The morning sun filtered through the high arched windows of the castle, gilding the marble floors in soft gold.
Coral sat stiffly at the breakfast table, spoon poised in her untouched cheese, eyes fixed on her aunt.
Cherry was radiant as always, her gown a deep crimson that shimred as she moved.
She spoke lightly, her words dripping with sweet conviction. "You see, sister," she said to Rose, "I was thinking, I should visit the poor villages by the river. Just for a few days. Charity should be never be neglected, and as our parents taught us, compassion is the crown of nobility."
Rose smiled faintly, touched. "Yes, Cherry. That is kind of you. But a couple of days?"
"It won’t take longer than three." She assured.
Rose sighed. "Alright. Take Coral along. It will do her good to see the people. I’ll inform her father when he returns."
Coral was relieved that her father wasn’t present it could have been much difficult.
Cherry inclined her head graciously, though her eyes flicked to Coral with a secret spark. "Of course, Rose. She will co with ."
Coral forced a smile, her stomach twisting. She knew this was no simple charitable visit.
An hour later, the two won descended the castle steps, cloaks drawn tightly about them, and slipped into the waiting carriage.
The guards believed they were bound for the river villages, but once the gates closed behind them, Cherry leaned forward and rapped sharply on the wood.
"To the town of Greystone," she ordered.
The driver didn’t seem to hesitate, Greystone was known for its unsavory reputation, he went off
With a lurch, the carriage veered off the main road.
Coral clutched her cloak tighter. "Aunt... Greystone? Why there of all places?"
Cherry smirked, settling back against the cushions as if she were rely going to a festival. "Because, dear, when you seek shadows, you don’t search in sunlight. You search where darkness thrives. And in Greystone, darkness thrives splendidly."
"But wouldn’t the driver report?" Coral asked with worry.
"You worry too much child. He is my personal driver and he is loyal to only ." Cherry said leaning back into the plush velvet seat.
The journey was long, the scenery shifting from lush forests to barren fields, until finally, the carriage rattled into the crooked streets of Greystone.
The air slled of smoke and stale ale, the buildings leaning like tired old n, their shutters half broken.
Laughter and screams echoed faintly from alleyways, giving the town a restless, haunted energy.
The carriage stopped before a sprawling, half-decayed mansion. Its windows glowed dimly, and faint music drifted from within. The iron gate stood open, as though daring visitors to step inside.
Coral wrinkled her nose. "This place..."
Cherry stepped down gracefully, her cloak swirling. "Ah, ho away from ho." Her smile was sharp, her eyes gleaming. "Co, Coral. Let introduce you to an old friend."
The heavy wooden doors creaked as they entered.
The air was thick with perfu and smoke. Won in silken gowns and n with hungry eyes lingered in the corridors, laughter mingling with whispers.
At the end of the hall, a woman appeared, tall and striking. Her black hair glead under the lantern light, her lips painted a scandalous red. She wore a gown of erald satin that clung to her curves, her presence commanding the entire space.
"Cherry."
Her voice was husky, laden with mory and delight. She swept forward with open arms, her bangles jingling.
Before Coral could react, she pulled Cherry into a fierce embrace, holding her close.
When she finally pulled back, she cupped Cherry’s face, her fingers adorned with jeweled rings. "When I got your word, I nearly fainted. It has been so long. I thought I would never see you again."
Cherry’s smile softened, for a fleeting mont almost genuine. "Candy."
Before Coral could blink, Candy pressed her lips against Cherry’s in a kiss that lingered too long.
Coral gasped aloud, horrified.
Cherry rely tilted her head and allowed the kiss, then pulled back with a sly chuckle. Candy turned, catching Coral’s wide-eyed expression, and burst into laughter.
"Oh, look at her! What is this? So proper, so scandalized. She’s sweet." Candy said. "Where did you find her."
Cherry joined in the laughter, though hers was sharper. "She’s my niece. She will learn."
Coral’s cheeks burned crimson, her hands clenching in her skirts. "This is madness."
"Enough," Cherry snapped lightly, though amusent glittered in her eyes. "Co. Business before pleasure."
Candy smirked, linking her arm with Cherry’s. "Yes, yes. Follow ."
They walked down a dim corridor lined with doors, muffled voices and laughter spilling from within.
Coral kept her gaze fixed forward, trying to ignore the sinful sounds around her. Her skin crawled, yet Cherry walked with the ease of one perfectly at ho.
Sounds of n and won having sex could be heard all over.
At last, Candy pushed open a door that led to a lavish chamber, all velvet drapes and gold-trimd furniture.
Beyond the chamber, glass doors opened to a small balcony where sunlight spilled over a cluster of blooming flowers.
A girl stood there, her back to them, arranging a vase of roses.
Her hair was a rich brunette, cascading down her back in waves. She moved with a quiet grace, humming softly under her breath.
Candy’s lips curled as she gestured toward the balcony. "There she is."
Coral’s breath caught.
Even from behind, the girl radiated a beauty that was disarming, her figure slender, her posture elegant.
"Amara!" Candy called out.
The girl turned at once, her wide hazel eyes catching the light. Her face was delicate, almost angelic, her lips soft and pink.
She looked no older than Jasmine, yet her beauty was striking in a different way, polished, almost too perfect.
Cherry’s smile spread slowly, her gaze devouring the sight. She stepped forward, her voice dripping with satisfaction. "Oh, Candy... she is perfect."
Amara tilted her head, a flicker of curiosity crossing her face as she set the vase down. "You called for ?" Her voice was gentle, lodic, though it carried a faint undertone of weariness.
Candy’s eyes glowed with pride. "Amara, et Lady Cherry. An old... dear friend."
Cherry stepped closer, her gaze never wavering. "Amara," she repeated softly, tasting the na. "Yes. You will do wonderfully."
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