Elica turned away from the ailing man, mechanically leaving the room without a word, knowing she was unable to change the situation. Her sullen eyes met Dietz’s face as she exited the room, he’d stayed just as he had promised.

“I understand that you have now been fully informed of the situation now,” he asked, Elica noticing a possible tinge of sympathy in his voice.

Still unable to muster her words, Elica answered instead with a small nod.

“Very well then, right this way. I’ll show you to your chamber,” he said.

Elica followed closely behind as he walked further down the hall, stopping at the far right door.

“Here we are,” he announced, opening the door to allow her in.

She walked passed him into the spacious room, her eyes widening as she took in its grandeur. Her eyes roamed around the room, its size far larger than what she was accustomed to, before they landed on the young girl that stood next to the bed.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, my lady,” she said as she curtsied.

“This is Krista, one of the manor’s servants, Dietz said, entering the room and standing next to Elica. “She will be taking measurements so we can start working on your wardrobe.”

Elica shot a curious glance towards the girl, her only response being a smile with a nod.

“Now then, I need to return to my normal duties. For the time being, I suggest you stay in your chamber until dinner.” With that, he quickly turned and left, gently shutting the door behind him.

Elica turned back to the girl, still unsure of how to quite handle the situation.

“If you will allow it, my lady, I’ll start taking my measurements now,” she said, holding up her equipment.

“Of course,” Elica answered, not even sure if she was even allowed to refuse at this point.

“We will try to find something suitable for you to wear at dinner today, but, by tomorrow, the seamstresses should have at least one proper outfit for you,” she chirped, quickly and skillfully going about her measurements.

“Something proper you say? Would it really be a problem if I just wore my normal clothes?”

“Well, it wouldn’t necessarily be a problem,-” she said, lifting Elica’s arms as she measured her bust, “-but they certainly don’t fit the standards of the household. Your new clothes will be much more fitting of a member of the Treue Family.”

“So what of my outfit for dinner, will whatever you find be up to the right standard,” she retorted.

“Well, taking into account your size, an old outfit of the late lady’s will be impossible,” she replied, unfazed by Elica’s tone. “But don’t worry my lady, we will figure out a solution, there is plenty of time yet until dinner,” she completed, before a knock came from the door.

“May I enter,” a silken voice asked from beyond the door.

“Can they enter,” Elica asked in a hushed tone towards the maid.

“It’s your chamber my lady, that is for you to decide,” she responded, returning to where she stood when Elica had first entered.

Elica turned back towards the door, nervous of what this next new person had in store for her. “You may,” she eventually called back, trying to prepare herself mentally.

“Excuse me,” the voice sounded as the door opened, revealing a young man, his short black hair slick with sweat. “May we have some privacy,” he asked as he entered.

“Of course,” Krista responded. She headed past the man through the door before turning back towards Elica, “I was able to finish my measurements my lady. I’ll be sure to have something for you to wear by dinner.” With a second curtsy, she left, leaving Elica alone with the unknown man.

She stood almost paralized, questioning what to do or say as his pure hazel eyes peered at her.

“Shall we go for a walk,-” he asked, holding out a hand towards Elica, “-I believe we some things to talk about.”

“Last time I went with someone I didn’t know, it didn’t end so well,” she huffed, crossing her arms to deny his hand. So what if I disobey them, she thought, finally determined to gain some sense of control of the situation. It’s not like I have anything else for them to take away at this point anyway.

“My apologies, I forgot to introduce myself, though our eyes did meet in the courtyard earlier. My name is Valafar, current heir to the Treue Household,” he said graciously, giving her a slight head bow. “As circumstances have it, I am to be your future husband.”