Rebirth Of The Witch Queen

Chapter 5 - Time's Up

Adeline stepped in front of the mirror, checking her reflection. As a queen, she had been forced to adhere to a strict dress code and a hairstyle, but she was not a queen anymore. She was a young, rich heiress of marriageable age who had to make a good impression. She didn’t expect much of her match, but if she could make him like her for more than just her money, he might be easier to deal with. People in love were easier to control, she would know - she had played that role before.

Raising her hand, she tucked away a strand of auburn hair that was starting to get loose, and made sure the rest of the big curls were perfectly arranged around her head. Millie had helped her pick a dress that was in line with today’s fashion - a painfully tight cream one with long lace sleeves that continued over her shoulders just below her collarbone and stopped at the top edge of her corset. This exposed more skin than she was used to, but as much as she disliked it, she was going to bargain and she needed her future husband’s mind occupied while she stated her conditions.

“Miss, we have to go or we will be late,” Millie said from the door, already dressed in her maid uniform and holding Adeline’s outside jacket draped over her hand.

“Yes, yes.” Adeline sighed, making sure her makeup was fine before turning her back to the mirror and following her maid out. The two of them headed for the stairs while Millie helped her put on her jacket. It was already spring, but the last few days had been too chilly for her taste and she couldn’t afford to get sick.

They were almost at the front door when the sound of running steps made Adeline turn. She had never seen a single servant run in the house, even when there was an urgent issue. They moved with uncanny speed for sure, but the only people running around were her little brother and her when she was younger.

A figure appeared at the top of the stairs and she raised an eyebrow when she realized the running person was actually Lester. His face was brighter than usual and a slight blush had appeared over his cheeks, probably from the unexpected exercise. Even she could tell he spent an unhealthy amount of time sitting behind his desk working.

“I caught you before you left, thank god!” He whispered between ragged breaths as he finally reached the bottom of the stairs. Adeline had just finished putting on her gloves and was adjusting her fingers when he grinned happily, raising the crumpled letter he was holding in the air. “It came, Adeline, dear, I knew it would come! I’m so happy for you, you are going to be a queen!”

Adeline’s breath caught in her throat and she almost choked on it. The ceiling spun and she reached out to lean on something but found empty air instead. Lester caught her before she dropped to the ground, gently steadying her on her feet. His smile remained on his face, but his eyes darkened with worry.

“Oh, my, I didn’t think you'd faint from the news. I knew you’d always admired His Highness, but your parents were against it for some reason. But I don’t want you to settle, Adeline, I want you to find happiness with the person you love. And if you become a queen, I will sleep easier knowing this country will be in good hands.”

“Did… did you reply to it already?” Adeline asked in a shaky voice, trying her best to compose herself. She knew it was going to happen today, but she had forgotten it came so early. She thought he’d tell her after she is back and she’d have an alternative for him. But now…

“Of course not. I wouldn’t do that without talking to you first.” Lester replied, letting go of her as she straightened her back and pulled her hands away. “But I’ve already written a positive reply, I figured you will be happy to…”

“Don’t send it.” She said quickly and his eyes widened in surprise. “I mean, don’t send it yet. I am not ready, I need a bit more time. Give me a bit more time, please.”

“Um, ugh, yes, of course,” Lester said quickly, scratching his head. “I mean, it’s fine to wait a day to reply, but wait for what? Aren’t you happy? Wasn’t this what you wanted? I clearly remember you saying just a year ago that you’d be the happiest if you married the crown prince and became a princess.”

“I just need to confirm something please,” Adeline said, forcing a smile. “Besides, I am too shocked right now and if he decides to drop by to visit after receiving my reply, I am not sure if I can face him. So let’s revisit this tomorrow at lunch. I need to go now or I will be late for my meeting.”

“Meeting?” Lester asked, raising an eyebrow.

“Yes, in town.” Adeline smiled, straightening her skirts. “With my girl friends.”

“Oh, alright.” Her Guardian nodded, his face relaxing. “Don’t stay out too late and take a guard. A young lady of your stature shouldn’t be walking anywhere alone.”

“Yes, I will. And I’ll be extra careful.” Adeline nodded, turning her back on him and striding outside with Millie in tow. She took two guards just in case and all four of them stepped into the carriage that was waiting for them. Nobody spoke on the way with the guards looking at their feet and Millie scratching the skirt over her thigh nervously.

Adeline opted to stare through the window as they drove through distantly familiar streets and mansions. Her home was located on the outskirts of the city because of its size, but after she got married to Shayde she had rarely visited it. Two nights ago when they snuck out of it, it had been too dark to see anything outside.

When the carriage finally stopped, the guards were the first to leave it, offering both her and Millie a hand. The day was warm and sunny this time, with people going on and about their business, some of them turning to look at her before moving along. This part of the city was much cleaner and more central than where the information agency was located, with all the most expensive stores and businesses running along the main street. The carriage drove away to clear the road and Adeline headed towards the most renowned restaurant in the city.

She ordered the guards to come back in an hour and stepped inside with Millie, looking around the spacious first floor. All the tables were occupied with ladies and gentlemen in pairs or groups, laughing quietly or conversing with lively voices. It didn’t take them long to notice her. The curious glances and turned heads almost made her sigh in annoyance.

Luckily, a waiter moved to greet her a few seconds later, asking her in a polite tone if she had a reservation.

“Yes, I do. My companions must have reserved a table. It will probably be under Mr. Dugley’s name.” She replied in a quiet voice. The closest table was still some distance away, but she could tell they were all listening in as if trying to catch what they were discussing. She didn’t want anyone to know about the contract so she just hoped the waiter could read the room.

“I’m sorry, there is no reservation under this name.” He replied awkwardly, looking at her from head to toe. He must have realized that she wasn’t just any noble because the polite smile returned to his face. “May I have your name, please?”

“Adeline Talwen.”

His eyes widened and she could swear his face turned two shades paler. A second later his smile grew even wider and he gave her a polite bow.

“Please forgive my imprudent behavior, Duchess. We never had the pleasure of your company so I didn’t recognize you.” He replied in a much more polite tone, even his posture changing. “There is a reservation under your name. Please follow me to the private area.”

Adeline tried to keep her face straight as she nodded, following him towards the gilded staircase leading to the second floor. The stairs were covered with a bright red carpet, with big stained windows hanging on the top of the staircase landing that separated the stairs in two, leading left and right.

The waiter guided her to the left, holding her hand so she wouldn’t trip on her skirts. He let go of her the moment her foot stepped on the second floor, leading her to one of the three doors on this side of the floor. He knocked on the last door, waiting for a reply from the inside and when he received it, he opened the door and turned to her with a smile and an indulging expression.

“Please go in, Duchess. I’ve prepared refreshments so help yourself - or have your maid help you - to anything you wish. If you require anything else, just ring the bell and I shall be with you immediately.”

“Thank you,” Adeline said with a smile as she stepped into the private room. She looked around, noting that the private room looked more or less like the setting downstairs - with the same round tables and cushioned chairs, same shiny cutlery and porcelain cups. There were paintings gracing the dark red walls and a chandelier hanging from the middle of the ceiling with all of its candles lit.

There was also an unfamiliar man inside who had risen to his feet as if to greet her.

She had expected the same arrogant, disrespectful person she had met that night, but the stranger in front of her didn’t look anything like him. Rising to about her height, he was stout and with a few extra pounds around the belly. His hair was dark, as was his carefully arranged beard, and he was wearing a pair of round glasses that he kept pushing up his nose.

“I think there is a mistake here,” Adeline said, glancing towards Millie, who was just closing the door. “I’m supposed to be meeting someone else. Who are you?”

“Greetings, Your Grace. My name is Roger Dugley.” He said, placing his hand over his chest and bowing to her. Adeline blinked in confusion, glancing at Millie again, who shrugged.

“You can’t be. I met with Mr. Dugley two nights ago and I am positive he was a different person.” Adeline said sharply, sensing fear and annoyance creeping into her head. Whatever was going on, she didn’t like it. But the letter had arrived and Lester had even prepared a reply. She had no time to look for others to help her, not even to find a fiance herself.

“Well, about that.” The man laughed awkwardly. “The person you met was clearly not me. I was waiting for you in my office, but you must have entered the wrong room and talked with… one of my associates.” Adeline stared at him for a second, then closed her eyes and pinched the bridge of her nose. “Don’t worry, we are all very discreet so any business we do remains strictly confidential. As my associate told you, we have accepted your request, and I have found the most suitable candidate. He is running a bit late, so please take a seat while we wait.”

Adeline held back a sigh, stepping towards the table. Millie moved like a shadow, pulling the chair for her before she could do so herself, but before Adelie had the chance to sit down, a knock came from the door.

Everybody looked at it expectantly and Millie quickly tiptoed to it, turning the handle and peeking outside. From her position, Adeline couldn’t see who it was, but judging by the way Millie craned her neck, it had to be someone tall. A second later, the maid stepped aside to let them in.

Adeline took a deep breath, trying to calm her racing heart and bite back her nervousness while the person she was going to marry stepped inside. For a second, she stared at the dark-haired man in impeccable black attire and carefully arranged hair, but then his eyes stopped on her and a smirk appeared on his lips.

Recognition flickered in her mind. The playful spark that danced in his eyes - she couldn’t mistake that for sure.

“You!” She said through gritted teeth, pointing at him.

“Apologies for making you wait, darling.” He said with a voice dripping with familiarity. “But I’m here now. Shall we get started?”