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Ilyin was startled awake by her dream. Beads of sweat covered her brow and she couldn’t shake the vivid vision of the snow ambushing the soldiers. But no one had died in the dream and she breathed deeply feeling somewhat relieved.

“Etra,” she called shakily.

Etra responded immediately, “Yes, Mistress.”

“Will the Red Delrose knights go out to battle soon?” All of the Delrose knights would face a snowstorm. However, since they had not died in her dream, the worst possible outcome could be avoided.

“Should I enquire about that for you?” Eta asked, bowing her head.

Ilyin thought for a moment before answering. The Delrose people were treating her with loyalty, unlike other families. She could see that by their actions and the way that they spoke to her. However, Aden de Biflten was the head of the Delroses and she was concerned about what he would think if he found out that Ilyin wanted to know about their expedition? Although, he had been firm in saying that Ilyin could do what she wanted as the mistress of the house.

She made her decision and replied, “Yes, please.”

“I understand. Also, I secured a lady who is well versed in the Biflten culture.” Ilyin blinked at the lack of speed and Etra continued to explain the delay, “She will come at night since she was summoned to the knight’s mansion earlier. It seems to be for your safety, please understand this postponement.”

It was true that one needed to confirm whether such a person was trustworthy and Ilyin nodded in understanding, “Thank you. Tell her to come when she’s ready.”

Etra bowed and asked a Delrose maid outside about the expedition. Ilyin got out of bed and went to sit by the table and another Delrose maid placed a short, but warm blanket, over her shoulders. Ilyin thanked her and the maid flushed, as her status did not allow her to answer. Ilyin stopped the maid as she had been about to step back, “Wait.”

“Yes Mistress,” The maid seemed tense, and Ilyin smiled to say it was all right for her to speak.

“I need to ask you something. It seems that the four families stay in different areas under an unspoken rule.”

“Yes.”

The maid seemed less tense at a topic she was familiar with, and Ilyin smiled softly, “I was curious where the Delroses stayed.”

“Ah, that’s…” The maid started explaining to her mistress with a smile.

***

Ilyin had a map of the estate. From her maid’s explanation, she was able to circle the location where the Delroses were mainly situated, as well as where the other families were too. She did this because she was now the mistress and would have to know what was going on around her. However, she thought that something was strange when she’d heard about the succession ceremony. It was said to be held in the basement owned by the Delroses, which was inevitable since the Duke was of the Delroses. Still, the strange thing was, that while the other families were scattered about, the Delroses were situated in one area. The map showed her that only the Delroses could move about without having to pass through the other family’s areas, while none of them could do the same; it was impossible. She fingered the route that Lizzie of the Blue North had guided her through. Ilyin had passed through the various family’s territories, which had only been allowed as Lizzie had been guiding a guest.

She recalled that they had rested often and irregularly, and now saw that they had only rested in the Blue North areas. Lizzie seemed to have been trying to avoid people, and Ilyin had met Den during a walk there. The separation of the families made sense since the owner of the estate was a Delrose.

The Duke’s upcoming schedule concerned her though and Ilyin thought about the succession ceremony where he would be present. Since it was held in the basement, where only the elders would be present, it would be easy to avoid his eyes.

The Duke had been at the battlefield and she remembered a knight calling him on the day she’d first met Den. The Duke had been there, and a knight had been searching for him. Ilyin had been unable to look around and had lowered her gaze, fearful of seeing his eyes because of the rumors she’d heard.

The strange thing was, that it had seemed as if he were among the knights when she’d assumed that he would’ve been at the back, or moving alone. Ilyin wouldn’t have known this if she hadn’t been there.