Ravina was released shortly after, left to ponder the peculiar presence of the knights. She didn’t know their names, their purpose, or even how they had managed to be here—in the Royal Family’s city, where knights were forbidden from roaming freely. Yet here they were, a small order under the banner of Ravenshield, their carriages marking their presence unmistakably.
She exhaled in relief that the count had approved her choice of attending the magic academy instead of the noble academy. In fact, he seemed to prefer it. No doubt he’s glad I won’t rise above my current status any more than I already have, she thought bitterly. But did he truly dislike her that much? She knew he still mourned his actual daughter, and perhaps that was why he remained so distant. Or maybe it was simply...
“Mona, please gather some good cardstock for me,” Ravina instructed as soon as the door to her room clicked shut behind her. The maid bowed briskly before leaving. Ravina moved to the window, gazing out over the sprawling city below. Her second year here was nearly over, and yet so much remained undone. Everything seemed to be moving too quickly.
A knock on the door pulled her from her thoughts. Mona reentered, placing the thick cardstock on the study table before stepping forward with a letter in hand.
“My lady,” Mona began cautiously, “you’ve also received a letter, though the count wasn’t pleased about it.”
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Ravina’s eyes shifted to the envelope, her chest tightening as she recognized the seal. “I see,” she said quietly. The letter was from the House of Red. Cutting it open, she scanned the contents, a small smile forming as she read.
“Mona,” Ravina said, folding the letter neatly, “please inform Walter that Lady Red will be arriving tomorrow around tea time. Make sure he understands that the count would prefer not to see her.”
Mona hesitated, her uncertainty evident. “I… I will relay the message, my lady,” she replied, her tone tentative. She bowed again before turning to leave.
“A moment,” Ravina called after her. She moved to the desk, selecting a quill and bringing the cardstock closer. With one hand, she uncorked the inkwell, dipping the quill into the dark liquid. For a brief moment, she faltered, considering how best to word her note.
‘Count Ravenshield, If it pleases you, I would like to arrange a time to speak with you privately regarding some matters on which I need clarity. With the greatest respect,’ she paused, biting her lip before adding the final line, ‘Your daughter, Ravina Ravenshield.’
She hesitated as she signed her name, second-guessing her choice of words and wondering if her father would even agree to meet. After a moment, she let the ink dry, cleaned the quill, and retrieved an envelope from the drawer. Sliding the note inside, she sealed it shut, though it lacked the formal wax stamp typically required for such correspondence.
“Deliver this to the count as well,” Ravina instructed, handing the letter to Mona.
“Of course, my lady,” Mona said with a nod, taking the envelope before retreating.
Ravina stood alone, her thoughts turning to the meeting she needed to prepare for. Soon, Lady Red would either stand with her, or the count would intervene. Either way, the next day would set into motion events that could change both their lives.