Chapter 4

When Nightshade woke up again, the fever had gone and so had the pain. Feeling rather refreshed and finally at ease after days of unbearable discomfort. She looked up towards the big French windows framed by the crème lace curtains to find that it was still quite early in the morning. The golden rays of morning sunlight brightened up the room, as the sun hit her vanity and reflected off the beautiful artwork on the ceiling; casting a halo of golden light down onto the bed.

Nightshade sat up to stretch when Nanny Agatha brought in a basin of warm water and clean towels. Ecstatic to find Nightshade awake and sting enough to sit up, she practically floated to the bedside with a big smile.

"My lady! You are awake? How are you feeling now?"

Nightshade opened her mouth to reply but Nanny Agatha set down the basin of water and towel at the side table. And reached for her forehead without waiting for an answer.

"The fever seems to have gone. Are you feeling any better? How is the pain? Are you nauseous my dear?"

Nightshade felt warm and loved by the genuine concern of the Nannies. After all, when was the last time anyone cared for this way? She unknowingly smiled sweetly for Nanny Agatha and replied to all her questions.

"I feel a lot better, nanny. I think I might be able to get out of bed today. I am not in pain anymore and I am hungry"

Nanny Agatha was entertained by Nightshade's childlike response, smiled, and patted her head lovingly.

"That's good! Nanny Eliza is bringing your breakfast, Be good and eat a lot so you can grow big and strong!"

Nanny Agatha said as she helped Nightshade wash up. When Nanny Eliza came in with breakfast, Nightshade had washed up, changed into a blue frilly dress, and was getting her hair brushed. Stunned by the sight of Nightshade out of her bed and dressed Nanny Eliza Anomaly dropped the tray in her hands. She set the tray down on the table and rushed to Nightshade's side at once beaming.

"Oh dear! You are up? Are you feeling better now? I.."

Before Nanny Eliza could finish her inquiries; Nightshade cut in.

"I don't have a fever anymore and the pain is gone too. I am feeling a lot better. I was also looking forward to Nanny Eliza's breakfast!"

Seeing Nanny Eliza who rarely loses her clam so excited and joyous. Nanny Agatha giggled as she continued to tie ribbons in Nightshade's hair. Nanny Eliza smiled from the embarrassment and trying to restore her usual calm self said;

"That's great to hear my dear! The episode lasted a lot longer this time. The Duke and the Duchess had been very worried. The Dutchess even thought to request for a Saint from the church this morning".

The three of them grew more serious as the question of healers. They are so incredibly rare that even the Grand Duke's Manson had to request their presence and wait for permission. Even though this world is governed by a king the real power seems to be at the hands of the pope. 'I need to get a better understanding of the ruling situation here' Nightshade thought to herself.

To break the somewhat heavy silence, Nanny Agatha spoke up.

"My dear you are absolutely stunning today! This blue suits you well"

Nanny Agatha's remark brought Nightshade back to the present. She looked up at the vanity mirror; indeed this little girl looked like a well-carved porcelain doll. Pale, clear, and smooth skin. Wavy long dark hair and eyes a shade of sea green. The stark contrast between her unnaturally pale skin and hair as dark as the night made her seem more doll-like. Her eyes were rare even for this fantastical world. The only thing that resembled Nightshade's last appearance was the color of her hair. Still not used to this new appearance, Nightshade looked away and focused her attention on Nanny Eliza.

"Was Mama here early this morning? I thought I heard her singing to me."

Nanny Eliza seemed surprised at this questioning but smiled kindly at Nightshade before nodding her head in agreement.

"Your fever had increased a lot last night. We were worried so Agatha informed her grace. The Duchess came at once to check on you, you were writhing in pain so she sang to you. She said it always claimed you down when you were a baby. Looks like it did help"

"Nanny, is Mama busy today? I would like to visit her after breakfast." Nightshade inquired as the Nanny's helped her to the breakfast table.

"My dear she would be very happy to see you but you are still recovering, it could be dangerous to move about so much now"

Nanny Eliza explained with care and kindness as she served Nightshade breakfast. Nightshade hung her head and fell in contemplation. It will be much easier to get a better understanding of this place if she can ask the Dutchess or even access the library. 'How can I get access to more information?' the thought circled through Nightshade's mind. Nanny Eliza mistook her contemplation as a child disappointed at her own inability and so tired to soothe her.

"How about this dear, I will inform the Dutchess that you wish her company. I was going to send word to her Grace about your recovery anyway. I am sure she will come to visit you"

Nightshade thought that this would work too, as long as she got to see the Dutchess the result should be the same no matter who visited who.

"We will do that then. Thank you, Nanny!"

Nightshade smiled gratefully at Nanny Eliza's suggestion. The prospect of meeting Lady Arabella, the Duchess herself, filled her with a mix of excitement and nerves. She longed to know more about her mother in this world and to understand the woman who had cared for her while she lay ill. It was an opportunity she couldn't pass up.

"Yes, please do let her know that I wish to see her," Nightshade replied, her voice still carrying a touch of hoarseness. "I would be delighted to have her company."

Nanny Eliza nodded and patted Nightshade's hand affectionately. "I'll inform her right away, my dear. I'm sure she'll be overjoyed to see you awake and on the mend."

As Nanny Eliza left to deliver the message, Nightshade couldn't help but feel a surge of anticipation. Meeting Lady Arabella would be a pivotal moment in her new life. It was a chance to learn more about her family, her past, and the world she now inhabited.

Something suddenly occurred to her, and she put down her cup of honey lemon tea and turned to Nanny Agatha asking; "Are big brothers, Will and Ed back from their trip?"

It had just occurred to Nightshade that this little girl had 3 older brothers. The eldest and the one in line to the Dukedom is Alexander Stirling, Though he was yet to receive the official title of the heir he often helps the Duke deal with many matters. He has been out of the manner for a couple of months at this point. He shouldn't be back till her awakening. The other two are twins, her brothers William and Edward are closer to her in age than their eldest brother. They are still quite young and attend the academy of Silvercrest School of Enchantment. It's almost the end of the year, they always come home from the academy for their winter break to celebrate the new year with family.

It had just occurred to Nightshade that this little girl had 3 older brothers. The eldest and the one in line to the Dukedom is Alexander Stirling, Though he was yet to receive the official title of the heir he often helps the Duke deal with many matters. He has been out of the manner for a couple of months at this point. He shouldn't be back till her awakening. The other two are twins, her brothers William and Edward are closer to her in age than their eldest brother. They are still quite young and attend the academy of Silvercrest School of Enchantment. It's almost the end of the year, they always come home from the academy for their winter break to celebrate the New Year with family.

"Lord William and Edward have sent word that they were on their way to The Manor a couple of days ago, they should be arriving tonight. They always run to see you the first thing when they arrive!"

Nanny Agatha continued with excitement.

"They have been looking forward to seeing you, my dear. They always ask about you whenever they are away. They missed you dearly during their time at the academy."

The mention of her brothers Nightshade felt a warm current run through her body, the familiar love and care felt incredibly foreign to her yet so very comforting. Nightshade marveled at the emotions swirling within her. The memories of her previous life as an assassin felt like distant echoes compared to the genuine love and connection she now experienced with this family. The warmth of her brothers' memories, the tenderness in Lady Arabella's eyes this morning, and the unwavering care of Nanny Agatha and Nanny Eliza—all of it felt so unreal. She had trouble being her new reality.