The journey was quiet. Too quiet.
Claire sat stiffly in the carriage, hands folded in her lap, her expression composed—too composed, as if forcing herself into stillness would settle the storm within. The rhythmic sway of the wheels should have been soothing, yet her mind refused to rest.
She should be thinking about the evening's event, the people she would meet, the role she had to play. And yet, her father's words clung to her like a shadow, impossible to shake.
"House Valen's power isn't as untouchable as it once was."
"Enemies stir in the shadows. We cannot afford to appear weak."
"The engagement must proceed without issue."
Claire's fingers tightened slightly over her dress. She had always known. She wasn't naïve. But knowing and hearing it so plainly were two different things.
Her gaze drifted to the carriage window, watching the endless stretch of land beyond. The world outside the estate had always seemed vast, filled with possibilities. But today, it felt suffocating.
"I don't even remember his face."
The man she was to marry—a stranger tied to her through a promise made long ago. A promise she hadn't chosen.
The weight in her chest deepened.
Arrival at Uncle Richard's Estate
Their convoy stopped overnight at a secure estate—one arranged for noble guests of high rank. It was only the following afternoon that they reached the grand estate of her uncle Richard.
The moment Claire stepped from the carriage, the crisp scent of autumn filled her lungs. The estate grounds stretched wide, meticulously maintained yet carrying a warmth that her father's home lacked.
A warmth she barely remembered.
Her gaze swept through the gathering attendants before settling on the man awaiting her.
Uncle Richard.
He stood tall, broad-shouldered, his presence carrying a nobility softened by something kinder—something her father never possessed.
"Uncle," Claire greeted, offering a graceful curtsy. "It has been some time. I hope you've been well."
Richard's face broke into a wide smile. "Claire, my dear! Look at you. You've grown into a fine young woman."
"Thank you," she replied, his warmth easing the tightness in her chest.
Richard chuckled, eyes glinting with nostalgia. "I heard about your engagement. A fine match, they say." His graze softened. "I must say… your mother would be over the moon if she were still with us. She would be so proud."
Claire's breath hitched, but she hid it behind a soft smile. "Yes… I imagine she would be."
Richard sighed, glancing toward the sky. "She would have loved to see this day—to see you stepping into the future she dreamed for you."
A future that had been written for her.
Claire swallowed the lump in her throat. "Yes... she would have..."
She felt Elise's reassuring presence beside her. But inside, she was unraveling.
The Charity Event
By the time Claire stepped into the grand ballroom, she had already perfected her mask.
Golden chandeliers bathed the room in warm light, polished marble floors reflected the glow, and laughter and pleasantries wove through the air. Wealth and power gathered in delicate harmony, yet beneath the surface, the dance of politics never ceased.
Claire moved through it all with practiced ease—smiling, conversing, ensuring the evening unfolded without flaw. She handled the responsibilities her father had entrusted to her, oversaw the distribution of donations, and maintained the poised grace that was expected of her.
And yet—
"Lady Claire, it is a pleasure to see you again."
She turned at the voice, eyes settling on a woman draped in elegant silk. There was a faint familiarity in her features.
"You don't remember me, do you?" The woman chuckled. "I am Christine Valehart, your fiancé's aunt. It has been years, but I knew I would find you here."
Claire offered a polite smile. "It is lovely to meet you again, my lady."
"Oh, you are as graceful as ever." Christine's eyes gleamed with approval. "With your union, our families will finally strengthen our political standing further. Your father has made a wise decision."
Claire nodded, listening—though the words barely settled in her mind.
Then—
Her graze drifted beyond the woman, toward the far side of the ballroom.
There—
A shadow. The presence.
Standing at a distance, watching her with that same infuriating smirk. A gaze that held an unspoken challenge, as if mocking her.
Claire's breath hitched, but she remained still.
"Claire?"
Elise's soft voice cut through the haze. Her hand brushing against Claire's—discreet, careful not to be noticed.
Claire blinked, steadying herself. "I apologize. You were saying?"
The noblewoman, unaware of Claire's momentary lapse, continued speaking of alliances and expectations.
Claire listened. Or at least, pretended to.
Night at Uncle Richard's Estate
The fire crackled softly in the corner, filling the room with flickering shadows. The air carried the faint scent of lavender—a scent Claire had always associated with her mother.
Seated before the vanity, she let her shoulders relax as Elise ran a comb through her long hair. The rhythmic strokes were soothing, grounding.
Elise hesitated before finally speaking. "My lady, may I ask something?"
Claire met her gaze through the mirror. "You may."
Elise bit her lip, then sighed, choosing honesty. "Is everything alright with you?"
Claire's fingers stilled slightly over the vanity.
Elise was worried about her. She knew it.
"Sorry, Elise. I made you worry today."
"No, my lady. I just want to make sure you're fine."
Claire smiled faintly. "I am, Elise. You don't have to worry about that."
Elise sighed, kneeling slightly to meet her at eye level. "I worry for you, Claire. You lock away too much inside. I just hope that's not the case."
Claire held her gaze for a moment, then looked away. "Rest, Elise," she said softly. "You think too much."
Elise studied her for a moment before nodding.
With that, she dimmed the lanterns and moved toward her small cot in the corner.
Claire sat still for a long moment, staring at her reflection before turning toward the window.
"Let's not think too much."
She told herself that—just for tonight.
The moon hung high, its pale glow casting long shadows across the estate grounds.
The Next Day
Claire stood beside Elise, bidding farewell to her uncle.
"You did well," Richard said warmly. "Your father will be pleased."
Claire smiled. "Thank you, Uncle."
"Take care, my dear… Your mother would be so proud of you."
As the carriage pulled away from Uncle Richard's estate, Claire allowed herself a rare moment of stillness.
"Mother…"
She didn't want to recall anything about the night. And yet, the thought reclaimed her unwelcomingly.
The presence in the ballroom. That smirk. The way she looked at her…
Her fingers curled slightly over her lap.
"Who is she?"
"Why does she feel… familiar?"
A sigh broke her thoughts.
"My lady," Elise's voice was gentle yet laced with concern. "You look pale. Are you unwell?"
Claire hesitated, then shook her head. "I am fine, Elise. Just… tired."
Elise gave her a skeptical look but said nothing more.
Then—
The carriage lurched to an abrupt stop.
Outside, voices rose in alarm. Hurried steps. Tension thickened the evening air.
Claire straightened. "What is happening?"
Elise's hand instinctively moved toward the curtain, ready to peek outside.
Something was happening.
And whatever it was…
It would change everything.