The Countess And Her Knight

The dining room somehow felt more eerie than usual. Maybe it was due to the Count’s presence. Caroline hadn’t spent more than ten minutes in a room with the Count prior to now, so she never quite had the chance to fully take him in, but at dinner, she had the perfect view; from across the table.

The Count was only a few years older than Caroline; in his mid-twenties, he had tanned skin, short black hair, striking purple eyes, and sharp facial features. His facial expression stayed fairly neutral at all times; he wasn't one to actively show his emotions.

The door opens to reveal the knight who had accompanied him.“Lady Boushley, this is Sir Elton, he’ll be joining us for dinner.” It was all making sense now. The Count had never dined with Caroline before, so she was pleasantly surprised when she was told he would be joining her. She was too hopeful; she thought that he had joined her since he was gone for so long, but the reality was, he wouldn't be here if they didn't have company.

Caroline had heard of Sir Elton when she had lived in the capital. He was well known throughout the capital for becoming one of the youngest knights appointed; he was originally a commoner, who earned his title, and position through skill alone. Sir Elton was also fairly popular with noble ladies, due to his striking good looks; he had hazel eyes; that could only compare to emeralds, golden-brown skin, short brown hair, and was a few years younger than the Count, but was still a year or two older than Caroline, but paid no attention to them.

Sir Elton sat between Caroline, and the Count; on the left side of the table. It was a neutral seat, so Caroline had ȧssumed the two weren't too close.

"It's a pŀėȧsurė to meet you, Sir Elton," Caroline smiles warmly.

"Likewise."

"How was the trip?" Caroline asks.

"The trip went well. It's been a while since I've visited the countryside." Elton responds.

Caroline looks to the Count; who doesn't look too keen on talking. "How was the trip dear?" She asks again. Waking from his daze the Count looks to her, he responds with one word; "Fine." Before Caroline has the chance to push for a proper response Edmond comes in with dinner. Dinner consisted of soup, cod, roasted vegetables, roast mutton, and jelly; it was a lot more than Caroline normally would eat, but not for the two men who had been traveling for days.

“Will you be staying with us long?”

“I'm afraid not. I have things to attend to back at the capital. I'll be leaving a few days after the wedding."

"That's a shame, I hope that you-"The Count abruptly stands up; interrupting Caroline, and Sir Elton's conversation. "I'm finished. I'll be retiring to my office for the evening." The Count walks out of the dining room. "Excuse me, I'll be back shortly!" Caroline quickly follows.

"My Lord, wait! I was hoping we could talk after dinner." The Count continues walking, ignoring Caroline's words. She follows him to the end of the hall. The Count stops without warning; in front of his office, and turns around to face her. "I have work to attend to." He says coldly.

"Please just tell me why the Viscountess left so suddenly! And why you are still using such barbaric methods to punish the servants-"

"What happened between the Viscountess, and I is out of business. And Edmond is in charge of the servants, I had nothing to do with whatever you are referring to. Now if you'll excuse me, I'm busy.." With that, the Count slams the door, leaving Caroline with still unanswered questions and a guest to attend to.