Before her stood the Raven of the valley. Plump from the fat of its land, it was still formidable enough to instill fear in the wolves that eyed its domain. It looked down on the fledgling whose antics had caused enough trouble to catch its attention. His dark purple eyes cast a sharp gaze upon her as his lips thinned at the sight of the girl.
Ravina could only feel the weight of it all but swallowed what little bravery she had left. The meeting was meant to be a reprimand, but she needed to meet him nonetheless—just not so soon. The first step would be to demonstrate that she had indeed learned from those teachers, the ones who had complained about her lack of attention.
"The eldest of House Ravenshield extends her most respectful greetings unto the lord of the same esteemed house," Ravina executed a profound bow, her right hand gracefully pressed against her heart while her left delicately lingered above her abdomen. She articulated each syllable with meticulous precision, embodying the epitome of etiquette and decorum that had been instilled in her these last few weeks.
Indeed as she was now, one would scarcely think she grew up a peasant's daughter. Perhaps that is why the count's stare softened. Still, he hummed in annoyance. Yet it was cleanly caught by her, his mild impression. That was what she wanted, the complaints that reached his ears to be seen for nothing but the whine of spoiled women.
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"It was my understanding that you were to remain here a quiet mouse, turning away any sinner from my doorstep who brought to me either a fake daughter or a manageable woman." Yet, the count did not seem to dismiss their words lightly. "Still, I have not seen a reduction of women wanting to meet me, or ministers wishing to see me newlywed. And now, though no daughters are paraded before me, I have to hear about the wails of women who complain of your ill manners in receiving their lessons."
Rising only after he spoke, Ravina stared into the man’s eyes where shades of purple mirrored each other.. With an inward breath, she answered him. "I am saddened to hear of your plight, yet I must protest. I have no say in who speaks to you about such frivolous invitations, nor can I fault a woman for wanting to grow closer to you. All I can do is respond to those teachers who rightfully complain about me." True or false, she couldn't deny anything at the moment.
The count was a man of results, not excuses. And anything said without evidence was little more than an excuse. "He said, she said" was not something the count would tolerate. Instead, she needed to acknowledge it and explain the reasons behind it all. "The women, my teachers, are over-eager," she continued when she saw him remain silent. "They fear my actions at school would cause this house to suffer because of my upbringing. However, they push too hard, and I have little time to endure a dozen years of education so suddenly."
A hand stopped Ravina’s words. “Pray tell, what concerns you so that you must ignore the manners you have just learned?”
Silence prevailed for a little while. “The orphanages you created to find your lost daughter.”