I walk the grounds, avoiding Catherine’s grave.
The air has a bite to it this morning.I rub my arms for warmth and wonder if Nico has a woman in the city.Someone he fucks.Is that why he didn’t want me last night?Wasn’t the point of this marriage for him to knock me up as soon as possible?
I’m bored and find myself back inside debating popping by Nico’s office to see if he’s still busy, but it’s the east tower that captures my attention.A hallway — dark and silent, shut off from the rest of the world, guarded by the memories of someone who came before me.The air feels different here, thicker and filled with secrets.Catherine’s secrets.
The doors are all closed, but there’s one that sticks out.One with roses carved into the door.This must have been her room.Catherine’s.The whispers return and seem to grow louder the closer I get.I don’t know what they are saying, but I pause with my hand on the knob, knowing I’m doing the very thing Nico asked me not to.
What will he do if he finds out I disobeyed his order?
Will he punish me?
Maybe if I press his buttons, he’ll be forced to spend time with me.I should be glad he is happy to ignore me, but if anything, it makes me crave his attention.Dare I say his affection?
The smoky aroma I smelled last night is nearly overpowering.I cough and wave my hand in front of my face as I push the heavy door open.
Soot stains the walls and what furniture is left.
How long has it been this way?Each step I take further into the room gives me a thrill, like turning the pages of one of the novels my father forbade me to read.How else was I going to learn about love?Unrealistic love, but still.His marriage to my mother isn’t a good example of a loving relationship.
Like Nico and me, their marriage was also arranged.Father hated that Mother never gave him a son.I don’t think he’s ever forgiven her for it.
That isn’t the kind of marriage I’ve dreamed of having, but I’m afraid it’s the hand I’ve been dealt.
My mouth falls open as I study the mural on the wall.I trace what’s left of the circus clowns and animals that have begun to fade and chip away.This isn’t Catherine’s room.It used to be a nursery.
Did they have a child or were they expecting one?
“You shouldn’t be here,” a voice from behind me makes me jump at the intrusion.
I turn, and a younger maid faces me, arms crossed like a guard on patrol.“These rooms are forbidden.”Her words are clipped, holding an unexpected edge to them.
I open my mouth to defend myself, but her expression says she is not one to be reasoned with.
“No one is allowed in here.Not even staff.”
“I didn’t realize,” I stammer, my cheeks flaming under her scrutiny.I am unsure of how to navigate this encounter.She works for Nico, which technically means she works for me.Mother always said to make sure the help knows their place.They aren’t your friends and are never to be trusted.
“Mr.Moretti wants everything as it is,” she says.“He doesn’t like people nosing where they shouldn’t,” she warns.“If he catches either of us here, there’ll be trouble.”There’s something unsettling about the certainty in her voice.As if she knows more about my husband than I ever will.
Jealousy flares inside me.“Then we’d better not get caught,” I tell her.
She nods, shooting me one more nasty look before spinning on her heel.Her skirt swishes with the movement.It’s short.Too short.
My gaze narrows on her as she struts down the corridor.
She’ll be the first person I get rid of once I fully step into my role as the head of this house.
Does Nico appreciate that she wears her skirt so damn short?
Is she one of his whores?
My father had an affair with the help once.
My mother walked in on them together in his office, and she killed her and spared my father.After that, he never fucked the help again and kept his affairs away from our home.
I close the door and find my way to the library.
I run a finger along the spines of books whose titles are familiar to me.He has the classics.I wonder if he has read any of them or if they are merely for show.
