A Friend

Elisha stepped out of her father's study, the heavy wooden door closing behind her with a quiet thud. She exhaled, pressing a hand to her chest. That… had gone better than she expected.

He listened.

That alone was shocking enough. The Duke of Belmont was a man who did not waste his time on trivial matters, yet he had not dismissed her outright. She had offered a strategy, and he had considered it. More than that, he had agreed to teach her.

A slow smile crept onto her lips. If she played her cards right, she could truly change her fate in this world.

The Belmont family may have fallen from grace, but that doesn't mean we have to stay there.

She was still mulling over the trade agreement, turning the variables over in her mind, when she heard hurried footsteps echoing down the hall. A small figure rushed toward her, and before she could react, tiny hands clutched at her sleeve.

"Eli!"

Julian.

Her youngest brother gazed up at her with bright eyes, his brown curls slightly disheveled, as if he had been running for quite some time. He pouted. "You were in Father's study for a long time."

Elisha's heart softened. Despite the situation they were in, Julian still possessed an innocence untouched by the world's cruelty. He had no idea how fragile their position was or how much rested on the decisions made behind that closed door.

She crouched down to his level, brushing a stray curl from his forehead. "I was speaking with Father about something important," she said carefully.

Julian huffed, his small hands balling into fists at his sides. "You haven't played with me these couple of days."

Elisha blinked. Oh.

The original Elisha must have spent a lot of time with Julian. And now, with her sudden change in behavior, he must have felt abandoned. A pang of guilt tugged at her chest.

"…You're right," she admitted with a small, tired smile. "I've been busy, but that's not an excuse." She tapped his nose lightly, making him giggle. "What do you want to play?"

His eyes lit up instantly. "Let's go outside! The gardens are full of flowers today!"

She hesitated. She had so much to think about, so much to plan. But then she looked at him—so full of excitement, completely unaware of whatevers going on—and realized she wanted to hold onto this moment. Even if just for a little while.

"Alright," she relented. "Let's go."

Julian cheered, grabbing her hand and practically dragging her down the halls. She let out a quiet laugh, shaking her head.

Maybe a short break wouldn't hurt.

The afternoon sun was warm against her skin as they stepped into the palace gardens. A light breeze rustled the leaves, carrying the scent of fresh flowers and damp earth. Julian immediately rushed forward, his tiny boots crunching against the gravel path as he scoured the bushes for the perfect blooms.

Elisha folded her arms, watching him with a mix of amusement and curiosity.

She never has a younger brother.

It... was... kinda nice.

Julian turned back to her, holding up a handful of colorful flowers. "For you!" he declared proudly.

She took them, cradling the delicate petals in her hands. "They're beautiful. Thank you, Julian."

He beamed, puffing out his chest as if he had just won a grand duel. She couldn't help but laugh softly.

Then, just as she was about to sit beside him on the grass, a voice called out behind her.

"My lady!"

She turned, finding one of the household maids approaching with hurried steps. The woman looked slightly out of breath, as if she had been searching for her.

"What is it?" Elisha asked, tucking the flowers into the folds of her dress.

The maid curtsied before speaking. "Lady Luna has arrived to see you."

Elisha's blood ran cold.

"…Who?" she asked before she could stop herself.

The maid looked up, slightly startled. "Lady Luna, my lady. Your childhood friend. She is waiting for you in the main room."

Elisha's heart pounded against her ribs.

A childhood friend? Now of all times?

Panic coiled in her stomach. She knew nothing about this Luna. What was she like? What kind of relationship did she and Elisha have? Was she warm and friendly, or sharp and observant? What if she noticed something was wrong?

She gritted her teeth. This could ruin everything.

Julian tugged at her sleeve again, oblivious to her internal panic. "Are you going to see Luna?"

Elisha forced a smile. "Yes, I suppose I should."

The maid, unaware of her distress, nodded. "Shall I escort you, my lady?"

She wanted to refuse, to stall, to run. But she knew she couldn't. If she hesitated too much, it would only make her look suspicious.

With a slow inhale, she straightened her posture. Calm down. Think. If Luna was her childhood friend, then she would have memories with her. If I play it carefully, I can let her talk first and learn from there.

"…Yes. Take me to her."

As she followed the maid back inside, her mind whirled with possibilities and escape routes. She would have to be careful—very, very careful.

One wrong move, and her secret could be exposed.

And she couldn't let that happen.