Chapter 11: The Loyal Elise

At dawn, Alia rubbed her still-throbbing temples and slowly climbed out of bed. Memories from the previous night swirled in her mind like relentless waves, leaving her restless until morning. She forced herself to freshen up, trying to appear composed, then pushed open the door to her room.

Standing outside was Elise, holding a neatly folded set of clothes and a steaming cup of tea. Her face carried the usual respectful smile, and it was clear she had been waiting for quite some time.

"Good morning," Elise greeted softly, stepping forward to hand Alia the tea. "Lord Marcellus left early this morning, saying he had important business to attend to. He mentioned he might not return until late tonight."

Alia nodded, her thoughts flickering briefly: So, Marcellus did sleep in the castle last night. But after everything that happened, I wonder if he'll return tonight. At least I won't have to worry about… intimacy for now.

The memory of last night's events brought a faint blush to her cheeks. She sipped the tea, letting its warmth soothe her lingering unease and embarrassment. Yet, a gnawing sense of doubt and unease refused to fade. She glanced at Elise, testing the waters. "Elise, what do you think of my relationship with Marcellus?" she asked, her tone casual, though her eyes keenly observed the maid's reaction.

Elise hesitated for a moment, lowering her gaze before responding thoughtfully. "When you and Lord Marcellus first married, your relationship was wonderful. I've served you since childhood, so I remember everything about you. In fact, you and Lord Marcellus knew each other as children. You used to say you'd marry him when you grew up, and eventually, you did."

Alia raised her eyebrows in surprise. So, Livia and Marcellus weren't merely part of a political marriage? It seems there was genuine affection between them.

"And after the wedding? He's always treated me well, hasn't he?" Alia pressed on, a subtle urgency lacing her tone.

"Yes. At least during the first few years," Elise replied earnestly. "Marcellus was very attentive to you, returning to the castle punctually each day to dine with you. He'd stay with you every night no matter how busy he is. The staff often admired how fortunate you were."

"What about later?" Alia asked, feigning a casual tone, though her pulse quickened. "I feel as though there's been some distance between us… or perhaps I'm just overly sensitive because of my memory loss."

Elise's expression grew hesitant. After a moment's pause, she spoke cautiously. "About two years ago… something changed. Marcellus started coming back less frequently, and even when he did, he wasn't as close to you as before. As for the reason…" She shook her head. "No one in the castle seems to know. But…"

Two years ago? Alia tightened her grip on the teacup, her eyes narrowing slightly. That's the turning point. What could have happened two years ago to cause such a shift in what seemed to be a perfect marriage?

She knew she couldn't ask Marcellus directly—after all, she wasn't truly Livia. Such questions might arouse suspicion and jeopardize her plans.

"What is it, Elise? You can tell me," Alia encouraged gently, her tone probing yet kind.

Elise hesitated again, her brow furrowing before she finally said, "After that time, you seemed to grow closer to Elias. With Marcellus away more often, Elias began visiting the castle more frequently. Perhaps…Elias might know something."

"Elias…" Alia silently repeated the name, feeling a growing sense of inevitability. The castle's secrets were intricately interwoven like a spider's web, and Elias was clearly a critical thread.

She nodded slightly, offering Elise a soft smile. "I understand. Thank you, Elise."

Just as Alia thought the conversation was over, Elise suddenly mustered her courage. Her voice trembled slightly, but her words were sincere. "Livia, regardless of what happened before, during the past month when you were unconscious, Marcellus was truly worried about you. No matter how busy he was, he made time to stay by your side. He even spent several nights in your room, watching over you. His concern didn't seem feigned. I thought that after you woke up, things between you would return to how they once were…"

"Return to what?" Alia murmured, frowning slightly. The complexity of Marcellus's emotions was more tangled than she had anticipated.

Sensing Alia's unease, Elise quickly lowered her head in apology, her voice flustered. "I'm sorry, madam. I overstepped. I just… I only hope you can find happiness."

Looking at Elise's earnest expression, Alia felt a warmth rise in her chest. She sighed softly and replied with gentle reassurance, "It's all right, Elise. I know you mean well. To me, you're more than a maid—you're like a sister. If you ever have anything on your mind or learn something important, don't hesitate to tell me. I won't blame you."

Elise looked up, her eyes glistening with tears, and nodded firmly. "Thank you, madam. I promise I won't let you down."

Seeing Elise so moved, Alia felt a twinge of pity mixed with self-mockery. These noble households… such a rigid hierarchy.

As someone who had lived her previous life as a common thief, far removed from the rigid structures of the elite, Alia couldn't help but feel a complicated mixture of respect and sorrow for Elise's unwavering loyalty. "Such a kind girl," she thought, "reduced to tears over a simple gesture of trust."

For a fleeting moment, Alia wasn't merely playing the role of Livia; she was speaking as herself, connecting with Elise on a deeper level. This stirred in her a newfound determination:

The castle is full of shadows, but I'll make sure I protect you, Elise.