The letter was written quickly and a messenger sent with haste. Denise wondered if it would make it in time, the Duke, the general, whatever title one chose to refer to him, was impatient. Her husband had given her a time frame to deal with this issue. He wanted to kill Lord Fisher for touching his gates. He was very touchy on that subject.

“Oh my god” she sighed at him during breakfast the next morning.

“Pardon wife?” his smile, it was such a redeeming factor of his face, he was so handsome, Denise thought. It was the only bright side to the marriage.

“Nothing of concern, my lord” she also hoped that she smiled as sweet as the original owner of this body. Colette could charm the pants off any man with her smile. She wondered if she had the same effect. Maybe she did? Or was it possible she didn’t have that gentle smile?

Denise was training her effortless ‘noble woman with a murderous husband that no one in their right mind would dare talk about’ smile when a maid informed her that she had a guest.

“A guest?” she asked concerned for her facial muscles, she stretched her mouth in odd angles a few more times to help correct the mess she had just made on someone else’s face.

“Yes duchess, a Lady Pardel.”

Denise’s face dropped. It was back in place.

Lady Anna Pardel. That was the ill fated woman that played the role as Colette’s best friend. She was also the worst human being to descend on high society. She was ruthless in her pursuit of a husband that she was able to land one of the much docile men of high society. Denise didn’t remember much about the poor man but his wife had traveled a long and arduous journey through the terrible northern winter to visit her suffering friend in a ridiculous marriage.

Denise understood at that moment the message the universe was sending her. It was a test and a reminder that any slight changes in her demeanor as Colette Hildebrand would land her in an asylum, or even worse, a body dedicated to the tower of magic for the sheer joy of experimentation. She shuddered.

“Please inform Lady Pardel that I will be with her shortly”

The maid nodded and left her.

Dressed in white as was required, Denise made her way to the drawing room where the vile woman awaited her presence. She looked back on her first encounter with Lady Pardel, in her original body.

“Who is this? She had asked when Denise walked in on their tea party in the Hildebrand garden.

“Oh! Denise, come say hello” a joyful Colette beckoned her closer.

Denise approached them. She was tired, she had come running after receiving a letter from her mother.

“This Denise, is Lady Pardel.”

“No Lady Hildebrand, please, call me Anna” she cooed.

Colette smiled, beautiful as always.

“Then I will insist that you call me Colette.”

The two ladies shared a moment when Denise cleared her throat and the attention returned to Denise, much to Lady Pardel’s annoyance.

“Ah yes” Lady Pardel said, “You” she hissed

“Denise Miller” Colette introduced “She’s been with me since childhood”

“A worthy servant” Lady Pardel commented, “Loyal to their master until death.”

“I am no servant” Denise declared

“Oh, are your parents not servants of the Hildebrand house?” Lady Pardel asked, “Colette darling, is this how servants in the Hildebrand house speak to their masters?”

“Anna, Denise is my friend as well” Colette placed her hand on top of Anna’s, “Lets not squabble about this.”

“You’re right Colette” Lady Pardel said “Oh yes, call that maid over there” Lady Pardel said pointing at someone behind Denise.

Denise turned, her face paled. It was her mother.

She was the reason that Denise had come home. Her mother was sick and needed care.

“She’s sick right now…”Denise started.

“That’s not my problem, call her over to serve us some tea.” Lady Pardel insisted

Colette remained quiet.

“Well?” Lady Pardel continued.

Denise’s mother was walking closer, her steps slow and the color on her face was not good.

“I’ll serve the tea.”Denise announced.

“Nonsense, are you not a friend?”

“Colette!” Lady Pardel ran to her and hugged her. Denise froze. It was like hugging a snake, “I’m so happy to see you.”

Denise shook off Lady Pardel’s hands from her body.

“ I’ve traveled all the way from the capital to see you. I’ve been having a terrible time in my marriage. Henry was having an affair.”

Who could blame the man? Denise thought.

“So you’ve come here?” Denise said coldly.

“Of course,we’re the best of friends and you’re the only one I can trust in this country.”

Denise stared at her. Of course news of the accident and Colette’s survival had reached the capital, but the woman couldn’t even send a letter.Asylum and magican tower be damned, Denise thought.

“Well, you’ve come to the wrong place.”

“Pardon?” Anna paused with the unbuttoning of her coat.

“Leave”

“What?”

“Kindly exit my house.”

“But its cold and I can’t stay another moment out there.”

“That’s not my problem. Get out”

“Colette, are you listening to yourself?” Anna was getting loud.

“Lady Pardel,your problems are none of my concern. So leave my house immediately.”

The door opened abruptly and in walked the general, covered in blood.