*Marcus*

Lilian was quite pretty in her wedding gown, but she looked so preoccupied. The maids went back and forth, who’d think she’s changed so much after Clio was thrown out. I felt guilty, after everything I said, I know how much Clio meant to her. I just didn’t think it would affect her this much. And Pam, well she sure let me have it.

“Lili looks stunning.” Pam said, her eyes glittering almost.

“She’s very pretty today.”

“I wish I could capture this moment.” Pam held her hands to her chest, “Look back on it one day, maybe she’ll laugh about it.”

Crossing my arms I leaned back on the wall, “That could be, I hope she’ll be happy.”

“I do too.”

I hesitate, grabbing Pam’s hand, “Maybe… would you like to go for a walk some time?”

“What-” She turned to look at me before I felt someone’s stare.

“Pamella, can you pick which looks best for me?” I head Lilian’s, voice, her tone was sharp.

Letting go when I look back to see Lilian staring past me at Pamella.

“I swear she wants to hoard you and keep you locked up.” I muttered, this happened every time. 

Pam pinched my shoulder, “Now that’s not true, so if you excuse me.”

But it was very true, some days Lilian just had her at her beg and call. Sure they are long time friends. But I never expected Lilian would just tag along every time I tried talking to Pam. She was always there, it didn’t matter where or when Lilian would always know, always show up. If I sent a letter to Pam and not Lilian she wouldn’t even answer, there’s just always something about Lilian. Lilian this, Lilian that, it’s always Lilian.

Seeing Pam pick out a couple of things, smiling ear to ear as she showed Lilian, before walking back over. Her black hair would sway was like midnight and her blue eyes just felt like they were staring at my soul.

“Why are you staring?” She asked, pressing a hand to her hair, “Is there something wrong?”

“It’s nothing.” I can’t help smiling, “You look amazing today.”

“Well Lili outshines us all.”

“Well some might disagree.”

Pam’s smile was fading, putting her hands down, “You know Lili’s been distracted. I’ve caught her looking behind herself expecting someone to be there.”

“This is about Clio again then-”

“Lili must feel so alone.” Pam’s eyes watched as Lilian was walked out the room, turning back to me, “If only you hadn’t screwed up Clio wouldn’t have intercepted the letters.”

“Oh so you’re blaming me again?” We already had this talk, “You’re the first person who accused it might have been her.” I said, “I never told Lilian it was your thoughts Pamella I just took the fall.”

Pam instantly went quiet, looking to the side her brows furrowed, I could see her grip hard on her dress, “I wish I hadn’t.”

“It’s best Lilian keeps trustworthy people around her.”

“Clio loves her-”

“But she betrayed the trust Lilian had in her… We can’t change that, we can just not betray her ourselves. She’s our friend.”

Pam nodded slowly, “We have to keep her happy, at least for today, it’s her day.”

Pam was so preoccupied with having Lilian being happy, trailing out of the room after her while I could only stand aside and watch her run off. As much as I enjoy going after her every way she goes, I feel bad for Lilian, she’s not happy today, she hasn’t been happy for a while.

Finding myself walking aimlessly through the halls and out the door, I’d rather not get in their way, hearing a click of the tongue only to see Duke Sable standing rigid along the path.

“Well, Mr. Fritz, I didn’t think you’d be around here, Lady Dusa isn’t around here as you can see.”

His words were sharp, “I wasn’t looking for her, sorry for intruding.”

Duke Sable’s face was always a scowl. I’ve never once seen this man smile, and the last time I saw him at all… I just recall Lilian crying and Pamela holding her.

“Well then, since you appear to have some time, walk with me.”

“You know, I believe Pam must be-”

“Walk, merchant boy.”

The Duke’s steps lead into the garden, far from the prying eyes behind doors and windows, “May I-”

“No, You have been like a stray mutt walking after Lilian looking for scraps, she’s fond of your little… meddling.” My meddling he says?

“What exactly do you mean Duke?”

“I’m saying you should disappear, call it an investment. I heard of your little voyage, and I’ll be funding your next one. It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity, you could turn out a very rich man by the end of it…” the Duke turned giving me a look which reminded me of Lilian, “You can either take it, or… there will be some really horrendous claims about you.” he shrugged, “So, are you interested?”

I feel like I’m in a cage, with a muzzle, “I don’t really think I have a choice.”

“Sure you do.” Duke Sable’s hands were tucked in his pockets pulling out a watch in one hand, staring at it before looking back at me, “I’ll give you until… let’s say midnight, when the clock strikes, I’ll have your answer then.”

He walked on by past me, stopping a ways away. I didn’t dare move an inch, feeling as if I was tied down in place, “You know your father would agree to my terms, we’ve been in business a while now, if you’re anything like him, you’d be a smart man to do business with me.”

“Yes sir.”

It wasn’t until I couldn’t see him anymore, until the smell of that pungent perfume had stopped burning my nose I finally moved. If Lilian knew of this she could save me. Yet i stopped dead in the halls, I can’t tell her about this now, shes already busy as is. We’ve been ice cold since the engagement she wont lift a finger.

Begrudgingly I started walking again, winding up in front of a carriage seeing as Lilian was escorted in. 

“Need me to bring something? Anything, maybe some deserts, a book, or-” Pam was nerves, fiddling with her dress while Lilian was as composed as always. 

“There’s plenty of deserts Pamella, the maids already packed my change of clothes and if i want a book I’ll just ask for one. You just need enjoy the party.” as she talked the door was closed, reassuring Pam through the window. 

“This will be great Lilian.” I said, “You’re becoming the most influential woman in high society.”

I could instantly feel Pam glare like blue fire, “She was already-”

“I won’t forget about you two if that’s what you’re insinuating.” her hand reached out and pointed at us, “I expect you to both smile wide enough it looks like I’m the one smiling.” she smiled without it reaching her eyes, “Take notes for your own weddings.”

That said, she was out, the carriage was far from view, and Pam tugged at me, “It’s time we head out too. Don’t want to keep Lili waiting.” 

“Pam I need to tell you something.”

Maybe it was the tone of my voice but Pam looked worried, and I reconsidered, telling her about the Duke would just mean more trouble for Lilian. 

“I might be going on another trip, It’s a big opportunity, and well id like you to come with.” I was shaking a little by now, “It’s just well, Lilian going to be busy and you’ve talked about wanting to see more, experience more… this is your chance.”