Woman's Gold

Gwen sat down in the black leather seat and grabbed a pen from one of the drawers to get started and was surprised by the array of organized writing tools and stamps and whatnot. The desk was just a huge contradiction between clean and messy because it would be like someone being messy however having some items that weren't ever touched.

With an amused expression, she wiggled the pen between her fingers before adding up the money to make sure that it broke even. Little moments like these whenever she uncovered tiny pieces of Maximillian were like gold found in a mine for her, because she was still trying to get to know him better and see what was going inside his head.

With another slip of paper, she did the calculations and wrote them into the small boxes of the neat chart with her flowery handwriting, putting a finger to her chin to contemplate every little detail she made. She dated her actions at the top in case Maximillian was wondering what she did in case she did it wrong.

Nothing could be heard except for her breathing and the small voices that echoed down the hallway along with the scratches of her pen on the paper with every stroke. Her brows drew together as she got lost in the work.

It was hard, as she expected, but luckily, she didn't need as much information to keep the ledger as she thought she would since it was similar to the experience she had while learning with her tutor with the simple calculations.

The instructions were very detailed on a slip that contained a list of pointers on what to do. It was likely Cassian due to the strict portrayal of words, and Gwen placed it to the side to guide her.

A knock on the door lifted her attention from numbers, and Gwen placed her pen down as she stretched her hands above her head from the intense concentration she had. Cassian strolled inside with his arms crossed before bowing his head in greeting.

"Are you doing alright, Your Grace?"

Gwen nodded. "Yes. The instructions you wrote down were extremely helpful."

"I'm glad to hear it," Cassian said. "Don't get holed up in the study now. It will likely take a couple of days."

Gwen welcomed the nagging with a good heart. "I'll try my best. Does Maximillian normally do all the work by himself?"

"Yes," Cassian answered as he rubbed the back of his neck. "He doesn't like anyone interrupting him, although I had advised him many times to get an assistant."

She could see that from the distinctive placements of some items that she tried her best not to disturb, but now that she was here, she was going to try her best to take on the workload. Those might be her famous last words, but she would try her best.

Gwen stood up from the desk to take a break and walked back to the tall French doors that opened out to the connecting balcony that overlooked most of the front of the estate. It was a great placement for a study to admire the beauty of the estate while getting work done. Cassian stood in the corner watching her, and she took in the sunset that coming fast upon them.

Gwen gripped the columnar railing and leaned back against it, tucking her hair behind her ear as the wind swept up around them. Tucking her hands under her arms, she looked out to the puffy blue skies and wondered when it would rain. Judging by the blazing red that was out on the horizon, the chance might be soon.

"Where were you the other day?" Gwen asked randomly as a conversation starter.

Cassian paused long enough so that she could see that he hesitated. "I got in touch with some messengers that His Grace sent back although they didn't make it out alive."

Gwen covered her mouth in horror. "What happened?"

"The knights are currently investigating. The messengers were brutally beaten, and we found them on land that was outside our own. The messages from His Grace are cryptic, almost too much so which leaves many questions unanswered."

Gwen froze with the soft sage green chiffon fabric dancing between her feet. Cassian was speaking in a defeated manner that was unlike him. Was Maximillian even alive at that point? She clenched her fists by her side. "Who were they attacked by? Who would do this? Do you have any inkling?"

Cassian grimaced. "There is some information floating around, but it's better to not conclude when we don't know His Grace's whereabouts."

Gwen nodded. "I see. Please let me know if you find anything more."

"Yes, Your Grace."

She walked back inside with a chill running up her spine despite the warm weather. It was tough knowing that it was better for her to be on the opposite side and remain clueless for the purpose of her safety. Cassian closed the glass doors behind her, and Gwen took a seat back in the plush leather chair folding her hands together on the desk.

Gwen glanced up at the ceiling to see clouds rolling in overhead and shaking out her hands that were tired without her noticing and smoothed a hand down the skirt of her dress, letting the soft fabric go through her fingers, as her lips pressed together again a concern.

The messengers were able to get back, albeit not in good shape, and if that was the case, Maximillian had to run. But the question is where and why?

"Leave me be, Cassian," Gwen murmured. "Thank you for coming in."

"Yes, Your Grace."

Cassian gave her a deep bow before leaving the room and closing the door shut with a soft click. Gwen leaned back in her seat and blew out a breath, her chest rising and falling steadily, as she tried to gather her thoughts.

There was nothing that she could do about it though, and Gwen picked up her pen to continue her work of trying to read the scribbles that were placed in front of her.