Taking a deep breath, Sophia gripped the handles in both hands, her bare feet padding against the ballroom floor. She took her place, going over the movements in her head. She was dressed in a lavender silk shirt and flowy pants, and her hair was tied back in a ponytail. Pink and purple ribbons trailed from the little pegs in her hands, dragging across the floor. Fortunately, the ballroom was spacious and quiet, the perfect place for her to practice. She'd expect nothing less from the van Zieks estate. While she had convinced her parents shortly after being pulled out of university to let her perform, it was rare that she was given the chance, at least until she started making her own decisions with her life. She made music on the piano, she sang with the voice of an angel, she danced with the grace of a swan.

"Ready, Lady Sophia?"

The woman looked over at her favorite maid, smiling happily. "I'm ready, Emily."

Standing by the gramophone, the elderly woman set the needle in place. The music that played was of a Chinese string instrument. Sophia concentrated and began to move. She waved her arms, forcing the ribbons to follow her. They made designs and patterns in the air that were pleasing to the eyes. The dancer moved about, taking steps and twirling. When the music picked up, so did Sophia. The ribbons almost looked like they were fluttering like butterflies in the air. It was a beautiful sight. Sophia moved about at a quicker pace, her movements growing sharper. The smile on her face made it clear she was having fun, though she was so focused on her dance that she didn't notice her husband in the doorway.

When the music came to an end, Sophia struck a finishing pose, letting the ribbons finally touch the floor again. Panting lightly, She took a moment to catch her breath. That's when the steady clapping caused her to twist around.

Barok walked across the ballroom, his face still as stern and stoic as ever. "I must say, that was quite a lovely performance." Sophia did a quick curtsy for him. "This particular dance… It has an Eastern flair to it."

"It's a Chinese ribbon dance," the woman clarified. "It's a traditional art form that combines the use of satin ribbons with the choreography to appeal to an audience. It can be very beautiful when perfected. I still have lots of practice before I can perform it in public. I wouldn't want to dishonor the Chinese culture it originates from."

Barok wordlessly approached her, leaning down to meet her lips for a chaste kiss. He was a fairly tall man, so whenever he wanted to kiss his wife, he had to bend down for her. No one would've expected van Zieks to ever marry, but he did, and to someone he loved dearly. A year had passed since that incident that tore Sophia's family away from her. It seemed that ever since, Barok had vowed to be her family and help fill that empty void in her heart.

"I didn't know you were home, love," Sophia said with a smile, not at all intimidated by his pale, unflinching gaze. "How did the trial go?"

"It was…decent, I suppose."

"How about some tea? Might help to calm your nerves." Her husband nodded. "Emily, would you be so kind as to clean up here?"

The maid smiled and bowed. "It would be my pleasure, My Lady."

Sophia slipped on her shoes, then took Barok by the hand. They exited the ballroom together and went to the kitchen. They normally had their servants prepare meals, but the lady of the house often insisted on making things like tea for her husband, partially because he loved the way she brewed tea. Sophia went to take his favorite tea blend from the cupboard, but realized that she hadn't restocked.

"Oh dear, I'm all out of my herbal tea blend."

Barok shook his head. "It's all right. I'll have a servant resupply."

"No, I can go," his wife interjected. "I'd like to browse some of the other tea blends anyway."

"Very well. If that's what you wish." He snaked his arm around her waist, gently pulling her against him. "But don't stay out too late. I'll be looking forward to that tea." As soon as he caught her lips for a kiss, he released her. "I'll be in my study."

Sophia watched him leave with a smile of admiration. Barok van Zieks, formerly known as the Reaper of the Bailey, could be a ruthless, relentless man in the courtroom. But at home, he was a loving, gentle husband. For a long time after the incident, he'd been overly protective of her, fearing she may be targeted again. Over time, he relaxed and allowed her out of the estate without him. He never stopped worrying about her though, she could tell.

Sophia went to their room to change into one of her elegant dresses and let her hair down from the ponytail it was in. She made certain her appearance was proper before leaving the house. After paying for a carriage, she arrived in the usual street she enjoyed shopping in near Hyde Park. She perused the different types of tea at her favorite tea shop. There were quite a few that sounded quite good for a change of pace, so she picked them out along with the usual herbal tea blend that her husband favored. Once she paid for her selection, she exited the shop, but as soon as she opened the door, she bumped into someone.

"Oh, my sincerest apologies, sir." She was quick to step aside and allow the man in. "I didn't see you there."

The stranger wore a long coat and had his hands stuffed in his pockets. His high collar concealed his mouth, and his wide-brimmed hat cast a shadow over his face. Despite that, the man set his gaze on her. She gasped upon noticing his scarred, pale left eye.

"It's all right. No harm done. These things happen...little flower."

He walked away and into the shop, leaving Sophia standing there, frozen like a statue. Her breathing picked up and her whole body started trembling. Her eyes darted over to try and follow the man, but he was already out of sight. There's no way… It couldn't be, could it? The scarred man… The woman was quick to get out of there, hailing a ride back home with her bag in hand. It could've been my imagination. After all, why would he show his face again after a year of silence? It doesn't make sense. She wanted to believe that she was being paranoid - that she was letting her memories come back to haunt her. But a part of her believed it to be true.

She barely even realized that she'd made the tea and was already approaching the door to Barok's study. Her body seemed to mechanically go through the usual routine despite her restless thoughts. With the tray in hand, she politely knocked on the thick wood of the door.

"Barok, I'm home. I made your tea."

"Come in."

Sophia entered the room, closing the door behind her. Her husband's study was like a smaller version of his office. It was where he caught up on paperwork or read through case files that he happened to bring home. He was seated at his desk, papers in front of him. His eyes didn't leave the work before him, hand guiding his quill fluidly across the paper, occasionally mouthing the words he was writing. Sophia took the tray over to the coffee table in front of the small sofa, pouring a cup of tea. She brought the cup over to her husband.

"Thank you," he said, accepting the cup and finally pausing to take a few sips.

Sophia went and poured her own cup of tea before moving over to stand by his side. "Is that the report on the case you finished this morning?"

"Yes." The man finally set his quill aside and leaned back in his chair to enjoy his tea. "The investigation took several long days to complete before the culprit was found. This morning's trial proved to be quite arduous, as some of the evidence was falsified. But in the end, there was no escape for the criminal."

"Sounds exhausting."

Sophia frowned, noticing the weariness in his movements. He didn't sit as straight as he usually did, and his fingers lightly rubbed the bridge of his nose to help relieve his tired eyes. She bit her lower lip, wondering whether it was a good idea to bring up the scarred man. She still wasn't completely sure it was really him. Her eyes could've been playing tricks on her for all she knew. And with the state her husband was in, she didn't want to pile any more stress on him when she wasn't even certain.

Barok finished his tea and placed the cup on the desk. His arm found its way around the woman's waist, lightly pulling her closer. Sophia gave in to what he wanted, taking a seat on his leg. She continued to drink her tea while he rested his head on her shoulder and closed his eyes. She always loved when he softened up like that, especially after working tirelessly. She enjoyed giving him affection and comfort. Just as she was about to finish her drink, Barok's fingers took the rim of her cup, slowly taking it from her. She watched him move it to the desk before his hand took hold of hers.

"Something on your mind, dearest?" he asked, locking on to her beautiful, sapphire eyes. "You're being awfully quiet."

Sophia smiled and shook her head. "No, I've just been thinking a lot lately. With my performances and your work, things have been a bit…hectic."

Her husband gave a sigh. "I know what you mean." With her hand in his, he brought it up to his lips to plant a kiss on the top of it. "But with you in my life, I feel as though I can do twice as much as this."

Sophia leaned into him, smiling softly. "That's impressive. Just don't ever take on more than you can chew, love. I need you to be happy and healthy for me."

"I'll…try."

As if to reassure her, he placed another kiss on her hand, but he didn't stop there. He left a trail of sweet kisses up her arm until he reached her shoulder. His wife was watching him with tenderness, locking eyes with him again. She leaned in for a loving kiss, the taste of tea still lingering on their lips. With a hum of content, the woman pulled away to smile at him.

"Not long until dinner. I'll let you finish up that report."

She pecked his lips one last time before getting up, their hands hesitantly releasing one another. She finished the rest of her tea before cleaning up and leaving him to work in peace. Even with the delight of his company, Sophia's mind soon went back to the thoughts of the scarred man, and the sinister idea that he may have resurfaced after a whole year.