The following morning, the sun barely peeked through the curtains as a soft knock on the door roused Adanna and Serena from their slumber. "Señoras, es hora de levantarse." called a gentle voice from the other side. It was Juana and Inés, the castle maids, come to assist them in preparing for the day ahead.
Serena blinked sleepily and sat up, a soft smile playing on her lips. She couldn't help but feel a warmth in her chest as she thought of the previous night's revelation. Adanna caught her friend's eye and noticed the change immediately. "Looks like someone had a good night's sleep," she teased, a knowing smile spreading across her face.
Juana and Inés bustled into the room, their eyes widening slightly when they saw the look of pure contentment on Serena's face. "Is everything okay, Lady Serena?" Inés asked, setting down a tray of steaming tea and freshly baked scones.
"Everything is more than okay," Serena said, her cheeks flushing slightly. The maids exchanged a knowing look, but said nothing as they helped the women out of their nightgowns and into their morning robes.
As they went through their morning routines, Adanna could not help but giggle at Serena's every little sigh and smile. It was as if she had been transformed overnight, her usual sharp wit replaced with a dreamy haze. "You are positively glowing," Adanna said, brushing Serena's hair with gentle strokes.
Serena rolled her eyes playfully, but she could not hide her happiness. "It is just... everything feels different now," she admitted, her voice filled with wonder.
Once they were both dressed and ready, the two friends made their way to the grand dining hall, where the smell of eggs and sizzling bacon filled the air. The other contestants were already there, their conversations hushed and tense. The events of the previous night had cast a pall over the competition, and everyone was on edge, waiting for the next shoe to drop.
As they sat down at their designated spots, Adanna and Serena's happiness was short lived as the dining room door opened and in walked Duchess Camila with a scowl. The other contestants looked at each other in surprise, noticing the sharpness in the Duchess's eyes. She was dressed in a dark blue gown that seemed to emphasize her cold demeanor, and her usually warm smile was nowhere to be found. She took her seat at the head of the table. "Good morning, ladies," the Duchess greeted, her voice sharp.
Olimpia and Lady Isabella sat at her sides, their expressions unreadable. The Duchess's eyes swept over the table, and when they landed on Serena, she offered a small, forced smile. "Lady Serena, I trust you had a restful evening?" she inquired, her tone cold.
Serena nodded, her smile wavering slightly. "Yes, Duchess," she replied, unsure of how to read the sudden change in the woman's behavior.
The breakfast conversation was stilted, with everyone watching their words carefully. The Duchess's attention kept returning to Serena and the empty seat where Anjali usually sat. It was clear she officially left the contest, and whispers about her forbidden love with Meera had spread like wildfire through the castle. The silence was a stark contrast to the previous mornings' chatter and laughter.
Duchess Camila took a sip of her tea, her eyes narrowing as she placed the delicate cup back in its saucer. "It is such a shame about Lady Anjali," she said, her voice dripping with faux sympathy. "I hope she finds happiness elsewhere."
Lady Isabella shot a smug look at Serena, her voice carrying a hint of spite. "Yes, it is so unfortunate when one's desires do not align with the expectations of their station," she said, her gaze lingering on Serena before turning back to Duchess Camila.
The Duchess's smile was brittle as she addressed the table. "Let us not forget the gravity of our situation. With one contestant already removed, we must all be on our best behavior to ensure the safety and integrity of this competition. I have doubled the guard, and I expect everyone to remain in their designated areas unless accompanied by a chaperone. Is that understood?"
The women nodded, some looking down at their plates, others exchanging worried glances. The mood grew heavier as they ate, the weight of their unspoken thoughts pressing down on them. "Olimpia, dear, I must say you look absolutamente hermosa today," Duchess Camila said, her smile seeming forced as she turned to the woman beside her. "I trust you had no trouble sleeping?" (absolutely beautiful)
Olimpia, who was picking at her food, looked up, a hint of surprise crossing her features. "Thank you, Duchess," she replied, her eyes flicking towards Lady Isabella. "I slept quite well, all things considered."
Isabella glared at Olimpia, the undercurrent of jealousy palpable as the Duchess showered her with attention. The room grew even more tense as Lady Midori entered, her eyes scanning the room before settling on the empty seat that should have been Anjali's. The knowing look she gave Serena was not lost on the others.
Adanna felt the weight of the situation pressing down on her. The contest was spiraling out of control, turning from a quest for love and power into a minefield of secrets and scandals. She took a bite of her scone, trying to keep her thoughts to herself.
"The fifth contest will commence in three days," Duchess Camila announced, her voice cutting through the tension like a knife. "I expect all of you to be prepared."
"What about Enchantress Larissa?" Adanna spoke up, the question on everyone's mind. "Should we proceed with the competition while she is in such a state? She is still unconscious, after all."
"The contest must continue. We will honor our commitments, regardless of personal matters." Duchess Camila's voice was firm as she announced the fifth challenge, her eyes flitting briefly over the empty chair that should have held Enchantress Larissa. The other women exchanged glances, the room thick with the scent of fear and doubt. How could she be so callous?
"What is the contest about?" Countess Seraphine inquired, her voice quivering with unease.
"You will find out the details of the fifth challenge tonight," Duchess Camila continued, ignoring the uneasy whispers around the table.
Adanna leaned into Serena, her voice low and urgent. "We need to inform Alejandro and Leonardo about what is happening. This is getting out of hand."
"I agree," Serena said, her cheeks flushing as she thought of Leonardo. "But how do we get the message to them without the Duchess knowing?"
"Let us go to our chambers after breakfast and devise a plan," Adanna suggested, her eyes gleaming with determination.
The two friends rose from the table, their steps quick and silent as they left the dildrums of the dining hall. Once the heavy door was closed behind them, Serena's cheeks turned a brighter shade of pink as she thought of Leonardo. "So how do we tell Alejandro and Leonardo the duchess's odd behaviour without her catching on?" she murmured to Adanna, her voice low and conspiratorial.
"Juana," Adanna suggested, her mind racing.
"Juana?" Serena raised an eyebrow, surprised. "Why would we ask her?"
"Remember when she delivered that letter from Alejandro?" Adanna said, recalling the day. "Maybe she works for him. Besides, it is worth a try, right?"
Serena considered this for a moment. "You might be right. If anyone can get a message to them without raising suspicion, it is her."
"Then let us find her," Adanna said, her resolve hardening. "We need to act quickly before the Duchess decides to pull another surprise."
"Perhaps we should write the message before we go and find Juana," Serena suggested as she searched the vanity for paper and ink.
Serena wrote quickly, her hand shaking slightly as she put quill to paper. She had to get this right; one wrong word could mean the difference between safety and danger for both her and Leonardo. "Dear Alejandro and Leonardo," she began, her script neat and precise. "We have concerns regarding the Duchess' behavior that we believe you should be aware of. The competition seems to have taken a dark turn, and we fear for our safety."
"And done," Serena whispered, capping the ink bottle with trembling hands.
Adanna took the letter, her eyes scanning the words before folding it into a neat square. "Let us not waste any time," she said firmly, tucking the message into her sleeve.
They left their chambers, the heavy oak door creaking shut behind them, and made their way through the castle's corridors. The walls, adorned with tapestries that had seen better days, whispered of secrets and scandals long forgotten. Their footsteps echoed down the hallway, the sound bouncing off the stone floor and disappearing into the shadowy corners. They passed a few castle staff, all of whom averted their gazes, their faces etched with an eerie silence that seemed to mirror the tension within the walls.
Finally, they arrived at the kitchen, where the smell of freshly baked bread and roasting meats filled the air. Juana was there, her hands submerged in a basin of soapy water, scrubbing a pile of dirty dishes with a look of quiet resignation on her face. She looked up as they entered, her eyes widening slightly when she Adanna and Serena.
"Juana," Adanna began, her voice low and urgent. She pulled the letter from her sleeve and held it out. "We need your help. Can you get this to Alejandro?"
Juana's eyes darted to the letter before meeting Adanna's. "Yes, I will make sure it reaches him," she whispered, taking the message and tucking it into her apron.
"Thank you," Serena breathed, her eyes shining with gratitude.
Juana nodded, her expression solemn. "I will do what I can. But be careful, Señoras. The castle has eyes and ears everywhere." With that, she turned back to her chores, her movements quick and efficient.
Adanna and Serena shared a concerned look before exiting the kitchen, their thoughts racing. "Perhaps we should visit Enchantress Larissa," Adanna suggested, her voice low.
Serena nodded. "I want to see how she is doing." She couldn't shake the feeling of guilt that had settled in her stomach since the day they found her. They made their way to the Larissa's chambers, the castle's grandeur feeling more oppressive with each passing step.
When they arrived, the door was slightly ajar, allowing them to hear hushed voices within. They pushed it open to find Duchess Camila standing by the bedside, her face contorted into a twisted smile. Enchantress Larissa lay unconscious.
"Ah, Lady Adanna and Lady Serena," Duchess Camila said, her voice like a whip. "So kind of you to visit our poor, unfortunate contestant."
Serena's heart ached as she took in Larissa's unconcious form, so still and fragile amidst the luxurious beddings. "How is she?" she asked, her voice shaking.
"She is as well as can be expected," the Duchess said, her eyes sharp as they took in the two young women. "But you know, this competition is quite the challenge. Some are not as strong as others."
Lady Isabella entered the room, her smile cold as she swept towards them. "Duchess Camila, I have been looking for you. There is something I simply must discuss regarding the next challenge," she said, her eyes gleaming with excitement.
"Of course, Lady Isabella," Duchess Camila said with a smile. She then turned to Adanna and Serena. "I advise you ladies to focus on the contest, ladies. There are more pressing matters than our injured enchantress," she said with a dismissive wave of her hand.
The Duchess and Isabella made their way out of the room, leaving Adanna and Serena to stare at each other in shock. "What is happening?" Adanna whispered, unable to comprehend the Duchess's sudden cruelty.
"I do not know," Serena replied, her voice trembling, "but we have to be careful. We can't trust anyone, not even her."
Later that night, a knock echoed through their chambers. Adanna opened the door to find Juana standing there, looking flustered but excited. "Sir Alejandro and Sir Leonardo are waiting for you in the library. But please, be discreet," she warned, glancing nervously down the hallway.
"Gracias, Juana," Adanna replied, as the maid rushed off.
"Adanna when did you learn spanish?!" Serena asked, her eyes wide with astonishment as they hurriedly made their way through the castle's dimly lit corridors.
"It is the only spanish word I have learnt," Adanna replied with a chuckle, trying to ease the tension.
They soon arrived at the grand library, a place of quiet refuge amidst the castle's chaos. The door was cracked open, spilling warm light onto the cold stone floor. Adanna took a deep breath and pushed it open, leading Serena inside.
Leonardo stood by the fireplace, his eyes lighting up at the sight of Serena. He strolled over, a charming smile playing on his lips, and took her hand. "Hermosa," he murmured, his eyes dancing with affection as he leaned in for a kiss. Serena blushed, her heart fluttering as she returned the affection, unable to resist his flirtatious nature.
Alejandro, on the other hand, was seated at the table, surrounded by books and scrolls. He looked up, his expression a mix of relief and tension. His gaze lingered on Adanna for a moment longer than necessary, and she felt a warmth spread through her.
"Sorry to keep you waiting," Serena said, her cheeks still flushed from Leonardo's greeting.
"You are lucky we did not start without you," he teased, stepping closer to her, his gaze lingering. "Or maybe I was hoping to catch your eye before you arrived."
Adanna rolled her eyes but couldn't help the smile tugging at her lips as she watched their banter unfold. "We are here now, so let us get to the point," she said, directing the conversation back to business.
"Right," Alejandro interjected, glancing between the two ladies, his cheeks slightly flushed. "We need to discuss the latest developments in the contest. The Duchess's behavior has been... odd."
"Odd?" Serena echoed, trying to hold back her frustration. "She has practically lost her mind, being all nice to Lady Isabella while treating the rest of us like dirt."
Leonardo crossed his arms, looking intrigued. "Tal vez ella ve algo en Lady Isabella que nosotros no vemos". (Maybe she sees something in Lady Isabella that we don't.)
"¿Algo como qué?" Alejandro asked, his voice low as he furrowed his brow. Serena and Adanna exchanged puzzled glances; they could not understand the Spanish, but it sounded serious. (Something like what?)
Leonardo smirked, "Oh, you know, perhaps she sees her as a real threat."
"Lo dudo," Alejandro replied, shaking his head. "But we need to stay vigilant. Something feels off." (I doubt it)
"What should we do then?" Serena asked, her gaze flitting between Alejandro's concerned expression and Leonardo's playful one.
Leonardo's eyes sparkled with mischief. "How about we show them what a real enchantment is?" He whispered into Serena's ear, making her laugh.
"Leonardo, this is not a joke!" Adanna chided him gently, though her own eyes held a hint of amusement.
Leonardo held up his hands in mock surrender, a grin on his face. "I know, I know. But we cannot let fear dictate our every move, can we?"
Alejandro cleared his throat, his cheeks reddening slightly. "Lo que estamos diciendo, is that we should be prepared for anything. We need to stick together and watch each other's backs," he said, switching to a mix of English and Spanish as he often did when he was nervous. (What we are saying)