Page 28 of Destiny Redeemed
As I reached my apartment, the familiar scent of fresh bread and herbs greeted me as I burst through the door. Laurel stood at the stove, her eyes widening at my dramatic entrance.
“My lady! Are you alright?” she exclaimed, rushing to my side.
I threw my arms around her, relishing the comfort of her presence. “I’m fine, Laurel. I just… missed you.”
She pulled back, her brow furrowed with concern. “It’s only been a day, my lady.”
“The longest day of my life,” I muttered, collapsing into a chair.
Laurel busied herself pouring me a cup of tea. “How did it go? Was the plan successful?”
I nodded, taking a sip of the steaming liquid. “Oh, it was successful alright. So successful that I’m now roped into helping with security for the Founding Day celebrations and the ball.”
“A ball? She’s going to wear the dress to the ball?” Laurel’s eyes lit up. “That sounds exciting!”
I snorted. “Exciting isn’t quite the word I’d use; more like a disaster waiting to happen. And guess who’s going to be right in the middle of it? Me! I! Myself! That psycho. Ugh!”
“You’re being dramatic again. It’s not a big deal. You can always come up with something.” Laurel sat across from me, her face serious. “What will you do about it then?”
I sighed, running a hand through my tangled hair. “I don’t know yet. I could refuse, but that might raise suspicions. Or I could play along and try to turn this to my advantage somehow. Let’s eat first. I’m starving.”
As if on cue, my stomach made a loud grumbling noise.
Laurel’s fresh bread melted in my mouth as we sat at our small kitchen table. The apartment might have been modest, but it wasours- no royal judgments or scheming nobles lurking around corners. Just me, my loyal maid, and blessed peace.
“The renovations on Rosewood Street are proceeding well,” Laurel reported between bites. “Three more shop owners agreed to sell yesterday.”
I smirked. “Amazing what a few strategic ghost sightings can do for property values.”
“And that rumor about the murders…” Laurel’s eyes sparkled with mischief.
I had totally corrupted my little maid’s morals.
“Pure genius on your part.” I winked. “Any word from our little spy?”
Laurel’s face lit up as she pulled a folded paper from her pocket. “Tommy brought this this morning. His writing is improving - I barely had to correct anything.”
I unfolded the note, scanning Tommy’s careful script. My eyebrows shot up at the contents.
“Ilyana?” Laurel tilted her head. “Is everything alright?”
“Tell me, Laurel,” I said slowly, still staring at the letter. “How much do you know about geese?”
* * *
I stood by the tranquil waters of Lake Calista, tossing breadcrumbs to what Ihopedwere geese. The cool autumn breeze ruffled my skirts as I waited for Lady Minerva to make her appearance. Tommy had found that Lady Minerva came here often to feed the geese.
At this rate, these ravenous birds will devour my entire bag before she even shows up. Maybe I should have brought two loaves…
Just as I was considering giving up and heading home, I spotted a familiar figure approaching. Lady Minerva, resplendent in a deep purple gown, strolled along the shoreline. I plastered on my most convincing “surprised” expression as she drew near.
“Lady Minerva! What a delightful coincidence to see you here,” I gushed, inwardly cringing at my own false enthusiasm. “It must be destiny bringing us together again.”
Minerva’s lips curved into a knowing smile. “Destiny indeed, Lady Ilyana. How… serendipitous.”
She produced a small velvet pouch from her sleeve, scattering its contents to the eager birds. I eyed the offering curiously.Definitely not bread.
“I see you’re also here to feed these lovely creatures,” I said, gesturing to the flock swarming around us. “Aren’t they just adorable?”
