Chapter 13: Arrival

The journey to Lord Cassian's estate took them through progressively more affluent neighborhoods until they reached the outer ring of Aurea's noble district. Though not of noble birth, Cassian had amassed enough wealth and influence to establish himself among the lower nobility, his home a tasteful display of his success without the ostentatious excesses of newly acquired wealth.

As the carriage approached the main entrance, Lysandra felt a flutter of nerves beneath her composed exterior. This was the first real test of her abilities, the first step toward true independence. Everything until now had been reactive, survival. This was choice.

"Remember," she murmured to Saren as the carriage slowed, "observe everything, but respond only when directly addressed. We need to understand the dynamics of this household before we make any movements."

"I know my place, Lys," Saren responded, a hint of old hurt in her voice.

Lysandra turned to her, speaking quickly before the footman reached the carriage door. "Your place is beside me, always. But we must play by their rules until we can change the game."

The door opened, revealing Lord Cassian's head of household, a stern-looking man named Perkins whom Lysandra recognized from previous visits to Theron's estate.

"Miss Lysandra, welcome to Lord Cassian's residence," he intoned, offering a hand to help her descend. "I trust your journey was comfortable?"

"Very much so, thank you," she replied with appropriate modesty.

"And this is your personal attendant?" Perkins asked, glancing at Saren with the assessing eye of someone who managed servant hierarchies.

"Yes, this is Saren," Lysandra confirmed. "Lord Blackwood insisted she accompany me to attend to my personal needs."

The slight emphasis on Theron's title and insistence was calculated to establish their position, they came with powerful backing, not as ordinary servants.

"Of course," Perkins responded, nodding to Saren more respectfully than he might have otherwise. "If you would follow me, Lord Cassian is expecting you in his study. Your attendant will be shown to your quarters to settle your belongings."

Lysandra exchanged a quick glance with Saren before following Perkins into the house. The interior was tastefully appointed, displaying wealth without ostentation. Where Theron's home featured hunting trophies and dark wood, Cassian's residence favored lighter colors, classical sculptures, and evidence of refined artistic taste. It spoke of a man comfortable with his position, not desperately broadcasting his importance.

Perkins led her through corridors lined with landscapes and seascapes, finally stopping before an intricately carved door.

"Lord Cassian, Miss Lysandra has arrived," he announced after a discreet knock.

"Excellent. Send her in."

The voice that responded was cultured, measured, the voice of a man accustomed to being listened to without needing to raise his volume. Perkins opened the door and stepped aside, giving Lysandra an encouraging nod.

Lord Cassian rose from behind his desk as she entered, a courtesy that immediately distinguished him from Theron. He was a man of average height with carefully groomed dark hair just beginning to silver at the temples. His features were unremarkable individually, but assembled into a pleasant, intelligent face that conveyed trustworthiness.

"Miss Lysandra, welcome," he said, gesturing to a chair positioned not across from his desk, but angled beside it, another subtle difference that spoke of respect rather than hierarchy. "I trust Theron didn't make your departure too difficult?"

The familiar use of Theron's name was deliberate, Lysandra noted, establishing that he viewed Theron as a peer, not a superior, despite the difference in their social positions.

"Lord Blackwood was most gracious," she replied, taking the offered seat. "He provided me with extensive materials to help familiarize me with your business interests."

"Did he?" Cassian smiled slightly, returning to his chair. "How considerate. Though I suspect his intention was more to remind me of his own interests rather than to acquaint you with mine."

His perception was sharp, and Lysandra allowed a small, carefully calibrated smile in response. Not too familiar, but enough to acknowledge his insight.

"I am here to serve your interests during my assignment, my lord," she replied diplomatically. "Though naturally, I remain attentive to areas where both your concerns align."

"Well said." He studied her with interest, but not the hungry desperation she had grown accustomed to from Theron. This was assessment, not obsession. "Theron spoke highly of your organizational abilities and discretion. I confess, I was skeptical, he rarely praises anyone, but your handling of the documentation during our last trade meeting was indeed impressive."

"You're very kind, my lord." She kept her gaze steady, professional.

"Not kind. Observant." He tapped his fingers thoughtfully on the desk. "I need someone who can bring order to chaos, Miss Lysandra. My business has expanded rapidly in recent years, and my previous secretary was... adequate for simpler times."

This was unexpected. Lysandra had assumed she would be assisting an existing secretary, not replacing one. The opportunity was greater than she'd hoped for.

"May I ask what specific areas require immediate attention, my lord? To best prioritize my efforts."

Cassian's expression brightened with approval. "Exactly the right question. First, my correspondence has fallen woefully behind. Then there's the matter of organizing my trading ledgers, the current system is antiquated. And finally..." He paused, seeming to make a decision. "I have certain sensitive negotiations requiring a discreet hand. Theron mentioned your exceptional ability to maintain confidentiality."

The implication was clear, he was offering not just administrative work, but a position where she could access valuable information and potentially influence significant business matters. It was far more than she had anticipated for a first assignment.

"I understand, my lord," she replied carefully. "And yes, discretion has always been paramount in my duties."

"Excellent." He rose, moving to a sideboard where he poured two glasses of water. "I should mention that your quarters are in the east wing, near my private office. Your attendant has been placed in the adjoining room. I understand from Theron that you work unusual hours sometimes, so I wanted to ensure convenience."

Again, so different from Theron. Where Theron's placement of her rooms had been about control and access, Cassian's arrangement spoke of practicality and respect for her work.

"That's most considerate, my lord."