The carriage had started.

"W-who are you?"

"Oh, did I scare you? I'm so sorry. I am Sebastian Ronnik, one of Duke Alaric's counselors."

"No-" Eleanor said, but then realized she had to deepen her voice "No, don't worry. But I was not told that they would send someone to accompany me on my journey."

Elinora had before her a well-dressed man, several years older than her, perhaps 35 or 38. He had light-colored long hair, tied in a low braid.

She was feeling quite awkward, but not in an unpleasant way. The man across from her finally explained why he was there to pick her up.

"Well, I thought it would be a good idea to prepare you for a few things you're likely to encounter."

She was nervous about what it was that he was going to tell her.

"No need to be nervous" he told her leaving her surprised "Our Duke has some....peculiarities, that's all."

"What do you mean?"

"Well, if he does certain things, like locking himself in his room for days or keeping a distance all the time, don't pay too much attention. Just wait until he's back to his normal self."

The atmosphere had become somewhat heavy. Elinora wanted to ask a lot of questions, but she couldn't risk making a mistake. She remained silent and looked out the window.

The sky was bright but there was no sun anywhere. As they traveled the weather and the view of nature changed. The vegetation became thicker and the houses slowly became more like houses until no more houses could be seen.

"Do you have any more questions?" She heard Ronnik say and was surprised.

Elinora hesitated again but thought about it.

"I have a question; what should I do as his assistant?"

"Your duties are simply to organize the Duke's daily schedule, deliver the reports he needs, and answer correspondence. You will be required to accompany him to meetings and take detailed notes. You have the proper qualifications I assume."

Proper education? The only things I've learned are reading and writing from Nancy and Edmund used to tell me what he was learning, so I've learned some things. Will that be enough? I'm definitely not right for this job but I can't be wrong.

"But beyond that," Ronnik continued, watching Elinora lost in thought, "you must be there for the Duke when he needs you and only leave him when he demands it. You must remain calm, even when he is not. Duke Alaric carries a burden that few know and understand."

That last thing Ronnik said stunned her.

"Is it true that he is cursed?" she said impulsively, without realizing it.

Ronnik laughed softly.

"So you have more questions!"

Elinora was embarrassed and lowered her eyes anxiously.

I made a mistake again. Oh, Elinora, why don't you just keep your mouth shut?

"That's a good question" he looked at Elinora with a smile and said to lighten the situation " Cursed? I don't know, Mr. Edmond, you could say that. You'll see for yourself when we get to the North."

After that, neither of them spoke and they continued on their journey.

Elinora watched the road from the window. As they approached the North the atmosphere grew colder and colder and nature slowly died. But in this drabness, the North seemed beautiful, with its own character.

She closed her eyes. She hadn't slept all night from stress and anxiety. She tried not to sleep but in the end she did so because the carriage was too comfortable.

"Mr. Edmond! Mr. Edmund Jaden!"

Ronnik patted Elinora's arm to wake her up.

"Mr. Edmond, you need to wake up. We've arrived."

"S-sorry, I'm coming."

Elinora anxiously stepped quickly out of the carriage. In front of her stood Duke Alaric's villa.

It surprised her that the drabness she had seen on the drive was made worse at the villa. It was as if the Duke's mansion was the core of the blackness and coldness of this.

"This will be your home from now on, Mr. Edmund Jaden." Ronnik said, turning to her.

Yes, Elinora! It's a new beginning and this is your new home. Do your best not to get caught.

She said to herself to give her courage and followed Ronnik as he headed inside.