Codename Black: Rise of the Fallen Commander

Mr. Lancastriel

Edward’s eyes gleamed as he recognized the chief steward. “Hawthorne…” he greeted smoothly, extending his hand. “A pleasure, as always. I must admit, we didn’t expect someone of your standing tonight.”

Hawthorne gave a polite but restrained nod, shaking Edward’s hand with the calculated calm of someone who had overseen far too many negotiations to be easily impressed.

“Lord Edward, Sir Thomas,” he acknowledged. “I trust you are both well?”

“As well as we can be,” Edward replied, casting a subtle, pointed glance at his brother, who stood quietly beside him. “Your visit is an honor.”

“I’ve come specifically to see Miss Victoria Hale,” Hawthorne announced, commanding immediate attention. “I understand she’s preparing for an important event—her marriage. However, I’ve also been informed that she’s being confined at home.”

Edward’s brow furrowed. He quickly composed himself and forced a tight grin. “Confined? No, no, you must be mistaken. Victoria isn’t confined in any way.” He turned sharply toward his brother. “Thomas, go bring your daughter to meet our guest. She’s been… resting upstairs.”

Caught off guard, Thomas nodded firmly. His heart raced as he hurried toward the staircase, feeling the weight of Edward’s glare at his back.

Standing outside Victoria’s door, he paused, still processing Hawthorne’s sudden arrival. It was unheard of for such a high-profile figure to take personal interest in their family, let alone mention Victoria by name.

He pushed open the door and stepped inside. Victoria sat by the window, her expression distant as she stared outside. At the sound of the door creaking, she turned, her face tightening when she saw him.

“Father,” she said cautiously. “Why are you here again?”

Thomas took a few steps closer. “Victoria, when did you meet Heinrich Lancastriel?”

Her brow furrowed in genuine confusion. “Heinrich Lancastriel? What are you talking about? I’ve never met him.”

Thomas’s eyes narrowed, unprepared for that response. “You’ve never met him? Don’t lie to me, Victoria. His chief steward is here, asking for you specifically. He knows about your confinement and your upcoming marriage.”

“What?” Victoria’s confusion deepened as she stood up from her chair and began pacing. “I don’t know anything about that. I’ve never even spoken to him!”

Thomas felt a growing unease. “Hawthorne’s waiting downstairs. Edward insists you meet with him. We can’t afford to ignore this… not now.”

Victoria paused. “What do you want me to say?”

“Just come with me and hear what Hawthorne has to say. If there’s something you’re not telling us, now is the time to come clean.”

She shook her head. “I have no idea what’s going on, Father. But… I’ll meet him.”

Together, they left the room and descended the staircase. In the foyer, Hawthorne stood patiently beside Edward, his sharp eyes locking onto Victoria as soon as she appeared.

“Miss Hale,” Hawthorne greeted. “I’ve come on behalf of Mr. Heinrich Lancastriel.”

At the mention of the name, Edward looked as though he might collapse. His eyes widened, and his hands trembled slightly.

Victoria furrowed her brow. “I’m afraid I don’t know him.”

Hawthorne smiled faintly. “That may be true, Miss Hale, but Mr. Lancastriel knows of you. He has instructed me to personally find you and offer assistance, should you need it.”

Victoria stared at him, bewildered. “Assistance? In what way?”

Hawthorne’s smile deepened. “Mr. Lancastriel is aware of your current circumstances. He understands the pressures you’re under. He wanted me to assure you that if you desire personal freedom or relief from these constraints, he is willing to help.”

At this, Edward’s face turned ashen. His hand shot out, grasping the back of a nearby chair for support. “This… this must be a misunderstanding,” he stammered. “Victoria isn’t confined. She’s preparing for her wedding. There’s no need for Mr. Lancastriel’s involvement.”

Hawthorne turned his sharp gaze to Edward. “Mr. Lancastriel does not misunderstand, Lord Edward. He knows exactly what is happening in this household, and he is prepared to take action if Miss Hale wishes it.”

Victoria stood frozen. “But… why me?” she asked softly, her eyes searching Hawthorne’s face for an answer.

Hawthorne’s expression softened slightly. “That is for Mr. Lancastriel to explain in due time.” He reached into his jacket and produced a sleek, black business card. “He also asked me to deliver this to you personally.” He extended the card to her. “Should you ever need his assistance, do not hesitate to call.”

Victoria took the card, feeling its cool, smooth surface between her fingers. The name “Heinrich Lancastriel” was embossed in elegant gold script. She clutched it tightly.

***

As the door clicked shut behind Hawthorne, an oppressive silence filled the room. Edward, still pale and shaken, turned to Victoria with fury in his eyes. His hands trembled as he pointed an accusing finger at her.

“How do you know Heinrich Lancastriel?” Edward demanded, barely concealing his growing rage.

Victoria, still holding the sleek black card, glared at him. “That’s none of your business,” she replied bluntly. “Whatever dealings I have are between me and Mr. Lancastriel.”

Edward’s face reddened. “Do you realize what you’ve done? You’ve involved one of the most powerful men in the world, and for what? To undermine this family? Your father and I have spent our lives protecting this—”

“Undermine this family?” Victoria cut him off. “You mean the family that’s ready to sell me off like property for the sake of business alliances? The family that locked me in a room to force me into a marriage I don’t want?”

Edward’s mouth twitched, but he remained silent, seething.

Victoria stepped closer to him, holding the business card between her fingers like a warning. “Let me tell you something, Uncle Edward: don’t try to control me anymore. Don’t use me as a pawn in your schemes, or you’ll answer to Heinrich Lancastriel. And believe me, he’s not someone you want as an enemy.”

Her words hit like a blow, and Edward visibly recoiled, knowing the weight of that threat.

Sir Thomas shifted uncomfortably. “Victoria… this isn’t the way to—”

But Victoria wasn’t listening. She turned her back on them and walked out of the room. “I’m done with this conversation,” she said over her shoulder. “Don’t contact me again unless you’re ready to respect my decisions.”

With that, she left them standing in stunned silence. The heavy doors to the room swung shut behind her. Wasting no time, she grabbed her things and made her way back to the sanctuary of her rented villa.