22 Chapter Twenty

Brasite was a moderately sized county, located in the west part of the empire. The Van Allen household had been in control of the land for roughly over 300 years. They had lived in the capital of Brasite, Falkirk, up until Cecile took over. He moved what was left of the family to the countryside; where they now resided.

Being the Countess, Caroline's job normally would be to manage household affairs, and make sure that everything is running smoothly during the day to day at the estate. However, Valencia had forgotten to mention during their meeting that she would be taking over Caroline's duties for the time being. According to her it's why she had been called to the manor.

Caroline had not heard nor seen her husband since the wedding night. Having nothing to do she quickly became quite gloomy to say the least.

September 4, 1835

"My lady you can't stay in bed all day!" Milly yells, as she pushes open the white curtains. "It's nearly noon already."

Caroline throws her comforter over her head, blocking the sunlight, leaking through the window. "I have nothing to do. There's no reason for me to arise."

Milly lets out a sigh. "Maybe you could have tea in the garden with Sir. Elton. I saw him about earlier today."

Caroline slowly removes the blanket from overhead. "Hm, I suppose tea couldn't hurt, since I've yet to eat today."

"Perfect, I'll prepare something for you to wear." Milly curties, before walking over to Caroline's closet.

Caroline washes up, and changes into a lilac gown, before heading to the garden. To her surprise she finds Sir. Elton napping under a large, blooming tree, near his normal training area.

Elton looked surprisingly peaceful. He normally always looked so tense, and on guard. His brown hair covered his face. Wanting to get a good look at his face Caroline reached to push his hair back. Sir. Elton's eyes open, her wrists grabbed, and she's pinned to the ground. Caroline looks into his amber eyes, their faces only inches apart. Blush spreads across her ivory cheeks. "E-Elton?"

Elton's eyes widen in shock, fully waking up, and realizing who she is. "Oh Caroline it's you." He moves back, and offers her his hand. "I'm sorry you caught me off guard."

"It's fine, I should have awoken you." She takes his hand, and he helps lift her up.

"Are you ok? Did I hurt you?" He asks frantically.

"No, I'm fine." Caroline responds, remaining her composer. "I wanted to know if you'd like to have tea again today."

"Ah yes of course, is it that time already?"

Both parties try their best to forget the whole event, and have tws together as normal.

Everyone working in the estate knew of Caroline and Elton's close relationship. Rumors had been spreading of late that they had engaged in adultery. They hadn't. To an outsider looking in the two's friendship might look a bit suspicious, to put it mildly, but both of them knew of their undeniable innocence. They were just friends. That's all they could ever be. Friends.