paired with one from the Viscount’s estate.
She once had four personal maids. Chessie was already married off. Two months ago, she dispatched both Artemis and Calliope to marry two of the Viscount’s other men. One was sent to a desolate border post, never to be seen again. The other’s new husband died in battle a month later. She cared nothing for our wishes, obsessed only with creating these “perfect pairs” with the Viscount’s household. Now, the other maids in the manor were terrified at the prospect of being assigned
to her service.
Though I already knew the answer, I had to try. “My lady,” I began tentatively. “I am already betrothed. My fiancé, Thomas, and I have been promised to each other
since childhood.”
“My lady… must I marry Sterling?”
The blush on her face faded. She frowned at me, her expression one of utter bewilderment. “That Thomas is just the son of the head butler. What future does he have? How could he possibly compare to the personal valet of a Viscount?”
“Besides,” she continued, her tone firming, “I have four maids, and the Viscount has four valets. It’s a perfect set. It is fate. In two weeks, when I am married, you will be married alongside me.”
I pleaded with her for three days. At first, she tried to persuade me gently, extolling Sterling’s virtues. By the end, her face was a mask of cold resolve.
09.02
I pleaded with her for three days. At first, she tried to persuade me gently, extolling Sterling’s virtues. By the end, her face was a mask of cold resolve. *Aurora, do not be ungrateful. I am offering you this wonderful match because I am fond of you. As for that Thomas, forget him. I have already asked my mother to arrange a marriage for him with one of her second–tier maids. They will be wed quietly and quickly.”
Staring at the woman I had served for more than a decade, a chilling numbness spread through my heart.
If she could be so cruel, then I would be ruthless.
1 had already sacrificed myself for her once in my past life, fulfilling my duty as a servant. This life was for me and me alone.
I went to her elder sister, Lady Cordelia.
