by Emily Sharp
Peace.
Chapter Seven
It had been a month since Adara had broken down and cried when Louise revealed her face, Louise's words that night twisted and cruel, making Adara say things she did not really believe. Over the last month her daily routine had not changed much. In the morning, she would walk alone through the gardens, saying hi to a few of the staff and sometimes getting a polite smile or a nod of the head back to her. Then lunch was served by Sofia, who had at first been reluctant to talk with her but with each passing day, talked more and more.
And then there were the dinners. Each night a new dress would be waiting for her on the bed. Some of them full-length like one would wear to a ball, others sleeveless, short and tight, and appropriate for a nightclub. And every night, Louise would ask her to marry her, and of course every night Adara rejected her.
Adara walked over to the nightstand and grabbed her diary, and then walking to the bay window, took a seat. It was early morning, and the sun had been up no longer than an hour. Her mind went back to Louise and the scars that she bore. Adara had felt guilt at first being repulsed by them, but over the last few weeks those feelings soon left. She pitied Louise, a woman who could have anything she wanted, yet chose to live alone in this castle. Adara had asked her about having friends over which was met with a laugh, that laugh cold, same as the words that came from her mouth. Though the words could be kind, like when she called Adara ‘Beauty’, the tone and emotion were as cold as a winter’s night.
Opening her diary, she clicked her pen wondering where to begin. Should she write about being proposed to again? Or how Louise kept her hair pulled back now most of the time? Instead, missing her father, she pulled out a single sheet of paper from the back and wrote him a note.
“I hope your new job is going well. This first month has gone by quickly, and I am having more fun that I could ever imagine.” For the next few minutes, she wrote more or less to her father about her time here. Though Louise had upset her that night, she refused to let her view on life affect her own. She would have her own fairytale ending with someone beautiful one day, but that woman would not be Louise. And it wasn't for the scars on her face. Yes, they were a sight to behold, but it was the hatred Louise held in her heart. The woman was cruel, and no amount of money in the world could fix that nor convince Adara to marry her once the year was over.
A knock came to her door, and then Sofia walked in. She was such a quiet woman and strikingly pretty. Why she wanted to work here was beyond Adara, but she did not want to ask.
“That purple looks good on you,” Adara said, closing the diary and setting it beside her.
“Oh, thank you,” Sofia said, her hand moving to the blouse. “Madam requests your company for breakfast this morning at the gazebo.”
Adara stood up, pulling the belt around her robe tight.
“Is that so? Any idea why?”
Sofia shook her head. “I don't know why. I just do what I am told.”
“Apparently that’s the motto around here for everyone,” Adara said, a shake to her head. “I will be out there in ten minutes, let me change real quick.”
With a nod and a smile, Sofia turned and left.
“Breakfast, huh?” Adara said out loud, heading to one of the drawers and opening it. She selected a pair of shorts and a tank top she had brought with her. Quickly changing, she slipped her tennis shoes on and then grabbing a scrunchie, pulled her hair back into a ponytail.
She never saw Louise before noon, so she tried to figure out why she was invited as she made her through the castle. Heading outside, she was glad for the fresh air. As she moved along the path, and having taken it many times, she now knew when to change paths to head to the gazebo.
When she approached it, Louise was already there, standing up and leaning against one of the white posts. Her hair hung down low, but her face was exposed. Looking her in the eyes, Adara greeted her.
“Good morning.”
“Good morning to you. I must say, you fill those clothes out nicely.”
Adara shook her head as she came up the steps. “Thanks for the compliment. Any other job, I would have walked out hearing something like that.”
“But this is not any regular job.”
“I won’t argue that.” Adara headed over to her usual seat, a tray set up with her food on it, scrambled eggs, bacon, and toast, with coffee and juice also made available.
She watched as Louise walked over and sat down. “By all means, please eat.”
Adara reared back for a moment, the nice tone coming from Louise's voice shocking her, hearing it for the first time in a while. But at the same time her guard went up. Something was not right. Why the sudden change of heart?
Shrugging it off for the moment, she picked up a piece of toast and took a bite. Even if the woman was up to something, there was very little she could do about it at the moment. Looking over, Louise ate, her eyes like always on Adara.
“May I ask why you invited me out here?”
“I thought it would be nice to have company. I do enjoy your company, you know?”
Adara nodded. She considered speaking and then thought better of it, instead concentrating on the food in front of her. There was silence for the next ten minutes, and sitting back with her coffee, she looked around the garden. Her eyes trailed over the hedges, the flowers beds with the bright red and yellow flowers decorating them quite beautiful.
“For a month now I asked for you hand in marriage and each night you refuse. And I ask myself, why?”
Adara bit her tongue. What she really wanted to tell her was that it was because money could not buy happiness. Instead, she took a drink of her coffee.
“Because what good is money if it belongs to someone else? Or a home for that matter. So, I have a new proposition for you that I think you are going to enjoy.”
Adara let out a sigh. “I am interested in hearing what you have to say,” she said though she couldn’t care less.
Louise stood up, and Adara felt her heart skip a beat as the woman walked over to sit next to her. Louise had never been this close to her save the night she showed her face.
“Be a princess in this castle with me.”
“What? I don't understand.” Adara felt confused. Was this another mind game Louise was playing?
“A princess has control of her castle, from the layout of the grounds to the decorations inside, all the way to the staff. And of course the money. What I am saying is, treat it as your own.”
Adara took a drink from her coffee, sipping it slowly to give herself time to think. Louise had never been kind once in the month she knew her, and like everything else, it would be twisted in the end. Even the dress she gave her that first night came with strings attached to it. She had not done it to make Adara happy, she only wanted to have something nice to look at, to own. But Adara did not want to be anyone’s possession.
“I can’t do that,” she replied finally, determined to hold her ground.
“But you must. It is part of your job description now.”
Adara moved the empty mug to her tray. “I can’t refuse?”
“Why would you? Think about it, anything you want can be brought here. A new car, clothes, jewelry. Whatever your heart desires, just buy it. You see those flowers over there?” Louise said, pointing to one of the beds, the yellow of them bright.
“Yes.”
“If you like them, they stay. If you want them gone, they will be.”
Adara shook her head. “And why are you doing this?”
“Because what good is it for me to have all these things to myself?” she asked as she stood up and walked over to one of the posts, her back to Adara.
“Then I can fly my father out? Have him live here?”
Adara reeled back as Louise turned around quickly, the anger on her face evident, her lip curled. “Do not request foolish things. You know how the agreement works,” she spat out.
Adara felt hurt and anger at the same t
ime come over her. She stood up, her arms crossed over her chest. “You tell me I can have anything I want, and when I ask for clarification, you snap at me,” she said, a tear rolling down her cheek.
“Because you ask stupid questions. No, you may not have any distractions here!”
“My father is not a distraction.”
“If I deem him to be so, then he is. You may leave now. I will have a package brought up to your room later.”
“What package?” Adara said, her hand going to her hips.
“You may leave,” Louise said, her voice condescending.
Adara wiped at her eyes, then walked over to the first step. Turning her head to the side, she saw Louise at the post, her back facing her.
“Have it delivered to the library. I will be there going through the books,” she said. She knew it was Louise's favorite place, as she rarely left it. Hoping the words would anger Louise, she was taken aback at the response.
“Like I said, it is your castle now. Do what you want, my princess.”
With anger guiding her steps, Adara headed back inside.
***
Adara had gone to her room for an hour, wanting to pull her hair out. She could have anything in the world except her father. Louise was driving her mad, and she feared another eleven months of being confined in this castle would make her end up like the owner.
Now she stood in the library, gazing out the window. A couple of the groundskeepers walked by, both men, around the age of thirty. Neither looked her direction as they walked past, engaged in their own conversation. That is what she missed, conversation. And not just with her father, but with a friend. She had no friends at this point, the ones in her former life having moved on and starting their own families. Or others, like her ex, simply stopped returning calls.
Though she did not like to admit it, Louise had been right. The friends had fled, much like her girlfriend, when the money was gone. No longer able to afford the country club or other events, the circle of friends quickly disappeared, a truth Adara had tried to cover up, a truth Louise had exposed.
Though the footsteps were silent, Adara turned around, feeling a presence behind her. It was Sofia who walked up with a brown envelope in her hands.
“How are you, Sofia?”
“I am fine, thank you. And you?”
Adara smiled. “Not too bad.” She took the envelope handed to her and peered inside. Crunching her brows, she tipped it, letting the contents fall out onto a side table. It was a credit card with her name on it, black in color as well as a small device like the one Louise carried.
“Madam wishes you to know that you have unlimited spending power, and that with that device you can summon me, or anyone else for that matter, at a moment’s notice.”
Adara slipped the card in her pocket as a thought came to her. “So, if I call you on this, you come to wherever I am at?”
Sofia gave a nod, pushing her blond hair behind her ears. “Yes. I am here to serve you and do your wishes, like I do for Ms. Vandercourt.”
Adara smiled as she walked past Sofia, going to the Louis XIV chair, her hand running over the fabric. “Anything?”
“Yes. Madam informed me that you are the princess of this castle. Your words are as the same as hers,” Sofia said.
“Very well then. I have your first assignment,” Adara said. She watched as Sofia bit at her lip, her eyes wide. The way she had heard Louise talk to the woman upset her, and now she was going to do her part to make it right. “I want you to spend time with me today out in the gazebo. Will you?”
Sofia seemed to hesitate, her hands tapping at her thighs.
“I promise it will be worth it,” Adara assured her as she walked to stand beside her.
“Very well, I will do as you say.”
Adara laughed. “Good. Let’s head out now.”
They walked over to the corner, and pushing against the door, they found themselves outside. The sun was behind some gray clouds that had rolled in as a storm loomed above them. Walking down the path, Adara looked over at Sofia. Her outfits always consisted of the same simple blouses and dark dress pants and shoes.
“Sofia, do you leave here often?”
She shook her head. “No. I want to return this Christmas to France to see my family if I am allowed.”
Adara stopped, a slight bit of anger going through her. “What do you mean by that?”
Sofia looked around, then back to Adara. “Madam does not like anyone leaving. Well, the inside help that is. I have not been home in nearly two years.”
“Do you miss your family?” Adara asked, knowing the hurt of not seeing her father for a month, and not imagining what two years would feel like.
She nodded sadly.
Adara smiled and put her hand on Sofia's shoulder. “This Christmas I will personally fly you back first class to your family, as well as make sure you have a Christmas bonus.”
Sofia's face lit up, her eyes wide. “Really?”
“Of course. Now, come on.”
The wind was starting to pick up a little by the time they got to the gazebo, and taking a seat, Adara pulled out her new device. The transmitter resembled a car alarm, and holding it up near her mouth, she spoke.
“Thomas, if you could be so kind, could I have a pitcher of lemonade, two glasses, some cookies, and whatever other snacks you deem appropriate brought out to the gazebo when you have time.”
A moment later the reply came to her ear.
“Of course. I will have it to you momentarily.”
Adara sat back, enjoying the cool breeze that was blowing over her. She glanced at Sofia, who sat up straight, her hands on her knees, and she seemed to be breathing heavily.
“Sit back and relax, you deserve a break.”
“Yes, Madam,” she said, leaning back, although she still looked rigid.
Adara smiled. “Now, I want you to smile. Come on, now,” she said, watching the woman first force a grin and then break out into a real smile.
“That’s it! We need more of that around here,” Adara said.
A few minutes later, Thomas came walking up with a tray. Setting it on the table, he went about quickly pouring the glasses and handing them one each.
“Thank you, Thomas. Would you care to sit for a bit?”
“I appreciate the offer, but I have to get lunch ready. Louise requests you in the dining area.”
Adara smiled. “Tell her I regretfully decline. I already have plans,” she said, then took a sip. She almost spit it out when she saw the look on Thomas’s face.
“I will let her know,” he said once he got his shock under control and then hurried off.
“Madam will not be pleased, especially since you are here with me,” Sofia said, then quickly covered her mouth.
Adara sat up. Thunder boomed and a bolt of lightning lit up the sky far off in the distance above the mountain peaks. “And why would you say that?” She watched as Sofia looked down. “Sofia, as long as I am here, I will not let her bully you any longer. Please, tell me.”
“She thinks that…I am…flirting with you,” Sofia whispered, a shake to her head.
Adara laughed. “Oh, that is too funny.” Then seeing the hurt look on Sofia's face, she spoke again. “No, not you. Her. So, Princess Louise is jealous, is she? Well, tough luck for her.”
Sofia smiled and then took a drink. Then the intercom on the device came on, Louise's voice coming to their ears.
“I need Sofia in the library, I seem to have made a mess.”
Adara held her hand up as Sofia went for her intercom. “I got this,” she said, taking her own device and holding it up to her mouth.
“I am sorry to inform you that Sofia is busy helping the princess of the castle.”
The voice that came back was irritated. “Fine. Then she will be docked in pay.”
“I am going to give her a raise.”
“I could send her away!”
“And I could fly her back on a private plane.”
Adara waited, wondering if she had pushed too far. But she was no longer going to live in fear and walk on eggshells around Louise.
“Very well then. I was also informed you will not be joining me for lunch, is this true?”
“Can Sofia join us?”
Silence followed for a few moments before Louise replied. “I will see you at dinner then.”
Adara laughed as she put the device back into her pocket. She glanced up at Sofia, whose eyes were wide, as the sound of rain came down, pelting hard against the glass roof.
“I have never seen Madam back down like that. Nor anyone speak to her in such a way.”
“Well, I guess it takes bravery,” Adara said, raising her glass.
“Or insanity,” Sofia said, then let out a hearty laugh, something Adara had never heard before from the woman.
There was a loud clap of thunder as lightning struck within a few miles of them, and both women jumped with a loud shriek. Looking at each other, they began to laugh, and Adara realized that it was the first time in a month she had heard anyone, including herself, sounding so happy. Looking around the grounds, her eyes moved toward the library. A figure cloaked in shadows near the curtain stood there. Then the temperature became a little colder as her laughter died.
Chapter Eight
Louise sat next to Adara in the movie theater located within the castle. The theater had five rows of ten seats each, the screen as large as the ones found in public theaters. With the smell of fresh popcorn and drinks in hand, she sat in the darkness staring at the screen. But she did not pay attention to the movie, rather her mind was on the woman beside her.
For three months now Adara had graced the castle with her beauty and grace. On a few of those nights, she could hear her voice as she sang late at night or even early in the morning while traveling down the hallway to her room. Those musical notes brought small sparks of light into her own soul—and sometimes even hope. Louise knew that Adara would never love her, that was a certainty. Louise did not even love herself and had came to the conclusion that no one ever would. Why should they? But this one, with more time, would be hers.
