LAVENDER 

It took an hour or two, but I was able to save my reputation, I felt as irritation boiled in my skin, that girl….was so pesky. 

Rubbing the bridge between my eyes I felt as the headache that never seemed to go away rioted in my mind, leaning against the railing, I sat high on the balcony of the manor, it was decent enough to live in. 

Looking at the pure white railing and decoration, I couldn’t help but want to heave, it was all money given to them by the crown no doubt, these filthy nobles were no better than commoners by themselves. 

“Master Trixx, I’ve come with my report.” 

Hearing Wilkins, I turn to face the man, he had always been loyal to me since I was a boy without a mother. 

“Yes, speak.” His information was crucial, as in less than a week, I would strike. 

“It had been confirmed The Baron and Baroness are still receiving money to keep silent on the matter of the late Queen.” Wilkins said with a voice filled with dismay. 

“I see….then I’ll start preparing their punishment….” Clenching my jaw I can hardly believe these arrogant nobles, how dare they take money and keep such a secret…..

“But as for the young lady, she had no idea, nor does she align herself with anyone, she’s a rather free young lady.” Wilkins said with a slight smile. 

“She will suffer along with her parents for their crimes.” I said standing up, running my hand through my hair which was slicked back in the perfect way that only Wilkins or I could do. 

Placing a hand on the railing I watched below to see the honey-colored hair that haunted my thoughts skipping through the gardens, how could someone look so happy to exist? What a fool. 

“Perhaps you should marry her.” Wilkins said with a curt voice. 

Stumbling back I find myself almost knocking over my tea cup, what is this man talking about?! “Wilkins! Are you mad?!”

“Why I’m just saying master, it would be a shame if others caught wind of her rumor, especially with you being well…you.” Sighing, Wilkins looked to the side but I could see the smirk on his face. 

I balled up my hands and looked at him, and then her, and then the door, taking a step forward I pointed my hand up. “I am not- uuurgh….just watch.” 

 How dare he think that would happen, well it wouldn’t be the first time, me having never been with a woman was a rather conversed topic, especially because I’m the only heir. 

Sighing, I walked the halls, the very thought of marrying that lying little brat caused my skin to shiver, but what shivered worse was the looks of people thinking I wanted a man, why couldn’t I have just been born into another century, perhaps then the nosey nobles wives would stay out of my business and stop trying to pair me with their daughters.

Stepping into the garden, I see the lady picking flowers, and then promptly disregarding them, as if she were snuffing out the lives of the citizens in the garden. 

Not even I could deny the fact that for a country bumpkin, she was rather fine, with soft pale skin, blonde hair, and golden eyes, yet it wasn’t her looks that irritated me to my very core, nor her family. 

Looking at her, those golden eyes met mine, and I could see her sinister little grin appear. 

“Oh, do forgive me Count, we don’t have any cocks in our garden….but I can show you to the swans.” 

I will bury you in this garden Lady Alindell…..

Closing my eyes, I try and resist the anger surging in my veins, and I walk closer, one hand extended, afterall, a gentleman always helps a lady up, even when she’s a vulgar little- well…her. 

“Ah, no thank you, I’ve instead come to ask a favor.” I almost struggled to say the words that flew from my mouth, if I went on a stroll with her everyone would shut up, and the rumors would die and then she would….

“A favor…? Do tell.” Her quirky little voice responded. 

Watching as she slowly stood up, I stepped closer, grabbing onto her hand, sweeping her off her feet with a swift kick, and holding her up by her waist. 

Leaning in, I felt as her warmth began to spread, I won’t lie I had never intended to do this, but alas. “Would you care to stroll around so…..why is your nose bleeding?!”

Before he stood a girl, perverted laughing as she wiped away the blood from her nose, and gave me a sudden thumbs up. 

“Beautiful…now give me a twirl…” Was all she could mutter as blood poured down her face. 

“W-what is wrong with you…?” I say with a deep breath as I feel this girl tremble with excitement. 

“So much….on that note, I would love to go for a stroll~” Overjoyed yet for all the wrong reasons, I watched as she stood up straight and wiped her nose one final time with her glove and then backed away, giving me a curtsy. 

“Then I suppose I’ll see you tomorrow morning good sir, until then, I must go, goodbye now.” Waving, she skipped away, as to what a spoiled noble lady had to do I’ll never know. 

What I did know is that this would appease the rumors to make it bearable to live in this manner for a few more days. 

A few more days was all I needed, and then this part of my life would be over, and I could move on to the next household.  

Turning on my heel, I start walking back towards the manner when I look to my side to see Wilkins waiting at the stairs.

 “Don’t say a word.” I hiss in an angry manner. 

“I simply came to congratulate you, why wooing such a beautiful young lady is no easy feat.” Wilkins said with a smile. 

“Woo is not the term I'd use, she’s not in her right mind Wilkins…..” Rolling my eyes I can hardly believe this man. 

“And neither are you, isn’t it a congratulatory celebration when such a reunion is met?” He said with his usual smile. 

I wasn’t sure if I should take offense or agree with him, while he wasn’t wrong, anyone but her would be ideal, from the very first day I met her I knew she was a strange one. 

“I mean…what type of lady asks such lewd questions when you first meet?!” Huffing, I could hardly fathom what went on in her head…and that was precisely why, she has to die….