amira's gaze fixed on the simple yet powerful presence of the cross at the center of the sanctuary.

After the morning mass concluded, the congregation began to disperse, and Amira found herself lost in silent contemplation.

Amira sat in her pew, finding solace in the presence of God.

The priest was preparing to leave after hearing confessions from parishioners. Observing Amira's poised demeanor, he wondered if she was of noble birth.

"Is there anything you wish to confess?" the priest inquired as Amira turned to look at him. She shook her head, maintaining her gaze on him.

"I heard he comforts the soul," she remarked.

The priest looked at her in confusion before following her gaze to the altar.

Taking a seat beside her, the priest nodded.

"Indeed, he does."

"I feel as though he is unjust at times," Amira confided.

The priest asked, "Why do you think that?"

"Why did he take my mother? She committed no wrongdoing. He seemed absent when I was forcibly taken to a foreign land as if he didn't care," Amira's voice softened as she blinked at the priest.

"Everything happens for a purpose, my child. All occurs according to his will. He is a great listener; you must place your faith in him, and all will be well," the priest reassured her.

"Understood," Amira said, rising to her feet and bowing to the priest.

"Thank you, Father," she said before departing.

Amira was fully engrossed in her studies, putting forth diligent effort each day.

After a long day of work, as she made her way back to her quarters, she unexpectedly encountered Lloyd, coming back from the barracks.

He paused as he noticed Amira walking towards him, taking a moment to adjust his sleeves.

Observing her poised demeanor, he commented, "Are you always this rigid?"

Perplexed, Amira asked, "Pardon?"

"You should try exhaling once in a while; the air isn't as toxic as you make it out to be," Lloyd advised. Amira accepted his suggestion with a respectful nod.

"Do you perhaps know where my mother is?"

"I last saw her enjoying tea with her seamstress. She may still be in the drawing room," Amira informed him.

Lloyd nodded and walked away.

Continuing on her way, Amira crossed paths with Katia, who had just returned from a gathering.

As soon as Katia's mischievous eyes met Amira's, they sparkled with mischief.

Katia stepped to a halt in front of Amira with a sly smile.

"Well, well, look who we have here my dearest sister-in-law. It's been too long," she said.

"I've been hearing all about you at every gathering I attend. Seems like you've become quite the talk of the town, haven't you, sister-in-law? You must be feeling quite special after all the attention my dear brother has been giving you," Katia remarked.

"I'm afraid I don't have time to catch up right now, Katia," Amira replied, briskly walking around her.

"Why are you in such a hurry? I won't keep you in the dark like your husband has," Katia said with a sly smile.

Amira turned to face her, a questioning look on her brow.

"What nonsense are you spouting now, Katia?"

"Nonsense? No, I speak the truth. Haven't you ever wondered about Zyran's mother?" Katia's words made Amira realize that she had never heard or seen Zyran's mother before.

Despite not resembling any of his siblings, Zyran might have inherited his mother's looks.

"Are you curious now? How about you go on a little tour of your quarters? I'm sure there's some interesting history there," Katia said, her eyes glinting mischievously.

"I have no idea what you're talking about," Amira responded, eyeing Katia suspiciously.

"Well, well, well, looks like my brother's wife managed to defy the rumors of her demise. Are you just lucky, or is there more to the story?" Katia said, a wicked grin spreading across her face.

As she spoke, Katia purposely brushed against Amira's shoulder, adding,

"It's a shame you've been missing out on all the excitement," before walking away.

Amira exhaled the air she had been holding in all along.

"This castle was going to be the end of her" she muttered to herself.

Later in the day after Amira had taken her bath, she took a walk around the quarters her curiosity