It was finally the calm, I needed. Xavier left with Leonard at the break of dawn. Thankfully, he was no longer in a life threatening situation. Vincent had also returned an hour ago. And the weather was perfect to take a walk in the garden.

  "After yesterday's events, this calm feels unreal." I breathed in the familiar scent of lilies and camellias from our garden. Kacie ughed beside me.

  "It really does."

  "Let us sit there and have a needed talk." I walked towards the gazebo. The crystal-like fences that encased the bench, were the beauty of this garden. The beauty, my father made for my te mother. A pce that witnessed their fondest memories.

  "I am aware you do not wish to talk about why you were there st night. And I will not pry unless you wish to tell it. But is it safe to assume that you do not wish to return home for now?" I put it bluntly.

  "You can say that. But it's not like I have a choice." She squirmed.

  "What if I offer you employment? I need a dy-in-waiting who knows me well. And I can pce my blind trust on them. I cannot think of a better option than you. And you do not need to worry about the pay."

  "That... that would be an honour for me, my dy." She appeared taken aback by the offer.

  "Think about it carefully. I know you despise the noble gatherings, but you will have to attend such parties with me if you take on this role. Including the upcoming banquet." I added.

  I could sense her hesitation. "I mean I will have to attend the banquet either way." She muttered under her breath.

  "What do you mean?"

  "Mother will not let me sit this annual ball out. I need to find a rich man so she can maintain her lifestyle. And Anna's condition is deteriorating. We cannot afford her treatment with the way things are going." She shrugged and spoke of it so lightly as if she was talking about someone else.

  "I shall be your dy-in-waiting. Although, I do have one request from you." She interlocked her fingers on her p and looked at me.

  "Go on." I said.

  "I wish to attend the upcoming gathering from my home. Anna may be coming so I want to be with her. And I will not take advantage of your kindness but I may need a day off occasionally to check up on her. I shall make sure to not inconvenience you." None of this sounds unreasonable to me.

  "Great. Then you can start directly after the event. For now, go and inform your family about this. I will see you after a week."

  "Thank you, my dy."

  "Oh wait. I have one condition as well. Otherwise, I am afraid it will all be for naught." I gave her a solemn face.

  "What is it ?" Her face ced with concern.

  "When it is just the two of us, you shall call me by my name. Before this setting, you are a friend to me."

  "But. How could I?"

  "Just like you did four years ago. Not that big of a deal." I smiled recalling the day.

  "As you order ... Yvonne." She got on her feet with a smile.

  I took in the scenery for a while. Even the thought of socialising with the nobles was exhausting. I was not looking forward to it. I won't be welcomed kindly. But I needed to have my brain work to survive my comeback.