Chapter 6

He has seen my face. I've been caught by him of all people. Just my luck. Right now would be the perfect time to die. I'd rather face death by a stranger than endure Atlas's wrath. The thought of his anger twists my insides into knots. He's going to tighten my guard, monitor my movements even more closely. I need to escape before he realises who I am. I need to get to the alley.

I stand up, but he looms over me, and looking up at him is giving me a crick in my neck. A headache pulses behind my eyes. He's not going to kill me; I can tell from the way he regards me. His eye is one of disdain, as if I'm nothing more than an irritating insect, a mere nuisance. I shout at the wolf to run, and it flees into the safety of the forest.

I managed to slip the dagger he threw into the garter on my thigh while I was on the ground, but my clothes are now soaked from the snow. It's a minor inconvenience. As long as the wolf has a head start, that's what matters. My priority now is to get away from him.

Eiran Clerisseau.

He might be strikingly handsome, with all the physical traits one could desire, but that doesn't erase the fact that he just held a sword to my neck. I almost feel sorry for his fiancée.

I make my way toward the carriage, ignoring him. Once I'm sure the wolf is far enough away, I push past the coachman, who appears to be unconscious. His incompetence is infuriating.

"Where do you think you're going?" Eiran's voice is deep and husky, carrying an edge of mockery that I find increasingly annoying.

"None of your business. Now, if you would kindly excuse me, I have somewhere to be."

I move his sword aside with an assertive push, redirecting it toward the sky. His surprise is palpable. Someone dares defy the Grand Duke? I'm likely in deep trouble now.

His expression shifts to one of amusement. "I think the next time I spar with Atlas will be quite interesting."

The name Atlas sends a shiver down my spine. Why does Atlas know everyone? It's going to drive me insane at this rate.

"Well, enjoy yourself," I reply coolly, trying to suppress my frustration.

I need to leave. Sunset has long passed. I hope the man I need to find is still waiting. I swiftly climb into the carriage and take control. I'm skilled in horse riding; this should be a simple task. With a flick of the reins and a crack of the whip, I set the horse into motion. The journey to town should only take ten minutes, even with the snow.

As I ride, I hope never to see the Duke again. I push forward, determined, not daring to look back. The thought of provoking him further is too risky.

Upon arriving in town, I make my way to the alley, where I find Lillian waiting for me. Her appearance is startling. She's dressed in a scanty black satin ensemble that seems more suited to a private setting than a professional one. Her hair is in a messy bun, and her face is flushed. She wears jewels that accentuate her every curve, and her lipstick is smudged. Her appearance is unnerving.

"What is this place?" I wonder, though I don't voice the question.

Lillian greets me with a warm, practised smile. "Welcome. Congratulations on being hired. There's an outfit change for you in the room behind the counter. And don't hesitate to ask if you need anything, my dear."

"Yes… thank you, Lillian," I respond, though my mind is on my objective.

"Oh, and by the way, here you'll be known as Daisy."

"Daisy?" I echo, puzzled.

"Only because you're as cute as one," she says with a playful laugh before returning to her duties behind the counter. She leans over to serve a drink, whispering into the man's ear. His gaze lingers on her exposed chest as she slides him the drink.

Looking around, I notice the place is filled with men. A few women, all in similar revealing attire, move through the room. The lighting is dim, provided by small chandeliers hanging from the ceiling. Men are drinking, playing cards, and engaging in various other activities with women draped across their laps or lounging on tables, their dresses slipping off their shoulders.

So this is what men do.

I enter the room Lillian directed me to, finding a pale blue dress hanging in front of a mirror. The dress is short and revealing, far from my usual attire. I feel exposed, as though all my secrets are on display. I hesitate but am reminded of why I'm here when I see the accompanying pearls. The sight steels my resolve. I am here to uncover the truth, no matter the cost.