First draft

Elizabeth grimaced when the heavy carriage jerked for the umpteenth time. Thanks to coachmen's skills, or lack thereof, the whole trip had been hoodooed, almost unbearable. She was seriously starting to wonder if her father had something to do with it. But even the Highlord wouldn't be so petty, right? 

That time in the trophy room was the last time Elizabeth had talked with him face to face. After that, things started moving fast and before she knew what was happening, she was a married woman. Her father had spared no expenses for his "Virtuous daughter" and arranged the ceremony - one of the most expansive weddings of the century - in less than a week. Elizabeth had the strong suspicion that the main reason for holding the wedding with such fanfare was to divert the attention from Symon's nefarious acts.

Unfortunately for her father, it was too late for that. The story had already spread far and wide, and there was nothing the mightly Highlord could do at that point. Sadly, Symon's disgrace was the only good news.

In the last few days, Lord Darmoor had been like an annoying bug. He'd followed her everywhere she went, trying to cajole her into his bed with flattery and small gifts. Only when Elizabeth told him in no uncertain terms that she had no intention of sleeping with him, he'd finally given up. Well, for the moment at least. She was well aware it was just a truce, not a surrender.

She'd already realized that her husband was a strange beast. He liked the hunt, craved the thrill of the chase and Elizabeth was starting to think that he enjoyed the fact that she kept refusing him. Probably that was was why he had chosen her in the first place.

But it's not all bad. At least I left Symongale. Now, if only I could sleep...

Then she glanced at Lady Ada, who was sitting in front of her, and knew it was just a pipe dream.

"You should really try to paint them, dear." The old lady showed her long fingernails, which were more colorful than a rainbow. "Maybe azure." She tilted her head. "No, that's not right. You're a married woman now. You should wear the color of your husband's house."

Elizabeth forced a smile then nodded just like she'd had done hundreds of times in the past week. While Lady Ada kept babbling without pause, Elizabeth watched the soft slopes outlining outside the window. She closed her eyes, her face bathed in the sun's dying light. She was about to fall asleep when the carriage jolted again, sending her forward. Elizabeth opened her eyes wide, biting back a yelp of pain. She was forced to endure that "torture" for a few more hours. Then they stopped to rest at a local inn.

The next morning the air was warm, devoid of the habitual crispness of winter. Elizabeth felt the sheet sticking on her like a second skin and her arms itching for the mosquitos' bites - annoying pests as big as hornets. They were close to the Marshlands and Elizabeth didn't know whether to be happy that the hellish trip was almost over, or terrified that her new home was right in the middle of the swamp.

Dinah helped her changing her clothes - a white and mauve dress with tight bodice and wide heavy skirt draped into folds - and arranged her long hair in a ponytail. The maid was slower and clumsier than usual, her fingers stiff like she was afraid of touching her. Lately, she had been uncharismatically quiet, as if she was scared of attracting Elizabeth's attention.

But that's fine. I don't need a friend but someone I can control.

Once outside, Elizabeth saw Lady Ada - colorful and impeccable like usual - wagging a finger to the coachman. The man was in his fifties but kept his head down like a schoolboy chastised by his teacher.

"This is unacceptable, Master Tom." She said. "Perhaps we should just ask one of the knights to drive the carriage."

Tom paled, "L-lady Ada, I beg you to reconsider." He pleaded, folding his hands in prayer. "I need this job."

"Then stop drinking like a barbarian." She lifted her chin and wrinkled his nose, looking at him with distaste. "And wash yourself. You stink, master Tom."

The old lady kept lecturing him for several minutes, and when her invective was over, Tom looked completely exhausted, dispirited as a dog punished by its master.

"You can leave now," Lady Ada dismissed him with a wave of her hand.

Tom left hurriedly, and only when the old lady saw Elizabeth, her severe demeanor softened.

"Good morning lady Ada." Elizabeth curtsied.

"Good morning dear." Lady Ada smiled at her. "I think it's time to resume or travel."

"About that," Elizabeth said, sounding a bit uncomfortable."Today I would like to ride instead of sitting inside the carriage."

Lady Ada narrowed her eyes. "You don't believe master Tom will listen to my orders, dear Elizabeth?"

Elizabeth froze, a shiver going down her spine when the old lady said "Dear Elizabeth". She looked at her in the same way she'd looked at the coachman, like she was watching an insect.

"Lady Ada, I..."

The old lady suddenly smiled. "I'm just jesting, dear. No need to get so serious." There was a glint of mischief in her brown eyes. "Ride if you want. You are Lady Darmoor now, not the young woman under my tutelage. Not anymore." She said in a wistful tone.

Elizabeth looked stunned. "I still haven't taken my vows as Lady Darmoor."

"That's just a formality, my dear. However," She furrowed her brows. "we are growing near to the Marshlands. The road should be safe, but..."

"I'll be careful." Elizabeth assured her. "I'll stay close to the knights.

Lady Ada didn't look convinced. "What about your parasol?"

"Don't worry." Elizabeth said patiently. "I have it with me."

"Good." Lady Ada said with approval. "A lady shouldn't take too much sun."

A few minutes later, one of the knights helped her to hop onto the saddle. The Temple Knights were quiet as usual, but silence was a pleasant break from Lady Ada's incessant chattering and Elizabeth welcomed it with open arms. She wasn't used to riding a horse, but the brown mare was a placid beast, and the road to Darmoor was wide and well-maintained. 

However, as time went on, the air became hot and damp, and the soft familiar hills were replaced with thick woods and murky puddles. When her back started to hurt, and the mosquitos swarmed around her like a bloodthirsty army, she began to wonder if it was worth it. 

Stop, Elizabeth. She chided herself. That's what you wanted.

She'd always wanted to ride a horse, but her father never cared about her feelings.

"A woman shouldn't ride a horse. It's not proper." He used to say. 

Therefore, even though the experience was less pleasant than expected, she had no intention of giving up. Besides, she had something to do. 

Elizabeth glanced at the knights riding beside her and frowned. Who should I start with?

Rumal and Roval looked exactly the same, mirror images of each other.  Elizabeth had known them for years, but they had never said a single word. The only reason she knew how to call them was that her father told her their names. Still, it was hard to tell who was who.

Well, time to find out.

She mustered her courage and closed her eyes. Her breathing slowed down as she tried to tap into her magic. When she reopened them, the Marshlands were gone, replaced by a tangled ball, multicolored threads spreading between men and animals as a thick spider web. She hovered, weightless, leaving her body in her horse's care.

Then she flew towards the knights and saw what laid beneath their helms. Roval and Rumal were much younger than she'd expected - maybe just a couple of years older than her - and handsome, though completely expressionless. As she went deeper like she'd done with Symon, she was struck by a wave of cold. She sensed their emotions or the lack thereof. However, it was merely a husk, a disguise meant to hide their true personalities, maybe even suppress them. There was something boiling underneath like the magma of a sleeping volcano.

Pain, anguish and rage, so much rage. Their emotions were too wild and raw, their anger so intense that it looked like a vortex. When it threatened to suck her in, she hastily retreated. She was terrified, trying to go back to her body, but it was hard like she was paddling upstream. She tried to wiggle away and succeeded, eventually. Then she was back on her horse, breathless and scared.

Maybe... She panted, a copious amount of sweat running down her forehead. I should use the wand next time, or start with someone else. She eyed Dinah, who was still in the carriage, sitting next to lady Ada. Perhaps I'll have more luck with her.

The sun was already gone when they reached their destination. Darmoor's "castle" was just a lonesome manor, more close to a country house than the residence of a count.  Elizabeth looked around. She could see the traces of hooves on the dirt road.

Probably Lord Darmoor and his men. The important point was that those traces were days old. Very few people come here. She thought as they left the carriage. And why is lord Darmoor living in a rundown manor? Darmoor Harbor is the biggest port in the Greenvalley, and it's just a few miles away.

She frowned. She was well aware that there was something wrong with the situation, but she didn't know what exactly. Up close, the manor was even worse. Several windows gaped broken and there were just a couple of guards in the watchtower, slouching in their seats.  She shook her feet, biting off a venomous curse as she realized that her riding boots were half-covered in mud. As they walked across the road, the thin stretch of land separating them from the manor, Lady Ada wrinkled her nose. The stench of swamp and mud was almost unbearable. 

Maybe the guards already warned the servants of their arrival, but as soon as Dinah knocked on the door, a man came to greet them. He fanned himself with his hand and stared at them angrily as if they were bothering him.

"I'm Adam, lord Darmoor's steward." He said, pushing his chest out and glaring at them like they were beggars at his door. "Why are you here?"

Elizabeth and Lady Ada exchanged a glance. A steward was a servant with high standing, not a common peasant. Adam, however, was barely presentable. His salt and pepper hair was messy, his shirt and trousers stained and his expression as sour as his voice. 

"I'm Elizabeth Summermer." She spoke slowly, pronouncing each word carefully.

Adam's eyes widened ever so slightly. "I see." He sounded a little less arrogant but not by much. "Lord Darmoor is...indisposed. But I'm sure that lady Edith will know what to do with you."

Then, without waiting for an answer, he went back into the house.

"That was...interesting." Lady Ada commented.

Elizabeth bared her teeth in a humorless smile. That's a way to put it.

Adam came back a few minutes later, a woman following behind him. Elizabeth couldn't quite pin her down. She wasn't a maid, but she wasn't a lady either. She wore a skimpy outfit and a tight corset that pushed up the mound of her breasts. Her lips were blood red, and her face unnaturally pale, completely covered by a thick layer of powder. She wasn't beautiful; actually, she wasn't even pretty, but she looked attractive, though a bit vulgar. Her clothes were of good quality but too revealing and her skirt, in particular, was way too short. As she walked toward Elizabeth and Lady Ada, the guards on the watchtower peered down and leered at her.

She held her head up high, her eyes sweeping scornfully over Elizabeth. "You must be Elizabeth."

Elizabeth felt an eyebrow raise and smoothed it back down.

"Lady Elizabeth." Lady Ada corrected, her tone deceptively gentle. "And with whom do I have the pleasure of speaking?"

"I'm Edith," The woman said, jutting her hips forward. "lord Darmoor's consort."

Lady Ada stared at her in utter disbelief. "Consort?" Then she muttered under her breath, "More like a harlot." Edith gave her a sharp look, and Lady Ada covered her mouth with her hand.  "Oh, I'm sorry. I thought you were the local lady of the evening. My mistake."

Elizabeth kept her face impassive through sheer force of will. The "consort" looked so angry, and her face was so red that she was practically blowing smoke out of her ears.

"I'm Lord Darmoor's woman." She declared arrogantly, folding her arms under her breasts as she challenged them to contradict her.

"Yes, we are aware of that." Lady Ada rolled her eyes, "And where is Lord Darmoor now?"

Edith's scowl faded into an ugly smile. "Lord Darmoor is sleeping. We have had a very tiring day." She gave Elizabeth a meaningful glance. "I'm afraid he won't be able to meet you today."

Elizabeth's mouth ticked at the corner but that was all the reaction she gave her.

"How unfortunate." Lady Ada looked away as if she couldn't bear to look at Edith. She had a look of revulsion on her face as if she was smelling something which had been dead for several weeks. "Well then, I suppose you will have to do." She sighed, pointing her fan toward the manor. 

Edith blinked, uncomprehending.

"Why are you still here?" Lady Ada asked, lifting her nose with a superior sniff. "Show us the house." She urged, ordering her around as if she was a common servant.

The look of disbelief on Edith's face was so hilarious that Elizabeth had to suppress the urge to laugh. Edith gave lady Ada a murderous look, but the old lady just titled her head, stared down at her, and asked, "So? What are you waiting for?"

After another four or five seconds of rage-inspired muteness, Edith stomped her foot and ran inside the house.

When she was gone, Elizabeth couldn't hold any longer and burst out laughing.

"Oh dear." Lady Ada fanned herself. "How tacky. How can Lord Darmoor keep that kind of woman around?"

"Is she...?"

"A harlot. Oh well, I suppose I should say that she is a concubine." The old lady shrugged as if it was the same thing. "Anyway, are you alright, Elizabeth?"

Elizabeth had to refrain herself from shrugging. "I'm fine."

Actually, she wasn't just fine, she looked relieved.

Lady Ada sighed. "Listen to me, dear. I know that lord Darmoor is not the man you expected to marry, but he is your husband."

Elizabeth moistened her lips and eyed her warily. "What are you trying to say, lady Ada?"

"This will be your home from now on." Lady Ada gave her a meaningful glance. "I suggest you remove the pests infesting this place as soon as possible."

"A wife should be virtuous and generous." Elizabeth pointed out a bit sharply. "That's the first thing you ever taught me, lady Ada."

"You can't prevent lord Darmoor from taking other women to his bed," Lady Ada admitted. "but you can guide him, restrain him from making bad decisions." Lady Ada let out a long sigh. "I'm sorry, dear. I'm not trying to speak ill of your husband, but it's quite clear that lord Darmoor has very bad taste when it comes to women."

Elizabeth's lips twitched, "I take that you don't like Edith."

Lady Ada let out an uncharacteristic unladylike snort. "That woman is a shrew."

"Maybe she is." Elizabeth frowned, "But I still don't see how that's my problem."

"Elizabeth," The old lady gave her a reproachful look. "I know you don't want to compete for your husband's favor, but at least you have to manage the house. That woman." Lady Ada's expression twisted with distaste. "already acts like she owns the place. You can't allow this to continue."

Frustration twisted Elizabeth's face. "I understand your point, lady Ada, but what should I do about it?"

"My dear, you're the lady of the house." Lady Ada reminded her. "Lord Darmoor chose you as his wife, not her. Use that to your advantage."

The frown on Elizabeth's face deepened. Those words were unpleasant, and the truth hard to swallow, but she knew lady Ada was right.

She bit her lips and gave her a slow nod. "I'll try."

"I'm sure you can do it. She is just lowborn trash." Lady Ada reminded her.

Elizabeth nodded again, with more conviction this time, and the old lady hugged her. "I have to go now, dear, but don't worry, I'll be close. I've already reserved a room at the Grand Mouliere in Darmoor Harbour."

Elizabeth opened her eyes wide. "Lady Ada, you don't have to..."

The old lady shushed her. "You are my only pupil." She said, and Elizabeth was surprised by the edge of fondness in her teacher's voice. "Besides, I think you'll need my help in the coming days."

A warm flutter ran through Elizabeth. "Thank you." She said, and before she knew what was happening, her eyes were filled with tears.

Lady Ada was just her teacher, a distant aunt at best, and yet, she treated her better than her own blood relatives.

"Now, now, stop crying." The old lady smiled, patting her on the shoulder.

Elizabeth managed to nod, and she saw Ada's eyes warm in relief as she returned the smile.

"I'll come back tomorrow." Lady Ada gave her a sly look. "I'm sure Edith will be very happy to see me."

Elizabeth wiped her tears and burst out laughing. She was still laughing when Lady Ada gave her one last squeeze. She watched her teacher leave, and sighed, turning to look at Adam. The steward was waiting at the door, a scowl plastered across his face.

"Lead the way." She ordered him.

Adam eyed the knights behind her with a bit of trepidation. Then, without further ado, he guided her inside. The manor was better inside, the design simple but elegant, though it was quite clear that the house had been neglected. Elizabeth stifled a sneeze as she walked across the main hall. There was a least an inch of dust over the long dining table. Clearly, the room hadn't been cleaned for ages. The rest of the house was more or less in the same state.

And where are all the servants? This is a big mansion. Adam can't possibly manage the house on his own.

That wasn't the only odd thing. The manor looked unusually empty as if part of the furniture and even the paintings on the walls had been removed for some reason. Moreover, it was dark inside, much darker than she was used to. There were very few candles, and Elizabeth was having a hard time to keep up with Adam's brisk pace.

She was relieved when he slowed down, opened a door and said, "This is your room."

The bedroom was a bit stark and maybe too small, and the air smelled of mold, but compared to her cell in the tower, it was beautiful. Dinah didn't seem to agree with her. The maid looked around the room, then glanced at her with apprehension.

"My lady..." Dinah said tentatively.

"It's fine, Dinah." Elizabeth interrupted her, then said to Adam. "We'll sleep here tonight."

The steward looked surprised and a bit disappointed like he'd expected, maybe even wanted her to protest.

"Sure, ladyling." He said with a condescending smirk on his face.

Elizabeth felt her anger rise at the insolence of Adam's tone. Anybody else would have backed off, but the steward seemed untouched, as if he felt immune to her authority.

Lady Ada is right. I have to deal with the "pests".

"Go outside and get my luggage trunk." She ordered him.

Adam opened his mouth, likely to protest, but Elizabeth didn't give him the chance to speak.

"A servant should do his master bidding. Isn't that right, Rumal?" Her bland voice laid just a bit of emphasis on the word "servant."

The knight didn't answer, of course. He just tilted his head a little, but it was enough. Adam swallowed, his eyes wide with fear. 

"Isn't that right, Adam?" She asked the steward this time.

"Y-yes my lady."

"Then do your job." She hissed.

Adam bowed deeply, turned, and almost tripped in his haste to escape.

"My lady, that man doesn't know his place." Dinah said as she watched his retreating back. "How dare he treat you this way."

Elizabeth gave her an oblique look, and the maid had enough sense to lower her head and shut her mouth.

"Please change the sheets, Dinah." She said in a flat tone. "I'm tired. I want to sleep."

Dinah hesitated. "Of course, my lady, but...you still haven't eaten anything."

Elizabeth sighed, rubbing her temples. She was so tired she'd completely forgotten about it. "Alright. See if you can find anything."

Dinah bowed, apparently delighted she could be of use.

She was about to leave when Elizabeth said, "Wait." She turned toward the knights. "Rumal, guard the door. Roval, go with her. Keep an eye on my dowry."

Dinah glanced at the knights, understanding filling her face. Then she bowed and walked away. Finally alone, Elizabeth glanced around the unfamiliar room and sighed.

What now?