Page 41 of Maid For The Dark Elf

"Awedding!" Lady Ardyn exclaims as our carriage rolls through the ornate gates of House Vaerith's estate. Her lavender eyes sparkle with excitement that's the brightest I've seen since Lord Aethan's disappearance. "Between two of the great houses, no less."

I shift the leather satchel containing Aurelia's formal engagement letter, trying to ignore how my pulse quickens at the thought of seeing Caelric again. The past few days have blurred together in a whirlwind of preparations and barely contained anticipation.

"I know that Aethan is out of town but, still, shouldn't they have gone through me?" Lady Ardyn continues, her fingers worrying the embroidered birds on her sleeve. "I'm the head of the family, am I not? And isn't it strange that they wouldn't wait for Aethan's return to organize such an arrangement?"

Of course not, I think, watching the familiar towers of House Vaerith come into view. Because Aethan is missing and the Vaeriths are trying to save your family. The irony sits bitter on my tongue—Lady Ardyn celebrating the very alliance that might be the only thing preventing House Ardyn from complete collapse.

The carriage wheels crunch over pristine gravel as we approach the main entrance. Servants emerge to assist us, their movements efficient and respectful in that uniquely Vaerith way that still takes me by surprise. No one here moves with the fearful haste I've grown accustomed to at House Ardyn.

Lady Vaerith appears at the door before we've even fully alighted, her warm smile genuine rather than the fake politeness most nobles wear like armor. Her obsidian skin gleams in the afternoon sunlight, and her silver-streaked hair is arranged in an elegant style that somehow manages to look effortless.

"Lady Ardyn," she calls, descending the steps with graceful enthusiasm. "What a delightful sight. Please, come in for tea—I'm absolutely thrilled that our families will be joined through marriage."

Lady Ardyn practically glows under the attention, her earlier uncertainty evaporating. "Lady Vaerith, you're too kind. I'm sure this will be the most stunning wedding Vhoig has ever seen." She pauses dramatically, gesturing toward me with theatrical generosity. "I'm offering my household servants, including Rosalie here, to help with whatever preparations are needed."

My cheeks warm at being discussed like a lending arrangement, but Lady Vaerith's eyes find mine with understanding rather than dismissal. There's something in her expression that suggests she sees exactly what Lady Ardyn doesn't—that this offer benefits me far more than it does House Vaerith.

"How wonderfully thoughtful," Lady Vaerith replies, her tone carrying layers of meaning that sail completely over Lady Ardyn's head. "I'm certain Aurelia would appreciate Rosalie's assistance. Wedding preparations can be so overwhelming, especially when trying to honor both family traditions properly."

As we're ushered into the familiar warmth of the Vaerith estate, I catch a glimpse of movement in one of the upper windows. My heart stutters when I recognize Caelric's silhouette, and even from this distance, I can feel his attention like a physical touch.

"We would gladly accept Rosalie's help," Lady Vaerith replies, her violet eyes sparkling with what looks suspiciously like mischief. "Starting with assisting our bride-to-be, naturally."

She gestures gracefully to a nearby zagfer servant whose scaled skin gleams copper in the afternoon light filtering through the windows. "Kethril, would you please guide Lady Ardyn to the eastern sitting room? I've had the kitchen prepare that lovely jasmine tea she enjoyed so much during her last visit."

Lady Ardyn practically preens at the attention, her earlier nervousness melting away completely. "You're far too thoughtful, Lady Vaerith.."

As the zagfer leads Lady Ardyn away, her voice carrying down the corridor as she chatters about flower arrangements and guest lists, Lady Vaerith turns to me with an expression that's suddenly much more serious.

"Rosalie." Her voice drops to a gentler tone, though there's steel beneath the silk. "While you're here, I want you to understand something important."

I straighten instinctively, years of service making me brace for correction or instruction, but her next words catch me completely off guard.

"You are not a servant within these walls." She steps closer, her presence warm rather than intimidating. "My children have grown quite fond of you, and I trust their judgment implicitly. When you're here, you're family. Do you understand?"

The words are unexpected, overwhelming. Family. The concept feels foreign after so many years of existing in the spaces between other people's lives.

"I—yes, my lady."

She smiles, the expression transforming her face completely. "Good. Now, go join them upstairs. They're spending time with Aurelia, and I suspect she could use the moral support."

I nod, my throat tight with emotions I can't quite name, and make my way toward the grand staircase. The sound of laughter and animated conversation drifts down from the upper floors, growing louder as I climb.

Following the voices, I find myself standing before an ornately carved door that's slightly ajar. The room beyond pulses with warm magical light and the kind of easy conversation that only comes from people who genuinely enjoy each other's company.

I push the door open and step inside, then immediately freeze.

The chamber is absolutely magnificent—easily three times the size of any bedroom I've ever seen, with soaring ceilings painted in swirling blues and silvers that seem to move in the magical lamplight. Massive windows overlook the estate gardens, while floating crystal orbs provide gentle illumination that makes everything seem touched by starlight. Rich tapestries cover the walls between towering bookshelves, and the furniture looks like it belongs in a palace rather than a private residence.

Of course Aurelia would get the best room in the entire manor.

"Rosalie!" Nerina's delighted laugh draws my attention to where she's perched on an enormous four-poster bed draped in midnight blue silk. She waves me forward with genuine enthusiasm. "Perfect timing—we were just debating whether Aurelia should wear the traditional Vaerith silver or something more daring for the ceremony."

Nikolai looks up from where he's sprawled in an oversized chair, his emerald eyes twinkling with amusement. "I still say she should wear whatever makes her happy rather than what makes the genealogy scholars comfortable."

"Says the man who's never had to navigate noble marriage politics," Emeric rumbles from the window, though his intimidating appearance is completely undermined by the small smile playing at his lips.

Even Asterion glances up from the ancient tome he's reading, his eyes focusing on me with that absent-minded intensity he brings to everything. "Rosalie, you've observed more noble ceremonies than any of us. What's your opinion on whether wedding traditions actually strengthen political alliances, or if they're simply elaborate theater designed to distract from the real negotiations happening behind closed doors?"