Chapter 28: Deeper into the Web (2)

Chapter 28 – Deeper into the Web (2)

Gris reached for the silver knife and fork on the table and began slowly cutting the pie as she replied, “Yes, I am told to begin lessons today.”

Paola smiled at her in encouragement for her to take a bite of the pie. The pie wasn’t as hot anymore, and sadly did not look as sweet.

“If there is anything to make you feel at home, please tell me,” Paola told her and Gris gave her a faint smile in reply as she dug her fork on a piece she just sliced.

When Gris took a bite of the pie, a unique blend of cinnamon and buttery walnut spread in her mouth. It was crunchy, yet soft, and had the right amount of sweetness.

“I never had a walnut pie this good in my life,” Gris exclaimed.

Gris wanted to focus on devouring the pie, but she recalled that she did, in fact, have a favor to ask of Paola. Gris however, was uncertain if she was in a position to ask for favors from the older lady, but realizing her own desperation, Gris finally made up her mind and opened her lips to ask.

“I, I actually do have something to ask you.”

She wanted to meet Johannes before everything got out of hand, but it wasn’t clear if Stephan would let her, considering that she sensed he was unhappy with her and did not trust her either. Gris had to find someone else to help her, she needed to survive, and she was willing to risk anything, even if it meant that Stephan may eventually find out that she was unwilling to remain his puppet.

“I want to visit the church of Byrenhag. I heard the scenery there is heavenly,” she carefully said.

Gris studied Paola as she let the trembling words roll out of her mouth. Paola simply pushed her cup of tea to Gris’ side in a gesture as if to indicate to the younger girl to keep drinking her tea. Paola then answered with a faint smile.

“Sure. We can go there together, one day.”

Once again, she felt her heart grow heavy when she saw Paola’s generous smile. How could she pay for her sins to this old lady? Unable to look directly at Paola, Gris dropped her gaze to her cup of tea, its dark color reminded her that she was equally tainted.

“Thank you, and I am sorry….” Gris, found herself blurting out and she bit on her lower lip, the words just escaped her lips without intent.

Paola lifted her brows as if to ask why her granddaughter was apologizing. However, she wasn’t able to voice out her questions because at that moment, the sound of footsteps grew as it drew closer to Paola’s chamber and was soon followed by a knock on her door.

“It’s Stephan, mother.” the voice from behind announced.

Paola reached out and took a sip of her tea before replying.

“Come in.”

Stephan had a fox fur cloak around him, making him appear like the beast itself when he had stepped into the room. Gris thought it suited him for he had probably come by his mother’s door with his slyness like a fox, his veins filled with deception, that or he was disgusted of the thought of keeping a whore so close to his mother’s side, and breathing the air in the same room.

Gris forced on a smile to hide her unpleasant feelings towards Stephan. Similarly, he put on a face of faux happiness and turned to Paola as he spoke.

“I’m sorry to bother you during your tea mother, but Yuliana’s tutor is waiting for her.”

Paola smacked her knee to imply she hadn’t thought of that and nodded at the implication that her granddaughter needed to leave her side.

“Of course, I was withholding a child that had a busy day ahead.”

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“Oh, I enjoyed the tea very much”, Gris said apologetically, as she understood that it was time for her to leave.

Recognizing the heaviness in the air surrounding the room was as bad as he thought it would be, Stephan left the room first in a hurry. Gris followed him out, but briefly stopped when she remembered the white flower, which she saw in the garden the day before. She wondered what would have happened if she handed the flower to Adrian who was still in the brothel.

She didn’t have the ability to free them completely, but she wanted to at least ease their suffering.

Before she headed for her lessons, Gris went to the garden and picked a handful of the white flowers. Then, she requested Stephan to deliver it to a lady named Adrian back at the brothel as a farewell gift, along with the promise she would fulfill her role as Yuliana.

Stephan accepted her request without hesitation as if it was nothing to him and took the flowers to send it away as she requested.

***

Fifteen days went by quickly as Gris put her mind to the lessons, time faded away and Gris did not realize she stayed alive longer than she expected.

She had lessons on etiquette, liberal arts, embroidery and more, in order to maintain dignity as a direct family member of Sir Byrenhag. She was familiar with etiquette, horse riding and painting since her body remembered it, but waltz was the worst lesson she had to learn.

Unlike the first time she met her when Paola struggled to walk from the bed to a table, the older lady had now significantly recovered as she could walk more freely than before. Paola was now enjoying her spare time by strolling along the gardens and Gris, too, found happiness in tagging along and following the older lady closely behind her during her walks.

Another day dawned and Gris woke up with the sound of Teer whining, pestering her to play with it. Bellin came by just in time, like she always does with a new dress in her arms.

“You woke up early today, ma’am.” Bellin greeted her and Gris only gave her a faint smile in reply.

Bellin smiled more frequently now than the first time they met, Gris observed. Gris recalled the number of times Bellin used to tremble with fear in front of her. She still didn’t understand what made her so fearful.

After a quick bath, Gris got ready to be dressed for the day. She sat in front of a mirror as Bellin combed her hair, untangling the knots of her curls.

“Your hair has become smoother. I can see the shine coming through now,” Bellin quietly told her in admiration, and Gris couldn’t help but agree.

It was all thanks to the meals she ate intensively to survive. Meals which were not only filling but it was also delicious dishes made by the skillful chef of the mansion. She has gained back nourishment living this borrowed life.

Keeping up pretenses of a woman of few words, Gris only quietly smiled in reply. Bellin looked at her crescent, gray eyebrows when she continued their conversation.

“How are the lessons going?”

“It’s pretty fun. Except for waltz,” Gris replied honestly.

Bellin sighed with relief as she continued on combing her hair. “I’m sure you’ll pick it up quickly once you get the hang of it.”

Gris listened to the soft sound of Bellin stroking her hair as she allowed her thoughts to wander. Bellin had become quite talkative over the last week and Gris found comfort at the thought that maybe they have grown closer.

“How was your trip yesterday?” Bellin suddenly asked.

“My trip…?” Gris looked at her in confusiin

“You went to the church of Byrenhag yesterday.” Bellin reminded her and Gris sighed and slowly closed her lips as she stared into space.

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