A playful ray of sunshine squeezed through the gap between the bed curtains and tickled Lorelei’s nose, making her frown and let out a low groan. Her eyelids fluttered open and the groan was followed by a sigh. She covered her forehead with a hand, her eyes peering into the dark folds of the canopy.

This morning, she felt especially drowsy but her condition was not some unsolvable mystery. It had taken her ages to fall asleep, tossing and turning as if her bed was made up of thorns and nettles. For the first time in a week, she didn’t dream of the dead or of that horrible masked man. Instead, Noah’s face appeared before her over and over again – despondent, remorseful, and lost. Just remembering it resulted in a sharp stab in Lorelei’s chest. He had seemed so sincere and vulnerable, lowering himself on the floor, talking softly with a trembling voice, that it was hard to believe him to be the same Beast of Norden who instilled fear in the hearts of limerians and binshi alike. Last night, he had looked hurt, to the point where she had almost forgotten her place, her fears, and their relationship, and had run out to hug him.

Lorelei’s eyes stung a little as she continued staring into emptiness. She so desperately wanted to believe him, to trust him, yet she was also scared. What if it was all an act? What if he betrayed her again? Used her and then tossed her aside? She didn’t dare think about opening her heart, especially now that she could clearly feel the pricking sensation in it every time she saw or even thought of Noah. If she acknowledged these budding feelings, it would only hurt more if her fears came true.

Rubbing her eyes, Lorelei took a deep breath as her chest filled with determination. She had been wallowing in misery and doubt for over a week now and it was high time to pull herself together. A peaceful coexistence, a friendship with a person she… acknowledged and admired despite his flaws, was the most she could allow herself to hope for, but it was more than enough. Yes, it was the best option. Master Levi’s wrinkled smile suddenly popped in her head. ‘Life is too short to be spent on overthinking and worrying about everything, and getting depressed at the unfairness of the world’, he used to say. ‘Unless you are at my age, where you see the end of the road. Then it is called contemplating and is a sign of wisdom.’

The memory lifted up the corners of Lorelei’s lips. Even at his age, her master had never been known for overthinking anything. He was a free spirit, acting on whims even to the point of taking a mutt like her as his apprentice. Well, it was about time to learn from his example and start living without regrets. What if she had feelings for Noah? What if he used her again? Come as it may, as long as she was clear about the dangers, there was nothing more that could hurt her heart, right? And as for those seething feelings deep inside, they would pass as fast as they came. It was more likely that she was confusing them with hope and gratitude. After all, she knew Noah for a bit over two months, so, things like love or affection were unthinkable. He had simply been the second person ever to show her true kindness and care for her, which probably resulted in these confusing emotions. Now that she had set her thoughts straight, her chest felt light again. Almost.

Lorelei sat in the bed and sucked on her lip, furrowing her forehead again. She had made up her mind about Noah but the issue with Saya still remained. For the past week, Lorelei had avoided even so far as thinking about her friend but she could no longer deny the fact that she was missing her. Saya’s cheerful and outspoken personality, her calm advice and warmth, were things the young woman had desperately needed these past few days. Maybe if Saya had been there, she would have given her mistress a clue on how to deal with her feelings for Noah… that is if Lorelei had gathered the courage to discuss it with her. And yet, she had avoided meeting with Saya out of anger and guilt.

Lorelei knew very well that her friend was only half-aware of William’s plan. Her distressed reaction in Noah’s study could not have been faked – it had been one of genuine horror and regret. Lorelei still felt hurt that Saya had kept so much from her, but that was not the main problem. It was her own guilt. Gregor had almost died in the claws of that monster while trying to protect her, and, after all that, his body had suffered even further damage from the possession by Yanosh while healing her. What if Saya cursed her? What if she hated her for injuring her husband? This would be the normal reaction of a wife and mother towards the one who almost took away the father of her child.

Massaging her temples, Lorelei sighed again. So much for her conviction. Didn’t she say she was turning a new page, following master Levi’s example? Instead of eating herself up and not knowing what Saya’s reaction would be, it was better to face her head-on, apologize, and see how everything would go from then on. But this was easier said than done. Contemplating the best way to approach her friend, Lorelei realized how hard it must have been for Noah to come and face her last night. Did he also experience the same gut-wrapping feeling of uncertainty? The same fear of rejection? Hardly. He was the Duke of Norden – the one who people feared, not the one who fears. Even so, presenting an apology to someone as lowly as her was quite the feat for any proud knight, more so for a ruler like him. Noah Lux Norden, he was indeed a peculiar man.

While she was deep in thought, someone pulled the bed curtains, filling Lorelei’s reclusive hideout with blinding light. The young woman blinked several times as Milly’s cheerful voice reached her ears.

“Good morning, my lady. You are already up? What an early bird you are! I never get the chance to wake you.”

“Good morning to you too, Milly,” Lorelei smiled back at her. The maid’s bubbliness was warm and reassuring, and reminded her of Jess, which, now that she thought about it, might have been the reason why Noah had put the girl in charge of her chambers. ‘He is way too observant,' she thought bemused before correcting herself. 'Selectively observant, more likely.’

In the meantime, Milly had opened a window to let some fresh air in and started preparing Lorelei’s gowns for the day. On her side, Lorelei went to the washbasin and tried to rub her eyes awake with the lukewarm water inside. It was still so strange that she could enjoy such luxury, especially when she knew that even her sister back in Sefis had to wash in the morning with water that was often bone-chilling, especially in winter and the early months of the year. Ildemar’s hot springs were truly a blessing.

As she finished cleaning up, Milly helped her to put on the dress – yet another masterpiece of Yalda’s clothmakers in fresh-green and gold - and started braiding her hair, all the while chatting happily and telling her mistress about the latest gossip. From the overly cheerful tone of her maid, Lorelei could easily deduce that the sweet girl was trying her best to lift her spirit after the events last night. The young woman chuckled as a gush of warmth spread over her body. There were indeed some genuinely good people in this castle.

“All finished, my lady,” declared the maid, tying the last ribbon in her braids. “Oh, my, you look especially lovely today, if you would allow me to say that. Like a woodland fairy.”

“Don’t overdo it, Milly.” Lorelei pretended to be stern but the glint in her eyes betrayed her. Indeed, Jessup’s mother was right, this dress right now gave her the confidence she needed to face the perils that were to come, just like a knight in shining armor.

To her side, Milly pursed her lips, still proud of her own creation but unwilling to argue with her mistress. Instead, she prepared to escort Lorelei out of the bed-chamber.

“I have brought some snacks in the anteroom, my lady. You still seem a bit tired so a good meal would be the best to restore your health.”

What awaited Lorelei on the table in the anteroom, however, was not just "some snacks" but a hefty breakfast. There was fragrant bread, butter, cheese, piping hot sausages, vegetable broth, honey, dried apples, and jam. Eyeing all this, Lorelei was in awe.

“I couldn’t possibly eat all this!”

“But you didn’t even have a bite yesterday. You must be famished!”

Ushered by her maid, Lorelei sat at the table feeling more flustered than happy. This was way too much for just one person!

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“I will eat only if you join me, Milly.”

“How could I, my lady! It is unbecoming of a servant to sit together with their master!” Milly sounded happy and frustrated at the same time.

“But the duke dines with his retainers, or am I wrong?”

“B-but they are all knights or nobles, not simple maids, my lady. Please, reconsider.”

“The rumors about my pedigree must have spread around the castle by now,” said Lorelei, and her words were confirmed by the maid’s very obvious flinch. “I am not like those high nobles so there is no need for ceremonies. Besides, a meal tastes best when shared.”

Under her mistress’ cunning gaze, Milly was left with no other choice but to give up. She sat at the edge of the stool next to Lorelei with her hands tightly clenched in her lap.

“If the lord learns about this, he would skin me.”

“Somehow, I can’t see that happening,” retorted Lorelei while spreading some butter on a chunk of bread. She then poured some honey on top and gave the piece to her maid. “Here you go.”

Taking the bread with shaking hands, Milly looked at her lady. Under Lorelei’s encouraging gaze, she nibbled at it. Little by little, her entire face became flushed and her eyes sparkled.

“It is so good!”

“Right!” Lorelei tore a piece of bread for herself and concentrated on her soup. The food was indeed delicious. It was simple and wholesome but that was exactly what she needed right now. There was one little thing though, that left a slightly bitter aftertaste in her mouth. Despite the whole table being full to the brim with food, there was no honey milk to be seen anywhere. It was actually funny. Just a couple of hours ago, she thought of it as an annoyance. Now, its absence was sticking out like a sore thumb. Merhek! Following master Levi’s example was so hard. No. Enough sulking. There was a delicious breakfast to enjoy. It would be disrespectful to the cooks if she couldn’t appreciate it because of some petty reason like that.

“You don’t seem to fear the lord.”

Milly’s words startled Lorelei.

“What do you mean?”

“Well… yesterday… the lady was so amazing, saying all those things to the duke,” the maid blushed. “I-it isn’t like I eavesdropped, my lady, mother always says that I have very good ears, and it was quite loud and…”

“Alright, alright, don’t panic.” Lorelei tried to calm her down. “But why are you so amazed? Do you fear the duke?”

“Uhm, a bit, I guess.” Milly tried to hide behind her piece of honey-bread. “I think that save for Sir Duncan, Sir William, and Sir Gregor, Lady Shana, and Lady Nelini, everyone in the castle fears the lord a bit. Not that we don’t love or respect him. It’s just that every time he is around, the air becomes so… tense and stifling. Before, he was walking around with that mask on, all in black like some sort of demon. And he never talks much, only nodding or waving his hand.”

Lorelei wrinkled her forehead. It was true that Noah was not really wordy but from the weeks spent on the ship en route Norden she knew that he was a delightful conversation partner. She realized that she missed the hours spent chatting with him, her first and, then, only friend.

Taking a sip from the soup, Lorelei turned to Milly.

“I am sure that the duke just has too much on his mind. Besides, the mask is gone now.”

“Oh, without a doubt, my lady, the lord carries the burden of Norden on his shoulders, even I know that much. But to be honest…” the maid hesitated. “To be honest, I find the lord even scarier without the mask. Those cold, grey eyes and the huge scar…”

“None of this is his fault!” Lorelei put down her spoon abruptly, splattering some of the soup over the table.

“I know, my lady! I am sorry!” the maid shrank back. “We all know that. We all respect the lord for his bravery and sacrifice. But he still looks scary, like a beast ready to tear off your throat at any moment.”

“Then you have never met a real beast,” sighed Lorelei and shivered as another masked face appeared before her eyes.

Before she was able to continue the conversation, there was a knock on the door and Milly jumped up to open it. All of Lorelei’s dark thoughts were washed away the moment the guest entered.

“Good morning, my lady, Milly!” Jessup greeted with a smile and hurried to the table with a small tray in his hands. “I am sorry for being late. I didn’t expect you up so early.”

With a flowing motion, he put a steaming cup before her. Lorelei’s nose was immediately filled with the sweet aroma of milk and honey. There was a thug in her chest and she felt her eyes watering.

“My lady, are you alright?” The change in her expression didn’t escape Jessup.

“Of course I am.” Lorelei lifted the cup to her lips and took a sip, savoring the taste. It was as much a balm for the soul as it was a feast for the senses. “I just had something spicy to eat and it burned on my tongue.”

“I see.” Jessup’s eyes scrutinized the table where no trace of any remotely spicy food could be found but he wisely remained silent.

“Would you care to join me for breakfast?” Lorelei tried to change the topic but, to her surprise, this was not the only thing that changed.

“I would have to politely decline, my lady.” Jessup’s face turned gray. “I don’t think I could stomach much anyway.”

“Are you ill? Are you hurting somewhere?” Lorelei measured up the boy with some worry. Indeed, his complexion wasn’t looking so good.

“I am fine, my lady,” replied the squire with a sad shrug. “It’s just that I learned an important lesson yesterday. One should never entrust Sir Duncan with an ale barrel.”

Lorelei sat there blinking at him for a moment until it dawned on her.

“Oh, my dear Jess,” she giggled, unable to stop herself, “are you having a hangover?”

His red, flustered face said it all. Trying to stifle her laughter, Lorelei stood up and rushed out of the room. When she returned, she carried a small pouch. With a cunning smile, she forced Jessup to sit down and open his palm. As he obediently followed her orders, Lorelei pulled out a triangular paper sachet from the pouch and gave it to him.

“Swallow the powder inside. It will help with the headache and the stomach issues.”

Without giving it a second thought, the youth downed the grayish-black powder in the sachet only to cough and almost throw up. Patting him on the back, Lorelei gave him a piece of bread dripping with honey and he immediately ate the whole chunk in one bite.

“Waf wa thaf?” Jess tried to talk through his bread-stuffed mouth before swallowing hard. “By the Gods, my lady, if I didn’t know better, I would think you tried to kill me! What was that thing? It was sweet and bitter, and it stuck to my whole tongue.”

“Willow bark, licorice, and a bit of charcoal.” Lorelei gave him an apologetic smile. “It tastes bad but you should feel better in about half an hour.”

“I do hope it works,” sighed the youth with a guilty expression. “I have sword practice with Sir Duncan in an hour.”

“Maybe you should bring some of it to Sir Duncan as well?” Lorelei pulled out another two sachets of medicine.

“I doubt he will need it, my lady.” Jessup shook his head and somehow looked even more dejected. “He is a monster worthy of being master’s teacher. Honestly, I miss practicing with Sir Gregor. Between him, Sir Duncan and master, he is the one to leave the squires mostly able to move after the training is over.”

“Is Sir Gregor still unwell?” Lorelei felt her stomach tighten. Were his injuries that serious?

“His body is recuperating fine, as far as I know,” replied Jessup but hesitated for a moment. “He got some free time from training due to personal reasons.”

“I think it might have something to do with Lady Saya, my lady,” Milly jumped in the conversation. “I heard the maids in the kitchen talking…”

“Stop it, Milly!” Jessup was ready to jump up but felt a hand on his shoulder. "Don't say a word!"

“Continue, Milly,” Lorelei’s voice became cold. “What is it about Lady Saya?”

“Well, my friend in the kitchen says that all the food that gets sent to miss Saya’s quarters comes back untouched with only a slice of bread and some water missing. And it has been going on for the past week.”

“What?!” Lorelei was stunned. She looked at the squire who shrank back. “Is that true?”

“It is,” answered the youth, trying to avoid his mistress’ scorching gaze.

“How is that possible?”

“There is a whisper among the servants,” Milly bit her lip. “They say Sir Gregor was furious with Lady Saya because she did something bad with Sir William. He was so mad that the moment he could stand up from his sickbed, he went and beat up the Lord Steward black and blue. Since then, there is constant crying and shouting coming from the lady’s chambers.”

“Enough, Milly!” Jessup raised his voice and glared daggers at the maid. “Stop spreading ill rumors about Sir Gregor.”

“But the lady asked me, so I answered. Am I to lie to my mistress?”

“Enough, both of you!”

Lorelei’s order shut them up on the spot. She sprang up, stuffing the medicine sachets in her waist pouch, and looked at the bewildered Jessup.

“I need to speak with the duke. Bring me to him.”