A gentle knock on the door drew her attention. She lifted her gaze from the book, modest brown eyes meeting them. With a graceful motion, she closed the book and set it aside. 

“I’ve brought the young master,” Marriot announced.

He stepped aside, revealing Ariel. The boy possessed short black hair, eyes as vivid as emerald leaves, and bronze skin. His eyes met hers before quickly darting to the side. 

“Please forgive him, my lady; he is shy.” Marriot humored, ushering Ariel over to the table. Reluctantly, Ariel sat on the cushioned chair, his lips tightly pressed.

“No worries.” The Governess spoke with an eloquence that graced her voice. “It's nice to finally meet you, Ariel. I’ve heard a lot about you.” 

“I’ll leave you two alone for now.” Marriot strolled over to the black cord hanging from the ceiling in a corner and pulled it twice. He waltzed out, the door closing behind him. 

“So, Ariel, I called you to breakfast to go over everything with you,” The Governess presented, “such as my background, where I went to receive my education, and how I’m going to further your education about The Covua Raerich.”

“How much did they pay you to be here?” he inquired directly, his eyes meeting hers directly as he straightened in his chair. 

“That’s a highly inappropriate topic dont you think?” she grinned. 

“Then did you notice anything different about hair when you woke up?” 

The Governess was taken aback. “No, there was nothing wrong with my hair.” 

He glanced at the door. “Then I urge you to leave. Immediately. And dont look back.”

She let out a hesitant chuckle, shifting uncomfortably, “Ariel, I know that you’re troubled and lack education, but that's very disrespectful of you to say.” 

“Listen,” he leaned over the table, his voice a hushed whisper, “You dont understand. Once you’re in this mansion, once they have a piece of you, you can't leave…” his words hung in the air. “No one is allowed to leave the family.”

The Governess opened her mouth, about to ask further questions but Ariel raised his pointer finger and pressed it against his lips as the door swung open. Several servants dressed in gray uniforms entered the breakfast nook, greeting the Governess and acknowledging Ariel. With quickness, they began to fill their plates and glasses with beverages. 

“So,” Ariel cleared his voice, leaning back into his chair. “You were saying about your background, Governess?”