NOVEL NEXT Book 2: Chapter 15 - Plans for the Future [Part 1]
Book 2: Chapter 15 - Plans for the Future [Part 1]
A tree is known by its fruit; a man by his deeds. A good deed is never lost; he who sows courtesy reaps friendship, and he who plants kindness gathers love.
- Saint Basil.
Eloise perched on the edge of her now-plush bed, her glossy dark hair framing her pale, doll-like face. The soft glow of the evening light danced across the now-pastel-shaded wallpaper. Seraphina had gone to quite the trouble to make sure that their living conditions were somewhat improved.
"Oh, how was it? What did you think?" Eloise exclaimed, practically bouncing with enthusiasm. "I must say, the facilities are quite spectacular!" Her excitement was palpable as she turned bright, eager eyes on Seraphina, whose short blonde hair contrasted strikingly with her vivid green gaze.
Seraphina offered a warm, if slightly reserved, smile. She had spent most of the day being led around the sprawling campus by the sometimes overbearing Rashana and had felt more than a little overwhelmed during the course of the orientation. "It was certainly impressive," she replied diplomatically. "I'm glad you find everything to your liking."
"Oh, yes! I'm already looking forward to tomorrow's classes!" Eloise said, clasping her hands together in excitement.
A gentle knock at the door drew their attention. Eloise rose, and when she opened it, Desdemona swept into the room with her usual dramatic flair. The proud, dark-haired girl gave a quick curtsy, her haughty nature on full display as she spoke. "Hello there, Sera! Who would have thought we'd be neighbors?" she greeted, a flash of satisfaction in her eyes. "I see you have done quite well with the place," she continued, a note of jealousy in her voice as she looked around. "I've come bearing gifts."
At Desdemona's command, the door swung wider to admit Miriam, her braided pigtails swinging forlornly as she looked exhausted. She balanced a polished silver tray laden with delicate cups of tea and biscuits. The floral aroma wafted through the air, sweet yet exotic, like a secret carried on a gentle breeze. Despite being a student at the Academy in her own right, Miriam still seemed bound to servitude for those of higher station.
"It's not much, just a bit of Safiran tea," Desdemona announced with a triumphant smile, clearly relishing her role as benefactress.
Seraphina suppressed a slight sigh. The rare tea, imported from the distant island of Qis, was notoriously expensive and truly worth its weight in gold. Though she adored its unique flavor, she couldn't help but bristle at the intrusion on her evening. She also noted how Desdemona had rather brazenly enlisted Miriam's help, but she managed to rationalize it as simple hospitality toward a guest.
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Still, Seraphina's mind buzzed with all the tasks she had to juggle in the coming days, from maintaining her standing in the Academy to pursuing her more private "interests." At least for this evening, she supposed, she would have to settle for indulgent tea and unexpected company.
"I have heard from a little bird that you've taken one of those red-eyed riffraff Hazagadami into your service," Desdemona began, her voice dripping with scandal. "Tell me it isn't true."
Seraphina's green eyes remained placid, though inwardly she bristled at the veiled insult to Ibn—and, by extension, herself. The flickering lamplight cast dancing shadows across the richly upholstered walls, but the young girl's composure never wavered. She had no desire to spar verbally with Desdemona, yet she felt compelled to put her in her place.
"I am also thinking of taking a dog in as a pet," Seraphina responded with a sweet, cool smile. "One that is forced to howl at the moon. You see, I am a collector of all things exotic and rare, Desdemona."
Make of that what you will and chew on it like a toy, she reflected grimly. The insinuation hung in the air, tangible as a drawn blade.
For a moment, Desdemona's dark eyes narrowed in confusion. A slight cough betrayed her sudden discomfort. "Ah, of course. It must have been a passing fancy," she said, forcing a laugh to cover her social misstep. "You always did have a rather… eccentric side. I admit I've occasionally been forced to do odd things myself—to keep life varied and exciting, you know."
Sensing the tension, Eloise cleared her throat and offered a bright smile. Her pale, doll-like face appeared especially delicate in the crystal lights. "Desdemona, this tea is really quite exquisite," she ventured, striving to steer the conversation to calmer waters. "You really must tell me where you get it."
Desdemona's posture straightened at the praise, pride returning to her features. "Oh, I couldn't possibly share too many details about my trade factor. He brings only the best from Qis," she replied with a confident laugh. "But I'll be sure to send you some from time to time!"
Seraphina took measured breaths to keep from blurting out the real name of Desdemona's trading company. It would have been all too easy to expose her rival's secrets. Instead, she watched with mild amusement as Eloise clapped her hands in delight.
"Oh really! You are simply the best of friends to have," squealed Eloise, her dark hair swishing around her shoulders. Seraphina allowed herself a small, knowing smile. She knew her lady-in-waiting deserved a fair amount of credit for subtly coaxing Desdemona into amiability. Certainly, Seraphina could have taken the reins herself, but at the moment, she was too mentally drained to bother.
Desdemona turned her attention back to Seraphina, a cajoling lilt in her voice. "Oh, Seraphina, do drink up. You've hardly touched your tea!"
A flicker of suspicion crossed Seraphina's mind, but she dismissed it almost as quickly as it came. Poison seemed far too drastic for a mere show of one-upmanship, particularly in a place like this. Truth be told, Seraphina had already established the social hierarchy, the pecking order, between them, and humoring Desdemona's gesture would cost her very little.