Chapter 7 Plans in Progression
"…which brings me to why I came to you…" Pausing, Kerrayrlia watched in slight concern as her younger sister's hands flew up to her mouth in horror as she let out a wordless cry. Tears begun trickling down Sofina's fair face even as her eyes widened in shock. Kerrayrlia had just informed Sofina of the disturbing vision that she had had the previous night, however, she had not expected such a great reaction from the usually gentle and calm Sofina. Her expression softening slightly, she sat down on a nearby armchair and reached out to pull her younger sister into her embrace, comforting her as best as she could.
"Hush, Sofi, hush. I'm here…" Kerrayrlia allowed Sofina to rest her head on her left shoulder. Just like in the past, she started to pat her sister's soft brown locks in a comforting rhythm, singing softly to her in a soothing contralto. At length, Sofina stopped sobbing and looked up. Rubbing her hand against her moist cheecks, she sniffled slightly, "Sorry Sis, I did not mean to fall apart on you like this…"
Kerrayrlia turned gentle, warm eyes on her sister. Even though she was no Empath, the years she had spent with her lifebonded had made her slightly more sensitive to the emotions of others. She gazed at her younger sister with both regret and pride; she knew that it must have been extremely trying when her sudden departure had forced gentle, submissive Sofina into the role of the eldest, the protector of their other younger siblings. Yet Sofina had matured into that role, as naturally as if she had been born to do so; Kerrayrlia knew that from the myriad letters that she had exchanged with her siblings over the years.
"It is alright for you to show your weaknesses here, little Sofi. You do not have to force yourself to be strong in front of me." After allowing herself to rest in her sister's embrace for a few more seconds, Sofina slid down to sit on her heels. Blinking her aqua-blue eyes rapidly, Sofina smiled through her tears. "Thank you, Sis. I'm fine now." At that, Kerrayrlia returned her sister's smile with a slightly sad one of her own; her protection was no longer necessary to her younger sister, who had, slowly but surely, grown up. As Sofina gazed up at her elder sister with her large and moist blue eyes, Kerrayrlia was brought back to a time when…
…Sofina had only been nine years old, a mere child. That day, she had come running to Kerrayrlia with tears in her eyes and a tale of woe on her lips – Leestara had scolded her harshly for breaking a cup or some such small object…Kerrayrlia could no longer recall which small incident had ignited Leestara's quick temper and subsequently caused the tears-prone Sofina to start weeping but she remembered that she had had to comfort Sofina for a whole hour before she had finally calmed down. And when Sofina had fallen asleep, she had stormed into her step-mother's boudoir and had a conversation with her. An intense, lengthy and pointed conversation. Despite Kerrayrlia being only twelve, Leestara had been sufficiently intimidated. After that, Leestara had never again dared to raise her voice unjustly against any of her siblings…
Kerrarylia's jaws set in determination. There was one thing that she could do to protect her younger sister from experiencing further emotional turmoil. "Sofi, I need you to tell me about any suspicious characters who have joined this household in the past three years, since I have been away. We have a murderess to catch."
Baron Senvous eyed his current favourite mistress with a little suspicion. Her voice was as seductively alluring as ever, her demeanor coyly flirtatious, despite the fact that he had made her beg for hours before he would allow her to remain in the castle during Kerrayrlia's visit. Usually, Byrianne had a temper akin to that of a grumbling thunderstorm; she rarely hesitated to go into a long sulk when she was unhappy with him, despite the fact that her position by his side was tenuous at best. It was one of the many quirky characteristics that he liked about her.
"What's the matter, my lord?" She purred softly even as she batted her long eyelashes. "And why in Havens would you wish to have a meeting with my eldest daughter?" He asked, his saggy jowls quivering in incredulous curiosity. Staring at Byrianne, he did not miss the slight droop in the corner of her lips as she lowered her gaze, her initial exuberance diminished. "I…I was thinking…" She begun, not meeting Baron Senvous' gaze, biting her lips slightly. "I was thinking last night, that it would be better…if, if Lady Kerrayrlia would…accept me…" She lowered her head as she continued in a soft murmur, "…or at least, not oppose to my presence…"
Slightly astonished, Baron Senvous stared at his mistress. Humph, so she's beginning to make plans for the future huh…well, this should be entertaining. Idly curious, he wondered how his eldest daughter would react if he allowed his mistress to go through with whatever plot she was hatching. Hmm, why not? I was just about to get tired of that daughter's arrogance. ..how dare she oppose me at every turn…
"Very well then, Byrianne, I'll allow it, on one condition – I will be present at that meeting too." He eyed Byrianne lazily, eyes roving over her shapely curves. "For now, get yourself over here immediately."
Fool! Byrianne Omars could barely suppress a shriek of triumph as Baron Senvous played right into her hands. Gloating mentally even as she turned her caressing hands on that obese, saggy body, she smirked at how easy it was to trap the baron. Just a slight show of weakness on her part, a hint of a possible interesting occurrence, and the Baron was hooked. Her eyes gleamed as she watched her plan being set into motion. Oh yes, soon, she thought. Soon, she would clear the obstacles in the path of her Master's. And the Master would reward her by giving her her heart's desire.
Last one…Kerrayrlia frowned down at the list in her hand. It was a list of all the servants and guests in the castle who had arrived after Kerrayrlia had left. Three days had passed since she had spoken to Sofina, who had immediately compiled the list for her. Dressed in her Trainee Greys, Kerrayrlia had hoped to intimidate some clues out of the various people. Unfortunately, even though her interviews had dredged up three petty thieves, two cases of domestic violence and twelve ladies of varying ages who had at one point or another been involved in a relationship with the Baron, she was no closer to achieving her objective even after sifting through the entire list. After dismissing the frightened, blubbing middle-aged assistant cook, who had apparently been sneaking food from the kitchen to her relatives outside the castle, from her presence, Kerrayrlia closed her eyes; the only outward sign of the frustration that she felt.
Mayhaps I'm taking the wrong approach to this? I felt quite certain that the woman in my dreams would only have arrived in recent years, for there is no way I would not have seen her before otherwise. This castle is quite secluded after all; it would not be possible for any outsiders to be the poisoner…Her thoughts were interrupted when, suddenly, there was a soft knock on the door. Who could it be? I specifically ordered Sofi to prevent anyone from disturbing me...
Who could it be?
Please keep a look out for the next chapter:) And if you enjoyed the story, I would appreciate feedback and reviews!