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rosesnink · 4 years ago

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The Cursed Heiress, Chapter 6: Chatting With The Demons

A/N: HihiHI! Guess what we have today? DOUBLE CHAPTER OF THE SERIESSSS!! I haven’t upated in forever because end of summer got me and I have been accepting that I’ll come back to high school in a hard academic year so my updates will be EVEN slower. Sorry 😭

Summary: Mr. Sinclaire’s dinner is a great chance at Joanna’s debut as a lady of Edgewater, but some secrets unfold and her allegiances are no longer the same.

Rating: R; Violence, minor character death.

Word Count: 14.371k. Perdona x existir 🤭😭😭😭

After arriving at the townhouse of London, Joanna glared at Mr. Marlcaster, who was still clutching the letter in his hands. Joanna fought not to hurl a portal to him and send him to the scariest place she knew: The Castle of Vlad in Prussia.

“You better explain yourself or I’ll—” She took a deep breath as she tried not to show what she desired to do right now.

“Why did you leave us stranded un London?” Miss Parsons demanded to know.

“It’s obvious that this is his bitter mother’s doing” Joanna guessed. “That goddamn snake… I’ll tear her apart” She cursed in Ancient Greek.

Briar gave Edmund an encouraging smile as he tried to choke a response. Joanna crossed her arms, still glaring at him like a raging inferno.

“Some kind of misunderstanding…”

“Misunderstanding, you say? You…” She took a deep breath as she tried not to crush him like a bug with one movement of her hand and said “…did only what your mother told you. It was never your intention to do such a horrible thing. She’s the one to blame.”

Mr. Marlcaster glanced at her and then at Briar who was still behind her.

“My mother wrote that the dowager countess made other arrangements.”

“And you believed her?” Miss Parsons asked.

“She’s my mother and the countess of Edgewater! It’s not my place to disobey her orders.”

And here one thinking that it was women who said that about men. Hmm, figures

“My father entrusted my safety to this household. What would you tell him, had my virtue been assaulted while we were lost?” Miss Parsons snapped. Joanna glanced at her, fascinated as she tried to hide her smirk.

“My apologies, Miss Parsons. I haven’t considered—” Of course you didn’t consider anything about us, just Mommy’s command.

“Feuds that last for generations started over less…”.

Miss Parsons flounces over the front door. Joanna follows suit, thinking of how she will put a guard spell around the house. It’d be more difficult.

As they reached the front door, out of Mr. Marlcaster’s sight, Miss Parsons doubled in giggles as Joanna shook her head, amused. She smiled to her as Miss Parsons said:

“Did you see his face?”.

“He is terrified of you” Joanna observed “I have to respect that. I like a woman that can terrify a man in any ways.”

“As he should! Did you see how he tried to worm out of taking any responsibility?”.

“I know. What a coward” Joanna scoffed “But I have to say… you are a very fascinating human being” She admitted, her hand caressing hers, sending electrical jolts to them both.

She smiled at her before a beautiful woman in a fine gown got into the carriage, thing that made Miss Parsons jump. Joanna looked at her quizzically.

“Oh! For a moment, I thought that was my sister. I should get going before she gets worried”.

Joanna nodded at her as she brushed her hand over hers.

“You don’t need to excuse yourself. Go to your sister, we’ll catch up later, alright?”.

She nodded before giving her a quick kiss on the cheek before heading down to the street. Joanna sighed as she noticed a shadow watching her and she clutched her well-hidden dagger, ready to attack… and got into the house, but again heard some grunts and slashes of… a sword! She dashed to the person and started to cast her special spell, hid in a corner, right with the stables at sight, took aim of the person and…

“Nikieto!” She sent the man against the wall, making the sword fall! She looked at the man and her eyes went wide!

“Mr. Harper?!”.

“I-You- That is to say—” He took in her hand and his eyes hit with knowledge “My suspicions were true”.

She moved her hand higher, glaring at him “Suspicions about what? Answer”.

“You are a witch, my lady”.

She curled lightly two of her fingers as she quirked an eyebrow.

“Are you going to report me for witchcraft?”.

“I would never do that!”.

She glared at him, holding her head high, remembering the lesson of Elias: never trust a mortal man who claims to know who you are and promises you to never betray you with no reason; those are the ones who then tell the mortal monarchs who they are and burn yet another sister alive.

“Tell me one reason why I shan’t get rid of you with a flock of my wrist”.

He looked at her, his gray eyes like a platinum storm in the high seas of her blue, a weather poem of battle against Zeus and Poseidon, colliding and creating a beautiful, groundbreaking verse of eternal war and never-ending chaos.

“Because I am one member of your world, Princess Joanna of Crochane, the grandest house of the Circle of Nefertiti. And if you need evidence, take a look at my sword and attires”.

She arched an eyebrow as with one metal spell, she called the sword to her and saw it better: made of fine golden silver, her own reflection on the sword and the script on it: I am Hysteria, from the same steel than Bowshadow and Torment, she who shall cut it all.

Joanna’s mind came to realization, as she lowered the man, who landed expertly on the ground, showing his ring

“You are a Nighthunter. One that belongs to one of the oldest Nighthunter families all over the world” She said, breathless.

“I am. Pleasure to finally meet the real you, Your Highness” He dropped on one knee, showing her the due respect.

“Get up and answer my questions, Nighthunter” She commanded.

He nodded as he faced her, now his face impassible

“How long have you been suspecting of my true identity?”.

“I was patrolling with your horse when I saw you, hands raised, casting a protective bar spell, amber magic through your finger, but thought I was hallucinating. The earl’s daughter couldn’t be a witch! They ought to hide in their interdimensional city, how could witches be interested in the human world when we guard it very well? I told myself I was delusional and soon erased that memory of me, but when you healed Clover… while you were casting that spell, you did not realize that all Nighthunter haves a necklace that detects powerful magic and started beating. Maybe you were a mere mortal aspiring to impress the witches. But then, I saw Duchess Nya in Edgewater, mentioning you and I realized who you were”.

“Have you told anyone this yet?”.

“Of course not! Not even your father knows about my suspicions, nor my second employment”.

“This one will sound rather odd, but did anyone pay you to have my head?”.

“What? No! My patron pays me to kill threats, not influential people like you! You are far above me and you’d crush me like a bug if I tried to take you down, Your Highness”.

“That’s good to hear. How many of you are left in England?”.

“Just my family and other two in Liverpool and Bath. We are rather rare to see”.

“Hm, I see. Your legacy is endangered, that’s why you came to the biggest city in the country”.

“To recruit people. My patron is a loyal Nighthunter supporter. He finances all my needs aside of Master of Horse of Edgewater”.

“Do you think…” She got close, now a step far of him, so close that she could smell his essence: steel and animal’s fur “that later in the future, whoever your patron is, could ally with me and help me with a grand favor?”.

“Depends on the matter. He does not involve in bloodshed or corrupt magic. He is a clean man”.

“No bloodshed or corrupt matter involved. I am looking for allies to help me battle and take down an assassin who is after me for a… gift I have. A duty he wants to stop”.

“Which is…?”.

She looked at him intensely to the eyes, now looking terrified

“Because I think I am a fivebrid. I own witch, vampire, faerie, wolf and human blood”.

As she returned back to the house, she heard the unfamiliar laughter in the other side of the room. She was quite surprised when she saw Briar with Mr. Marlcaster laughing and not just pretend!

“… Hah! I can’t believe you’ve never bought a meal before” He said.

“Where I lived, we always cooked and grew food ourselves” Briar replied, clearly proud of her accomplishments, as she should.

“Well, there are many bachelors in London without a wife to cook for them. The stores try to fill that need”.

Or maybe they could try to make it themselves? Last time I checked, cooking is not a man murderer, but again, mortal men are idiots.

“Then I hope they are all so lucky as to find a wife”.

If their bigotry allows it so.

She gives him a dimpled smile and Mr. Marlcaster’s face reddens as he looks away. His expression becomes somber “It is only lucky if it’s the right wife”.

He reached for Briar’s hand as Joanna coughed, an amusing expression on her face, making them both jump guiltily. Joanna tried not to smirk

“Uh… you can, ah, show Lady Joanna her rooms, Miss Daly. On the second floor”.

Briar curtsied and lifted her skirts with a flash slim of her ankle. Joanna nodded to herself, proud.

“Of course, sir”.

Mr. Marlcaster quickly left the room as the two women walked towards the stairs.

“My, my, Briar. I think our dear Mr. Marlcaster fancies you. I didn’t know he could feel more than obedience and pity for himself”.

Briar pulled her out of earshot “Do you really think he might?”

“Oh, he looks like a shy schoolboy admiring from afar his dear” Joanna teased.

“I know you’ve tried to be kind to him, Joanna, and he appreciates that. It’s just hard with the countess…”.

Twilight was already falling when Briar led Joanna to her room. She sat on the large bed as she breathed in the room. At long last she could rest! She smelled the essence of her bedroom as she caressed the sheets, warming them up. She thought for a moment that this would be one of the very peaceful moments while the assassin was still out, looking for her head, waiting for her to be vulnerable and strike, to end her forever. She grabbed her best friend’s hand and gave it a gentle caress. Briar knew what that meant. They had developed gestures when words couldn’t come out.

I am grateful to have you in my life.

“Do you really care for Mr. Marlcaster, then? What about Mr. Woods?” She asked, looking at her in the eyes. Briar was the only person whose Joanna never made a truth spell. She always told her the truth, she never lied to her. And yet, Joanna lied to her countless times…

“You know I like him. But it’s not like we have an… understanding with either of them. Mr. Marlcaster has just been kind of me. I feel bad for him, trapped between you and the countess…”

“You must be aware that he’s engaged to Miss Sutton”.

Briar sputtered “I’m not… We’re not… He’s far above me. It’s just a harmless flirtation”.

“Is it, though?” She asked, looking at her blue.

She looked at her before turning her attention to Joanna’s luggage.

“Briar—”

“Now, let’s get you unpacked. Mr. Sinclaire is having an ‘intimate dinner party’ tomorrow night, and your grandmother told me you must go to the tailor shop first thing in the morning and buy a new dress for it!”.

“Is it truly necessary?”.

“It is”.

Joanna groaned as she slumped in the bed, rolling her eyes. Great, leisure, her favorite thing in the world.

Later in the night, Joanna swore in her sleep that someone was watching her. She opened her eyes and grabbed her dagger, lunging at her victim! The vampire shrieked before composing himself and looked at her with eyes narrowed.

“Mr. Raines?!”

“I’m not here to harm you. Could you please remove your dagger from my throat?”.

“I’ll do it when I’m sure I’m safe with you here. What do you want?”.

He sighed before giving her a paper with a note scribbled in it.

Meet me at 4 am in the Regent’s Park. Wear something nice for the bachannalia. GA.

“I take that you’re my escort?”.

“I am”.

Minutes later, she was wearing a white dress that had a big V, covered with transparent fabric with diamonds on it, showing a bit of her ankles and hipbone with the same silk, the dress caressing her entire skin. Adrian nodded, impressed and offered her his arm. She took it with a sigh and they both went there.

When Joanna arrived, she looked around to see… no one there. Adrian looked around before approaching the lake and whispered to the water some safe word Joanna failed to hear despite her werewolf hearing. The water turned into a hole and he said “Ladies first”.

She arched an eyebrow before throwing herself to the water. The world spun for a moment before she arrived in an altern place where a lot of vampires were there, drinking, dancing and chatting while sipping blood. Adrian appeared behind her and whispered

“Gaius is now with one private matter, try to have a little… fun”.

Joanna looked around the party as she looked at the blood and grimaced, snapping her fingers to serve herself a cup of chocolate. She took a sip and smiled for a single moment before a handsome vampire appeared before her.

“Can I help you?”.

“Why, yes, yes you can. Would you grace me with a dance?”.

She tried to deny it, but she needed Gaius’s alliance beside her, so that meant dancing with that twat “Sure”.

He guided her to the ballroom, dancing a waltz as she tried not to vomit of pure disgust. He made a few exaggerated twirls and tried to kiss her, but she always refused politely. After the song faded, she found herself with Kamilah Sayeed.

“Your Majesty” She greeted her.

“Lady Joanna. Are you enjoying this party?”.

“Not my style, but is has its charm. How do you find London?”.

“Busy and dull. Nothing new over here. At least among mortals…” She gave her a glance, showing her interest in someone like Joanna.

“May I know why Gaius wants me here?”.

“I won’t spoil the surprise, but he is… quite fascinated with your powers”.

She nodded at her before sipping more of her self-refillable chocolate cup. She looked around the dancers and vampires, all of them enjoying their lives. She wondered how it could be for them to live in the night and sleep at the day. She wouldn’t bear it.

Kamilah looked on one way and smiled for a moment before whispering to Joanna, her essence on her nostrils “Gaius can see you now”.

She nodded as she dashed towards the man, who she bowed respectfully. He guided her towards the stairs of the mansion and could hear all kind of forbidden things: whispers, moans, giggles, untold secrets, even some use of necromancy. But her face was serious, one thing in mind. They entered in a study and Joanna sat in a chair as Gaius served himself some liquor. She grabbed one too, accepting his offer. He sat on his fine leather chair and smiled at her in a charming way.

“Joanna Mills, at long last I can talk to you without your grumpy chaperone. I take you came alone?”.

“Yes. Everyone else is sleeping as we speak”.

His charming smile curled up to his cheekbones, a pleased look on his face “Lovely. There are a few matters that we can speak without undesirable company”.

“Then do speak, Your Majesty” She crossed her leg to the other as she reclined on the chair, observing him.

“As you must’ve noticed, because I know you’re a clever girl, you have vampire blood in your veins and I think we could do wonders with it”.

“And I take you know whose blood it is and want something from me? What about me? What do I win?”.

His smile went wider as he leaned close to her, his words making a twist on her stomach “Haven’t you noticed, Joanna? It is my blood the one that runs in your veins” He grabbed her arm with a deadly movement and traced a finger over her veins “You and I are connected, Joanna. You are my offspring. Mine… and the whole royalty of the supernatural world. Afoot… and underwater”.

She jolted off her seat, her breath ragged, drawing her dagger, stepping back and slumping against the wall “No…”.

“Yes, child. Your blood makes you the most powerful creature alive. The ultimate unificator of all the kingdoms of the supernatural races that reign nowadays: vampires, witches, werewolves, humans, mermaids and faeries. You, my dear, are the Goddess of Peace.”

When she got out of the party -just when vampires started ripping off their clothes and fornicate with each other- she gazed at the moon and then at her hands. She felt it now. Like all those senses that were now heightened. She looked at the moon and saw it was full. She started walking, wondering if tell Elias or not when she felt her body bolt aggressively. She doubled in pain as a groan left her mouth, her knees buckling of pain. Her head jerked on one side and then to the other and then… felt it. She opened her eyes to feel her ambarine ones instead. She dropped on her knees, grunting and growling, each bone modifying to the new ones she’d feel all over the night. She stopped fighting for a moment and… opened again her eyes to see a whole new London. Everything was clearer, she could hear everything, smell everything, sense everything. She growled low as she paced on the streets, feeling powerful. She got up on one tree and roared, feeling the Queen of that stupid town. She felt how someone called her and turned to see.

Luke Harper on his Nighthunter attire, with a threatening sword and a magical aura was there, telling the beast to back off before he attacked. She tried coming closer, but he lifted the sword and sent her flying against one tree. Joanna growled before lunging at him, trying to speak to his mind to warn him, but didn’t seemed to work. She started running away to the Edgewater stables. Maybe he’d recognize her if she knew who she was. He followed her, sword at hand. When she finally was there, she tried to smell him but didn’t seem to work. This wasn’t looking good…

“You!” He cried out before a flash stabbed her chest and growled hard, slumping on the floor. The pain made her come back to normal but naked and grimaced

“I—What—”

She took the arrow and took it off her chest, moaning in pain. Then, she glared at him

“First of all: ow. Second of all…” She ran towards him with a deadly speed and punched him in the nose so hard, his nose made an awfully loud crack. He howled in pain as he clutched his injured nose and blood ran off his nose. He looked at her and then looked away, turning all pink

“My lady, could you please cover yourself? I shan’t see you in such a state”.

“My nakedness is the last thing I care about” She hissed.

“Countess Henrietta… she’ll find out. She has ears everywhere—”.

“Hello? Is someone there?” Mr. Woods called.

She looked at him, got her nightgown on with a snap of her fingers and ran away off the scene, slumping on her bed and pretending to be asleep. The door flew wide open as Countess Henrietta pointed with a finger to her bed.

“See? She’s not on her bed! I bet she is with another—”.

She faked a hoarse voice “You finish that sentence and I swear to God your tongue will be served as a soup” She snapped at her.

“Countess Henrietta, I cannot believe you woke me and my granddaughter at 5 in the morning with such false accusations about Lady Joanna leaving her bed at night just to see that is all false”.

It’s alright, grandma, you can say it’s bullshit.

“I saw with my own eyes that she wasn’t in her bed just a few minutes ago! She was off and—”

“Henrietta, keep your damn mouth shut! I’m trying to sleep, and so is the whole damn household” Joanna bitched at her “Now, if you’re done spreading harmless poison, I’ve got a beauty sleep to finish”.

“But I—”

“Get out… of my damn… bedroom. Now” She glared at her before her grandmother shooed the woman off the room and gave her an apologetic look. She groaned loudly as she closed her eyes.

My Goddess, you have no piety with me, do you now?

The next morning, Miss Sutton and Joanna browse through the tailor’s dresses as Joanna tries not to hit her head against the wall violently. Not because of the talkative lady, but the whole deal of dressing up for a stupid mortal.

“Oh, the first dinner of your debut! You must be nearly fainting”.

Trust me, I’m about to hurl myself to the sun and kill everyone in this damn room.

“I must confess I am rather… anxious about it. But I thought it was an intimate dinner… how many people will attend?” Even if I don’t give a damn…

“Well, my heavens, I don’t know. I’m sure Mr. Sinclaire would never invite less than twenty at his dinner parties…”.

She arched an eyebrow, clearly unimpressed “Twenty?” So, the man can befriend people without glare them to death. Impressive.

“You don’t seem impressed” Miss Sutton observed.

“I am truly not. Back where my mother used to live, the minimum of guests invited were 1000”.

“One thousand?! Wow, your mother did know many people”.

“Yes, she did. And she was well-respected and worshipped” Thing that you, disgusting rats cannot understand because of your small mind and archaic rules.

“That must’ve been overwhelming!”.

“It wasn’t. In my mother’s, er, 49 years she invited over 4000 people and had one of the most historical Birthday Bash ever. I was even made a portrait. I was by then 14. Here, look”.

The portrait showed a young Joanna. Suave features, her long, red hair down, a gold gown that showed her shoulders and made a wave over her barely noticeable breasts, a long sword lunging left, her lips red and abundant, slightly parted and an ambarine aura around her.

“Wow, the detail is incredible! It’s like I could see the scene myself! My lady, you look absolutely beautiful for being such a young age!”

She smirked at her as she gave her a knowing look “That was my debut in her city”.

Theresa’s expression looked glum “I remember my debut. My mama must have told me a hundred times not to talk too much, but of course I couldn’t help myself. But it didn’t matter. That year the eldest Holloway sister was making her debut too. None of the men even looked at me”.

Joanna placed a comforting hand on her shoulder and caressed it lightly, looking at her with a meaningful sorrow “I feel so bad for you. Truly. Men don’t deserve you. They’re all fools with no true wills and standards. I see nothing wrong with talking. It is how humans communicate, how they fall in love and find connections. You shouldn’t be ashamed of such a talent like easy talking, it will take you far. You just… need some tricks to have them begging for you to dedicate your words to them” She smirked at her knowingly.

She took her hands in hers, looking at her like some savior “You would do that? Truly?”.

“We are to become sisters… it’s the least I could do”.

“Well… when Mr. Marlcaster and I made a match, my mama could hardly believe it! I mean, he’s barely gentry on his father’s side, but his mother’s a countess!” For heaven’s sake, this talk of titles and power again? I was starting to take a like to you! “And then when poor Harry passed away there were talks of Mr. Marlcaster inheriting, we just—” Miss Sutton’s stream of words stopped abruptly as she looked at the woman before her. “Um, I mean, he won’t be inheriting, so… My word, here we are, shopping gowns for your debut… See anything you like?” It’s not like I care.

“I can’t decide” She said, trying to hide her sarcasm.

“Oooh! This one would look marvelous on you!” She beamed. She tried not to roll her eyes and took a closer look to the gown in question. She pulled out a silk gown in a rich wine color, then looked at it happily “Just look at that décolletage! You will be turning heads with it!” She thrusted the dress in her hands “Try it on. It’ll never look beautiful on me, but I know a beautiful dress when I see one”.

She shrugged as she tried it on and tested the silk on her hands, nodding to herself.

“Oh, Miss Joanna… Lady Joanna, you look positively regal”.

“Red is my color, isn’t it?”.

“What I wouldn’t give to look like you. Why, I’ll bet even wearing homespun, you were always the prettiest lady in the village”.

That night, at Mr. Sinclaire’s townhouse, Elias asked her again the same damn questions.

“You’ve got the throwing knives?”.

“Yes”.

“And the little axe?”.

“Yes—”.

“And the—”.

“I said I’ve got everything!” She yelled at him, making him jolt in surprise as she glared at him in Ancient Greek, like the check-in of weapons he made so her chaperones weren’t aware of their schemes.

She took a look at Mr. Sinclaire’s house, lightly impressed “Not bad…”.

“The man’s got taste” Elias admitted.

“Mr. Marlcaster, Miss Sutton… Lady Joanna and Mr…?”

“Bernhill. Elias Bernhill”.

“Right, Mr. Bernhill. Please be welcome”.

I always forget what a grand house you have, Mr. Sinclaire! It’s a shame that you don’t entertain often”.

If he did, he’d shoot himself on the head, I’m telling you.

“Your house is quite impressive, even though the architecture is a bit, and no offense, debatable”.

“It was built long ago and without my help, so I can take little credit of it, so no offense taken”.

“That is quite fair enough. I too feel a bit uncomfortable when people preach my mother’s natal city estate. It was all our ancestors’ doing, which it just reveal a quite better taste that I could’ve suggested”.

“I am pleased to know that we think the same. I prefer a compliment of my own achievements and not what I own”.

She smiled at him shortly before looking at Elias, who was studying the street. She nudged him before Mr. Sinclaire held the door open for them. Joanna followed Mr. Marlcaster and Miss Sutton inside as Elias took a last glance to the street.

“You look quite the… sophisticate this evening, Lady Joanna. Red suits you”.

“I’d dare to say that red is my color” She smirked at him.

Before he can answer, a young woman approaches and seizes Mr. Sinclaire’s arm.

“Mr. Sinclaire! I couldn’t imagine where’d you disappeared to! You mustn’t abandon me like that!”.

Joanna tried not to roll her eyes. Really? That low self-respect you had over yourself? There are less stupid ways to flirt with a man.

The woman’s eyes flicked over her, but her attention was over Mr. Sinclaire. For once, Joanna felt bad instead of annoyed by him.

“I was hardly outside for a moment. What could you have imagined would have happened?”.

You could reconsider your pathetic way to keep a man’s attention, a poltergeist could make you shriek, you could show some respect to yourself… the possibilities are endless!

“But here I was expecting an entire evening in your company! Every short moment of is a tragedy”.

Mr. Sinclaire gently removes his arm from her grasp.

“Miss Holloway, may I present you Lady Joanna of Edgewater? Lady Joanna, Miss Felicity Holloway”.

Can’t say I’m pleased.

“I’m… pleased to meet you, Miss Holloway” She said nevertheless.

“The earl’s natural daughter? I have to say I’m impressed. I had expected someone with less… expensive tastes” Oh, honey, I am more expensive than your papa’s riches and mine’s together in 50.000 million of years.

“… I’ll take that as a compliment” Even if she wanted to slap her so hard in the face that she would never open her petulant mouth. Not even in her own death bed.

“The dress does suit her, does it not?” Mr. Sinclaire commented.

“Thank you, Mr. Sinclaire, although I can hardly say I picked it myself. I had the excellent expertise of Miss Sutton. She may have… persuaded me to try it on. She, too, deserves some credit” She said as she smiled at Miss Sutton, who seemed to hear her. She seemed to be surprised but smiled back at her.

Miss Holloway’s lips curled as she looked at her dress and then to Joanna’s.

“Your father’s announcement quite shocked everyone, Lady Joanna. Is that not right, Mr. Sinclaire?”.

Mr. Sinclaire didn’t answer, his eyes were still on her.

“I have to let you know that my father didn’t want to shock anyone. After Harry’s death, it was imperative that Edgewater had an heir”.

“Well, it was quite brave of him to trust your mother’s claim. A child born twenty years ago… the father could be anyone”.

Joanna glared at her, obliging her to look at her fiery eyes as she hissed

“Don’t go through that path, Miss Holloway. My mother was many things, but she was faithful and loyal to her people, thing that you bunch of weak, narrow-minded snipers could say. I am both my mother and father’s daughter. Nod if you understand” She used hypnotic magic to make her obey, her gaze intense on hers.

Her hand trembled as she nodded, fighting it slightly. She smirked devilishly at her, a smug smile on her face “I am glad that we agree in these terms, miss”.

“…A pity he married someone else. Do you not think, Mr. Sinclaire?... Mr. Sinclaire?”

Mr. Sinclaire’s eyes finally tore away from hers. He shook his head, clearly not have heard a word. Joanna tried not to chuckle, keeping her expressionless face “My apologies. I was…”.

“For the way you were staring, sir, I’d say that you want a portrait or something. All you need is ask” She taunted him, a finger running on his, making him shudder.

“Ahem. It’s like the poet says, is it not? The clouds that gather round the setting sun, do take a sober colouring from an eye. That hath kept watch o’er man’s mortality. Another race hath been and another palms are won…”.

Joanna quirked an eyebrow. What was she doing?

“How did that one end again, Lady Joanna?”

She sighed as she looked at her dead in the eye, a look of superiority on her gaze as she recited with an hypnotic voice, reading her mind “Thanks to the human heart by which we leave, thanks to its tenderness, its joy, and fears…” She winked at her as she huffed and Mr. Sinclaire seemed impressed “I may have been raised in a small village, but this one had an actual library. Ever heard of them, Miss Holloway?” She challenged the woman, a deadly smile on her face.

“…To the meanest flower that blows can give thoughts that often lie too deep for tears” Finished Mr. Sinclaire.

“My thoughts exactly” She smiled at him charmingly, showing her pearl teeth, licking them slowly. Mr. Sinclaire’s ears turned pink and she looked back at Miss Holloway as she mouthed “Nice try, snake”.

She glared at her and she held the gaze, far more intimidating than she could ever be. She composed herself as she said coolly “It is quite impressive that Lady Joanna knows the basics of Wordsmith, is it not?”.

“Quoting the thoughts of a better man shows nothing of one’s intellect, Miss Holloway” Mr. Sinclaire glared at her.

“That, and I have nothing to prove to a complete stranger like you. Nor anyone I do not please for that matter. I have better things to do in this life”

Miss Holloway’s jaw dropped at her snap as she moved her head in a significance that she meant what she said. She sputtered before huffing. She gives a tight nod.

“Just so. If you’ll excuse me, I see… someone over there…” She sputtered, clearly embarrassed.

Mr. Sinclaire and Joanna were left alone in the shy group of dinner guests. With nothing better to do, she followed him towards the kitchens.

“Mr. Sinclaire, while it was quite… thoughtful to defend me, I had it under control. I may be a lady in distress, but I can hold my own” She crossed her arms over her chest, signaling him how displeased she was.

“I am well aware that you need no one’s help to come to rescue you, Lady Joanna”.

“And yet, you jumped to defend me. May I know why, despite your awareness?” She demanded to know, her fiery turquoise eyes colliding against his ocean eyes, a tempest of two different seas uniting into one for a second.

He looked away “I cannot bear pretension. That is Mr. Wordsworth’s work to take pride in, not Miss Holloway’s”.

“Hm. I see” She paused for a second before looking at him again “Still… thank you for not taking her part. I cannot say that of many people here tonight”.

Mr. Sinclaire reached down, his hand brushing past Joanna’s skirts as he pulled a book out of the self. Joanna arched an eyebrow to him, wondering what he was pretending now.

“Personally, I find Wordsworth a tad… overwrought. I prefer the classics”.

“Can’t fail with one of those when it comes to become a person of wiles” Pointed Joanna.

He opened the book to an earmarked selection. She examined the heading. She snorted as she smirked “Shakespeare’s Sonnets”.

“Should you wish to expand your knowledge… Even if it’s already impressive… and save yourself for any need of assistance from the likes of Miss Holloway…”.

She caressed the book, feeling the whispers of the author running down the pages, the sound of the scribbles, the tears, the passion, the heartbreak, the yearning… He offered her the book. As she took it from him, their fingers brushed for a slight second, feeling jolts and tickles, Joanna’s pulse quickening for a mere second. She opened one random page, clearing her throat “Shall I compare thee to a summer day? Thou art more lovely and more temperate” She recited.

“Rough winds do shake the darling buds of May, and summer’s lease hath all to short date” He continued.

She smiled at him, a true and unusual smile of hers as they recited the sonnets together, in a beautiful, unhurried and peaceful rhythm, their souls colliding for a second as their minds connected through the language of love. She could hear his heart race, how he felt the similar sentiments.

“I would have never guessed you like to read love poetry” She teased him.

“It’s Shakespeare, not the romance. I like the beauty of the language…”.

“Which is the language of love, in case you haven’t noticed”.

Mr. Sinclaire chokes in a laugh “Keep it to yourself, Lady Joanna. I have a reputation to maintain”.

“A reputation of a bore who haves the heart of steel and iron, with an inaccessible personality and doesn’t let people in?” She teased again.

“Just so” He concorded.

He gave her a tight smile as he closed the book, the worn leather as soft as his hands “Enjoy the book”.

“I’ll do my best”.

The bell rang suddenly, calling the guests to come in to dinner. People began to line up in pairs of two-and-two, one man for each woman. Mr. Sinclaire was at the front.

“Excuse me. I should be next to Mr. Sinclaire! As the legitimate daughter of a viscount, I am the ranking lady here tonight”.

Joanna scoffed “Go ahead. Even if I outrank you in many ways, but I don’t really want to take your place”.

“Because you are not used to such privilege of sitting beside the host?”.

“That and I’m usually the ranking host and head of the table” She smirked at her, making people whisper and leaving her bickering to the floor in one tackle “And without a man’s help”.

Miss Holloway scowled at her as Joanna rolled her eyes. Of course she wouldn’t sit beside him, for she was more used to be the lead of the desk. She was taught to don’t let a man make her feel less. Elias gave her an approving nod as he offered her his arm. She went to grab it when suddenly, the door flew open! Everyone swiveled around to see…

Oh great. The guest of honor that no one wants.

“Oh, good. Someone of quality, at last” Miss Holloway commented.

Oh, if she knew who I am… She’d be sobbing in a corner for daring to insult me, that spoiled brat.

“My apologies for the late arrival. But I just heard about the party” Duke Richards said.

Joanna crossed her arms, glaring at him. She glanced at Mr. Sinclaire, whose face has become rigid with fury, and she couldn’t blame him. That man was an imbecile.

“I do not remember issuing you an invitation, Your Grace” Good for you.

Joanna jumped to his defense “It is natural that if no one invites you to its party, it is clear that you’re not welcome here”.

“Then it’s fortunate for me that you would never be so improper as to ask your social betters to leave once they come to call”.

Joanna faced him “I’m sorry, but what part of ‘you’re not welcome here’ don’t you get? Be proper enough to respect the decision of his to not invite you to his party and have some manners, that is if you can spell it without panting”.

Some people gasped and whispered as Mr. Sinclaire looked at her, surprised that she spoke to him like that. Duke Richards glared at her for a moment before striding confidently past Mr. Sinclaire, elbowing aside to offer his arm to Miss Holloway. Then, he turned to look at Joanna. But she was looking at Mr. Sinclaire “Do something, it’s your house!” She mouthed at him.

“Ah, Lady Joanna, it is so good to see you!”.

“I can hardly say the same. I am everything but pleased to see you” She snapped at him.

Elias smirked at her, giving his approval “Tear him apart like you do” He mouthed.

“That dress is stunning. You lack only a husband of sufficient wealth to drape that neck of diamonds”.

She pouted teasingly “Pity that I don’t want a husband. And this lady can buy her own diamonds without a man’s help”.

Elias choked a laugh as he looked at her with pride, nodding to himself.

The duke seems offended by her words, but quickly regains composture and takes a hand to give it a lingering kiss, but she casts a deaf spell that involves a new source of magic: electricity. He winces as she tries not to smirk. Despite of the pain, he smiles to the room.

“The new Lady of Edgewater and I are already intimate acquaintances”.

She let out a low laugh “If being delusional and trying too hard to get to my skirts is intimacy for you, that is…”.

Elias let a low laugh as the duke reddened, but tried to regain some dignity. Mr. Sinclaire observed her, not believing with such ease she humiliated him.

“I suppose meeting me was hardly your most memorable part of that night”.

“Keep saying that to yourself…”.

“Dinner is served!” Mr. Sinclaire called.

At Mr. Sinclaire’s curt signal, the servants throw the door open to the dining hall. The smell of roasted meat -like Duke Richards would be at the end of the night- drifted out. Elias guided her to Mr. Sinclaire “Convince the man of the house to throw that man out of here. I have an urgent errand to do”.

She nodded as she walked towards Mr. Sinclaire. He looked at her quizzically “And your escort?”.

“He has a matter to attend. He will be here soon. He wants you to escort me”.

Mr. Sinclaire tucked her hand on his arm “It seems like we are to walk together after all…”.

“Do I smell disappoint on you?”.

“I was about to say the same”.

She caressed his forearm, reassuring him “Don’t worry about me. Of all people, you’re the only one I don’t mind to walk with. And the one I can tolerate the most”.

They walked into the room, where a long table was set with porcelain and silver. Small, calligraphed place cards sat on each plate. Joanna breathed on as she remembered the gatherings of her birthday back when this nobility nonsense was just a daydream to giggle about.

“Enjoy your meal, Lady Joanna”.

He walked to the head of the table, leaving her alone with Duke Richards, looking at the place cards.

“Good evening, Miss… Lady Joanna? I believe you’re between me and Mr. Marlcaster. Mr. Bartholomew Chambers, at your service”.

She looked at the man. He seemed kind, with a relaxing, trusting aura. She gave him a friendly smile and extended her hand for him to kiss it and he took the hint “A pleasure”.

“I am overwhelmed by the honor of meeting this year’s most eligible young lady during her first appearance in society”.

“Don’t be, sir. I hardly bite unless necessary” She winked.

He let out a chuckle.

“Your dress is quite fine this evening. Real Chinese silk?”.

“Correct, sir. I feel like home wearing it”.

“You used to wear this kind of silk back at home?”.

“My mother’s home to be exact. Even in her condition, some influential people were on her side. Every birthday of mine, I’d wear this silk with some other color, with light around, illuminating the salon in gold…” She smiled wide at the memory “I have one portrait of each birthday”.

“Truly lovely. And how do you find your debut?”.

“Eventful”.

“Indeed” He chuckled.

Duke Richards shoulders past Mr. Chambers. Joanna glares at him again.

“Why, Sinclaire, I’m hurt. I don’t see a place set for me” He pouted.

“A pity. That’ll teach you next time you come to an event uninvited” Joanna pouted back playfully, smirking at him.

Mr. Sinclaire’s brows knit, but his voice remains level “I concord with the lady. We hardly had time to accommodate you”.

“With a gun in their heads, I’m sure” She whispered to Mr. Chambers. He tried not to giggle.

“Unfortunately, that leave us with an uneven number of men and women. Quite unacceptable…”.

“Oh, I do wonder what could’ve caused this, indeed” Joanna sassed. Mr. Chambers made an effort not to laugh. Duke Richards gave her a wary look.

The duke’s gaze lands on Mr. Chambers. Joanna takes the hint and places herself between them, shielding the man “Do not try it” She warned him.

But the duke ignored her nevertheless “Perhaps Mr. Chambers can give us his seat. I’m sure he wouldn’t mind moving to sit between two men, hah!”.

“Keep dreaming. Mr. Chambers will sit with me and you will be the one between two men, because that is what Mr. Sinclaire, the owner of the house says, in case you forgot who is in charge. Am I wrong, sir?”.

She looked at Mr. Sinclaire, arching an eyebrow. She knew that he was aware that she was right.

Mr. Chambers flushes, but looks at Joanna grateful for coming to his defense.

“Duke Richards, I have to let you know some things: you dare to come here uninvited, humiliate the man of the house and think you’ve got the right? For what? Some stupid title? Hm? Money? Do you really think they make you better?” She approached him in a deadly way, her gloved hand protective over Mr. Chambers “Let me tell you one thing: you are not some God, Your Grace. Despite the money and the title, you are a man. A man in another’s man property who haves all the power to tell you what to do, because a man in his own house is a king, which means he can do as he pleases with his guests, just like I know you do in yours. Now, show some respect to him. He let you stay with a billion reasons to kick you out, would you? Oh, and one more thing…” She whispered in his ear, a deadly finger on his chest “I’ve met men like you, and I saw them all bathed in glory and money to end up dying in the most pathetic, humiliating way, followed by the will of the Gods. Do not play to be a God, you will end up badly”.

She separated herself from him, his gaze stunned by her sudden confidence and behavior and looked at Mr. Sinclaire “Let the owner decide. We will follow your… request, or we will follow the rules he has set?”.

They both looked at the man there, expecting an answer. He seemed to meditate before giving her an apologizing look and said “We shall take in Duke Richards request”.

She shook her head, not believing the lack of courage to tell him off. Duke Richards smiled sinisterly and she held her head high, huffing at Mr. Sinclaire.

“Thank you for defending me, my lady. I feel truly honored. But if His Grace requires my seat, he only needs to ask. I will seat at the other end” He said, glumly.

“Good, get out of here. You are a waste—”

“End the sentence. I dare you” She hissed at him.

They glared at each other, holding their gazes high as he broke it. Her gaze was fiercer than he could ever.

“That is hardly an appropriate way to address my guests!” Mr. Sinclaire sided with her.

“It’s quite alright, sir. I don’t mind moving”.

“Mr. Chambers, you mustn’t let him bully you like that!” Joanna pleaded.

Mr. Chambers shook his head with a glance at the duke. Then, he kissed her hand and left.

A fire came through Joanna’s veins as she gave the duke a lethal glare, as cold as an iceberg “You fucking waste of humanity!” She cursed in Ancient Greek, curling her palms into fists, producing a cold breeze, her breath ragged. She thought to leave the dinner, but Mr. Sinclaire wouldn’t be able to defend himself and she couldn’t leave without Elias. Alas, that’d mean that Duke Richards would’ve won, and she wouldn’t let him. Under her dead body she’d let a waste of humanity of weak bones and smelly aura win her, Joanna Mills, Princess of Crochane. She approached her seat as she glared to the duke with an icing gaze, sitting on the desk, all her body tense. The duke sat coolly and looked at him, then scowled at him and focused on the plate.

“You have won the battle, but not the war” She whispered in Arabic.

“Do you ever speak English, dear?”.

“Only when I want to and with whom I please. And I have a name, a beautiful one I’d say. Do me the favor to use it”.

At the other end of the table, servants scrambled to lay an extra place setting for Mr. Chambers, sitting next to a bearded man.

“My pardon for the intrusion”.

The man answered with an accented English. Ottoman, she guessed.

“It is no trouble at all, my lord” He smiled.

The men’s eyes met as Mr. Chambers sat, pulling his chair close. She smiled at them.

Good for him.

“You cannot possibly be mad at me for the rest of the night” The duke said.

“Watch me” She replied, not even looking at him.

“What I could possibly do to gain your forgiveness?” He asked.

Leaving and never ever coming near me.

“It is not me who you should apologize. And I know that you know who you should apologize, but you will never do it because you lack of empathy, and that is a reason to repudiate a man for me”.

He leaned closer as he asked “And what shall a man do to win you over, my lady?”.

She finally looked at him and smirked “The contrary things you do” Then, she turned her attention to the dish and sniffed it, a pleased smile spreading over her face.

She takes out a fan and places it over the desk. She knew that Duke Richards wouldn’t leave her alone, so at least she’d be ready.

“You are truly a vision tonight, Lady Joanna. It is truly hard to picture you anywhere but a grand estate”.

“And what is Edgewater then? A decorative, good looking house?” She sassed him.

“Hah! You’re as clever as you’re beautiful”.

Ew. Ew ew ew ew.

“Is that all I am? A beautiful object for you to look at, with ridiculously fancy clothes then? Is that what women are to you?” She arched an eyebrow to him.

“Clothes are only clothes, my lady. Your charm and grace go much further”.

“Ha! A woman’s more capable than charm men and look pretty, but none of you are ready for this conversation” She defied him “I have more in store than wits and good looks”.

Her fingers brushed against the fan as she remembered her grandmother’s stupid lessons. With her movement, she indicated him ‘I don’t trust you’. The duke’s eyes narrowed towards her. Then, he laughed “And you’re too wise to trust an old man’s flattery, eh, Lady Joanna?”.

Last time I checked, it got many of my sisters burnt, raped, beaten up and pregnant in the streets.

She brushed her fan against the right cheek, signaling agreement.

“I’m not an idiot. I know better than a complete stranger telling me pretty things and it never ends well”.

Everyone sips their soups as the servants quietly prepare the main course. Joanna’s eyes drifted to the head of the table, where Miss Holloway hanged on Mr. Sinclaire. Joanna grimaces at the image, shaking her head. Poor woman, the lack of self-love she had.

“…So clever, Mr. Sinclaire. I could never think of half of what you—”

That’s because men never let you. They shit in their pants when they see a smarter woman than them and accuse them of witchcraft because they’re all cowards in the end.

The duke landed a hand on hers, claiming for her attention. She removed it quickly.

“What?”.

“So… I can’t imagine your father had much time to show you the workings of Edgewater?”.

“Not as much as I would like, Your Grace” Please someone get this twat off my sight.

Mr. Marlcaster spoke eagerly on the other side “I have worked with the earl on the estate quite a bit—”.

“And how are you enjoying London?” The duke continues over him.

Joanna glares at him “Hey! Do not interrupt Mr. Marlcaster while he speaks! I wanted to hear what experiences he had over my father” She turned her full attention to Mr. Marlcaster, flipping her hair backwards, colliding against Duke Richards “Keep talking, sir”.

“Oh! I-Well—”.

Duke Richards scowled as she looked how her stepbrother was too afraid of talking with a displeased duke and turned her attention back to the duke, glaring at her.

“London has been fascinating to see. Satisfied? Good.” She stabbed her fork against the meal, thing that startled many people, even the duke “Even though I am looking forward to see the opera house. My mother worked there as a healer and a singer. She did a great job coping with both of those jobs. And she aced both of them, medicine and singing” She smirked at him, rubbing it to his face.

The duke’s eyebrows shoot up as he politely covers his mouth with a napkin “I had not heard that. We all assumed that your mother was, well… not a singer and a doctor”.

“What? Do you have a problem with doctors and opera singers?” She defied him, a big smirk on her face, enjoying every minute of it.

“Of course not. I have seen many lovely performances, so I understand how they might… stir a man. And doctors! What, er, could we do without their knowledge and remedies?”.

“Right? My mother was a great match for him, indeed” Her smile grew wider.

“I saw the Marriage of Figaro at Covent Garden last year. I thought it very overrated—”.

“Ah, and tell me more about what do you wish to see at the opera, my lady?” he cut the poor man again.

“In which damn language I have to tell you to not interrupt my stepbrother?” She hissed at him “Mr. Marlcaster, what was it that left you cold about The Marriage of Figaro?”.

“Oh, uh, well, that is… I hear it’s better in the original German”.

“Indeed, I have seen it performed at Freihaus-Theatre auf der Weiden in Vienna. Absolutely stunning”.

Good for you, lad. You want me to clap or something?

“Yes, well, I have never been to Vienna…”.

The servants pilled up the table with platter after platter of steaming food. Red mullet with cardinal sauce. Marrow pate. Sweetbreads au jus. Joanna smiles as she remembers the banquets in the Circle with the Queen, how after eating she’d go sparring with Elias and laugh about tactics and bond over how idiotic men were.

“The amount of food reminds me of the trips to the city where my mother grew up. We’d eat until our stomachs would beg us to stop and then we would devour the books in the massive library”.

“I take your mother grew up elsewhere fancy?”.

“Something like that. But she was a humble woman. She barely called her servants but to cook and prepare the whole house for us”.

And you people cannot even dress yourselves without sputter or tremble.

Across the table, an old man heard her tale and turned to her in confusion “Who are you calling a fool?”.

“Um, excuse me?”.

Miss Sutton, sitting beside him, grabs his arm with a giggle. She speaks loudly into his ear trumpet “She said ‘food’ not ‘fool’, my lord!”

“Eh?”.

The deaf, the gross old man, the host with no balls and the helpless man, God, this looks like a ridiculous satire!

“Food, not fool!”.

“Oh, ho! In my day, a lady never offered a man food, my beauty”.

Yikes.

Miss Sutton simpered, then caught her eye from across the table “Oh, Lady Joanna, let me introduce you. This is the Viscount Westonly. My lord, Lady Joanna is making her debut!” She beamed.

The viscount peered at her, then broke into a board smile, sending a puff of foul breath in her direction “Nothing better than a girl in red silk in her debut. I met my last two wives at their London debuts, you know?”.

“That’s utterly disgusting! It’s hardly appropriate of a man your age chasing after young ladies like a lecher that cannot control his—”.

“Thomas’s family has sent a letter” Elias called. She bolted on her seat and by instinct she lunged after the person who said that, fork in hand. Elias stopped her hand a few inches away of him “It’s me, Joanna”.

The guests didn’t know what to take in: if her words to the viscount or the deadly speed which made them jolt in surprise. She lowered her improvised weapon and cleared her throat “Apologies. That was a reflect”.

“You’ve got lethal reflects then, my lady” Mr. Marlcaster commented, eyes wide.

“Oh, this one’s got some fire in her, for not begin with her flawless hair. Perhaps you’d like a spot as my number five?” Viscount Westonly smirked.

Joanna looked at him like he were some ghoul and tried not to puke as Duke Richards leaned close to her ear so the Viscount wouldn’t hear it “Shameless, isn’t he?”.

“A delusional buffoon is what he is. Does he really need a fifth wife? That helpless he is on his own he needs to punish the poor girls?” She scowled.

Duke Richards laughed loudly enough to draw attention from the Viscount.

“It does seem rather… optimistic to be chasing girls at his age. What would he do if he catches one?”.

“Oh, where do I even begin?” She snapped, slamming her hand on the desk, thing that made the whole table jolt in surprise.

“Joanna! I believe you’ll want to read the letter from Mrs. Coleman” Elias hissed in her ear, warning her, trying to stop a probable fight. She got up as she got away of prying eyes as she read the letter.

My dear Jo:

It brings me great joy to finally bury my boy, but it is so painful at the same time…

With him gone, I have hungry children to feed and while the amount for the funeral was generous, it’s bread for today and hunger for tomorrow. I will not ask more of you and I know you must be busy with the new life you have, so in gratefulness, I’m sending you some things that Thomas had in store for you. Most of them were things he made when you two were finally married, so it makes sense that you get those.

I hope I can still pen a word to you, for you are very dear to my family.

Yours truly,

Mrs. Anna Coleman

She smiled softly as she felt her shoulders less heavy. Her beloved was now resting in Heaven, unbothered and she was confident that her mother would take great care of him. She came back to the dinner, where Duke Richards smiled when he saw her.

As she sat up, Mr. Sinclaire walked over her and Duke Richards.

“Is everything to your satisfaction, my lady? Your Grace?” He asked politely.

She didn’t know why, but she felt a whole lot better now that he was around. She gave him a look as the duke spoke up “What are you doing over here, Sinclaire? Don’t you have guests to entertain?”

“Simply doing my duty as a host, Your Grace. Have you tried the plovers’ eggs? They’re my cook’s specialty”.

“I’m really more interested in the sweetmeats” He commented.

“I am well aware of your tastes” He glared at him.

“And you have always provided the choicest dishes”.

Joanna rolled her eyes as the lets out a loud groan, clearly annoyed by the two bickering men. The tension breaks slightly as both men look at the lady in surprise, as if they noticed she was there.

“You two really have an habit of barking at each other in front of me. I wonder when you will realize that showing who is a better man does not impress me at all. In fact, it annoys me entirely.” Joanna snapped at them, sending them two daggers with her eyes.

“I think Lady Joanna here is trying to set the dust between us. Were we making you uncomfortable, my dear?” Duke Richards said, clearly amused.

“Of course we were, and she has all the right to call us out”

“If you two were real gentlemen, you would stick your injured manhoods when the mere presence of the other is near you and let a lady enjoy a charming conversation, but since you two fail at that, the least you could do is go set your own testosterone where I cannot breathe it” She pointed the rather delicious food “The lady here is trying to enjoy the food in peace, since I cannot have silence or a peaceful event with you two attending” She gave a dirty look at both as they were taken aback by her sudden snaps, but regained composure.

Mr. Sinclaire gave her a small nod “Indeed...”.

Later, after dinner, Joanna was standing at the doorway of the living room, Duke Richards still beside her. She tries not to yell at him to leave her alone, for the sake of everyone and the crystals there.

“It’s been long since I have eaten that much in my life. Do you people usually consume all that food?”.

Before the duke can answer, Miss Holloway approaches the man, still hiding her face behind a fan. For once, she’s glad that she is here. At long last she can get rid of him!

“Your Grace, no one was expecting to see you tonight”.

“The season has hardly started. I found myself dreadfully short of entertainment”.

“Nice excuse, you still came here uninvited” She whispered to herself, rolling her eyes.

“Surely a man like you never need lack of company!”.

Don’t forget rudeness and ill mannerism.

As Miss Holloway fluttered her fan, she rolled her eyes and moved far away of them, finding Mr. Chambers. He is still with the man he was sat beside. She smiles at them both warmly.

“Lady Joanna. I am sorry for missing the chance to get to know you”.

“Do not fret, Mr. Chambers. We have a whole season ahead” She encouraged him.

“But not too sorry” The man beamed.

She let out a low laugh as she looked between the men and smiled to herself. Mr. Chambers silences him with a raised finger and a smile.

“I’m glad that you found a way to enjoy yourself. Truly” She beamed at them.

“My new friend, Mr. Yusuf Konevi. And this is Lady Joanna” He introduced both of them.

“A pleasure… More sherry, my lord?”.

“Excuse me”.

As the two men left, she turned to see Mr. Marlcaster standing alone, and looking rather forlon-looking just behind her. She approached him.

“When Harry was here, I never had to worry about who to talk to in a dinner like this one. He was always the center of every conversation” He said, glumly.

“He sounds like quite the charmer” She commented.

“He always knew exactly what to say”.

“Mr. Marlcaster… I’m so sorry. I know how it is to don’t have someone with such brightness in your life. My- acquaintance Thomas was always the one to do the talk” She clutched the ring in her hand “I never had to worry about to make conversation. He had that under control. He was the only man who could ever make me laugh until my stomach hurt”.

“The last dinner party I had in London, we were together. And I’m sorry to hear about your friend. You seemed to care for him dearly”.

“Tell me more about him. What was he like?”.

“Harry wasn’t afraid to walk up and introduce himself to the Prince Regent himself. It was so much easier to get along rather than with…” He stopped short as she shook her head.

“I get it. I’m not an easy person, I don’t blame you”.

“Now, I get tongue-tied and stammer like a fool in front of Duke Richards…”.

“It’s not your fault. He is a rude imbecile”.

“Harry used to call him the King of Braggarts” He smiled.

Joanna laughed, a musical sound making many people look at her as Mr. Marlcaster tilted his head to the side

“This might be the first time I see you laugh”.

“That bad is?” She teased.

“It’s just… it is so unlikely of you to laugh or smile—”.

“That doesn’t mean I cannot laugh of all sudden. I just like to smile or laugh when I feel it at heart”.

“Then I am glad that Harry’s nickname to Duke Richards made you laugh” He sighed “I tried my best to honor Harry by stepping into his role at Edgewater, but it will never be more than a reminder of how short I fall”.

“There are more things than a title of some estate. Maybe it’s time to shape yourself and make of yourself your own man, with no strings and that can do things by himself. For what he seems, he would have wanted you to be happy above all things”.

He was about to speak when a rather tipsy Miss Sutton stumbled towards her and her fiancé. She assures a strong arm around her, steading her.

“Mr. Marlcaster! I was looking all over for you!”.

Mr. Marlcaster gave her a slightly pained smile “Excuse me”.

As they left, Joanna noticed Mr. Sinclaire watching her from across the room. She approached him, a slight smirk on her face “The offer of a portrait to stare at is still up if you’d like” She teased him.

“Lady Joanna. A surprise to see you alone again. One began to wonder whether Duke Richards had staked a permanent claim”.

“That man cannot claim what will never be his. If I was with him, is just because I had no other option, but I can get rid of that twat with a movement of my wrist, I assure you. But I do wonder… Do you want me all to yourself instead, sir?” She leaned close, moving her neck just right to let him see the accentuated collarbone.

“Your grandmother would hardly approve you asking such an impertinent question”.

“And I’m sure she’d notice that you chose not to answer. Afraid that you’ll cast me away?”.

Mr. Sinclaire didn’t look at her, looking instead at the duke talking to Miss Sutton and Miss Holloway “I would hope any woman would consider herself safer with me than with His Grace”.

“Now this is starting to be concerning. What deadly sin he committed against you so you hate him so much?”.

Mr. Sinclaire took a deep breath “I will simply give you a warning. Duke Richards is not a suitable husband for you, whatever his title of power”.

Even if she was aware of that, the pain of his face was really concerning. She leaned even closer, looking at him in the eyes “Why do you care so much? What does it matter to you who I marry? Talk to me, sir”.

Mr. Sinclaire hesitated for a moment too long. Before he could answer, Miss Sutton’s nasal voice carries loudly from across the room.

“…Of course, Mr. Sinclaire used to be married, don’t you know? This was her house”.

Joanna and Mr. Sinclaire whipped around to see Miss Sutton talking to Miss Holloway in the pianoforte “Mr. Sinclaire?” Miss Holloway asked.

“Oh, my, yes. It was the talk of the town when she died of childbirth. She was such a pretty young thing”.

Mr. Sinclaire went livid, his lips forming a thin line “Excuse me. I forgot I had an… urgent errand”.

“Mr. Sinclaire, I want to say that I—” She started to say.

“My wife was dead to me long before”.

“Why?” She asked.

“Continue without me. I am hardly needed here anyway” He said glumly.

Without another word, Mr. Sinclaire turned on his heel and walked out to the front door. Mr. Chambers approached her with a concerned look “What happened?”.

“It all happened so fast… Miss Sutton mentioned his wife and then he…”

“Was overcome with grief?”.

“Apparently”.

“Still… It’s better if he’s not alone at a time like this. Perhaps you should go after him and make sure he is alright…” He suggested.

She bit the back of her mouth, weighing her options. She thought of Thomas and how lost she was, how alone she was in this. Losing a beloved at the age of 18 was something horrible. Maybe she was the one to ease his pain. She could’ve used someone with the same pain in those moments. She finally looked at Mr. Chambers “I will go to see if he needs anything”.

She headed outside the door to find Mr. Sinclaire on his own front steps, hands buried in his head.

Joanna sighed as she looked at the man knowingly. She chuckled bitterly as her fingers fidgeted with an engagement ring.

“I know the feeling. I also lost a beloved two years ago” She confessed.

Mr. Sinclaire looked at her, astonished by the news “Truly? You were engaged?”

“I was. And in my case, I loved him dearly, with a burning passion. He was so kind, giving, sweet, sometimes a bit mischievous, cheerful and hard-working” A bright smile spread all over her face “My Tommy never hated anyone. He was so... Positive, optimist and cheerful. He was never afraid of showing his emotions. He was braver than me in that aspect. We got engaged when we were 14. I was so happy...” She choked a sob as she remembered how he dropped on one knee and, shaking, he proposed to her in one of the Harvest Festival. She remembers saying yes many times and kissing him in front of everyone...

“He sounds like he was a great man. I'm truly sorry for your loss. Both of your losses. I was so focused on your status that I forgot you were in pain”.

She chuckled “Thank you. I guess...”

They were silent for a moment before he asked “How did someone so young died like that?”.

A burning rage came through her as her expression got dark, her jaw set tight “Murder. I couldn't save him. He– he died in my arms”.

Mr. Sinclaire's face softened as he looked at her eyes “I am terribly sorry. That must've been horrible for a lady like you”.

“I've seen plenty of times the cruelty of the man, and many were horrible, but murdering such an innocent, precious boy for no reason...” She turned her palm into a fist and greeted her teeth “That is the most horrible act I have witnessed. Leaving an innocent boy who has never done anything wrong in the cold, bleeding and in horrible pain...” She bit her lip, quivering, trying not to cry.

“I know how you must feel” He said, a somber expression on his face.

“The family couldn't even afford the funeral. After arriving to Edgewater, I sent them the money to do it. The funeral is due in two weeks”.

“That gesture of yours is very thoughtful. I am sure they'll be grateful, either you attend or not”.

“Everything back in Grovershire was so easy... I had a fiancé that loved me with all his being, I had my mom, I had a stable job, I had an honest friend and no one who was plotting to––” She stopped on her tracks as she took a deep breath “What I mean is... I had a plan ahead 5 years. I'd marry Thomas, it'd be all simple. We'd live in a cozy, comfortable cottage and do our humble work, maybe have a child or two... And they took it away from me. Without piety, without remorse. They took away the only thing I ever asked for and laughed in my face!” She snapped, making the ground shake lightly. Mr. Sinclaire jolted in surprise as he looked at her.

“You don't want to be an heiress?”

She looked at him in the eye as she murmured “I want to live in peace with my father and the people I love, heiress or not” She looked at him as she asked “And what about you? How did your marriage end?”.

“It turned out my… trust in her have been misplaced”.

“My God… I am truly sorry. I can only imagine the pain that caused you”.

“I just wish the people let her stay buried. Why they must always dredge up the old gossip?” He scoffed.

“What can I say? Mortals have nothing better to do in a party with their lives”.

He stood up and stalked to the other side of the garden. She followed him, giving him a pained smile “If it helps you, back in Grovershire I’m a ‘poor young widow’ with no one to take care of me, and I do not know which fame is more humiliating. The bastard heiress or the young widow”.

Mr. Sinclaire’s shoulders slumped as he looked at her “It must be difficult for you”.

She laughed bitterly “People I care about tend to die sooner or later”.

Mr. Sinclaire gave her a pained look “That’s not true. Your father is still here, isn’t he?”.

“But for how long?” She mumbled.

“You aren’t aware yet, but… there are people who want you here, Joanna, despite everything.” He said, of all sudden. He realized he used her birth name and flushed.

“What do you mean, sir?” She leaned closer to him, staring at his eyes. Her heart thumped in her chest, with the speed of a hummingbird’s heartbeat and thought to herself.

Does he mean what I think he means or has my vanity really grown?

He was about to reply when she shook her head and looked at him “Gee, I should comfort you, not tell you my sad life. Back to the gossip, you did invite Miss Sutton. What did you expect of her, to be fair?”.

“I… suppose I did set myself up”.

“You let a pistol ready to be fired in your table, sir”.

“And unfortunately, it fired itself” He chuckled.

She smiled at him- a true smile- and their eyes found each other.

“Your smile… it might be the first time I see it”.

“Why is everyone saying that tonight? So obsessed with women smiling like idiots, for the Goddess’s sake!” They chuckled as she added “Despite the disaster, she was excited to come. You did an act of kindness including her”.

“If it were not for my obligation, I would never host another party”.

“Why do you humans like to hurt yourselves for the appearances’ sakes? Who cares about three bitter people when you’re happy with yourself? I will never get it. Even though… you made a lovely party tonight despite the twat that was trailing behind me like he were some hungry dog. I had a… pleasant time”.

Their eyes met and she felt a bolt in her neck, biting her lip.

“Then it has not been a wasted effort” He smiled at her.

“You should try to enjoy yourself despite what the others whisper. You own the house and the stories about you, the truth lies in your hands. What else do you want? The less you care for the other’s opinions, the happier you are. It works, trust me”.

“I know, but these events are hardly for the host’s enjoyment”.

“Back in my mother’s town, it’s the opposite. The host owns and enjoys itself the most. It’s all about what they command. I know that because I have co-hosted events of my birthday with my mother” She smiled and showed him a portrait of her, lifted by many hosts on her 17th birthday, a silver gown that showed off her shoulders and made a coquette swerve around her chest, showing a bit more of her breasts and her hair down, a red cascade of fire. Mr. Sinclaire caresses the portrait “This is a fine portrait and I think you look stunning and having a great time. Apologies for my behavior. There’s something about being in London that sets me on edge”.

“I know the feeling. I haven’t slept properly since I arrived in here” Someone’s after my head, of course I don’t sleep.

He set his hand on the wrought-iron railing, looking out at the streets of stunning townhouses around them “When I was a child, my father used to take me to visit all his tenants. I always loved the way they come out to greet us, and bow to him, and call me ‘young sir’”.

“I bet even in such a young age, you were the most proper little gentleman”.

“I thought they treated us like that because they respected my father. I thought they agreed with me that he was the most important man in the world. And then he brought me to London”.

“And you realized that the world is wider than that little tale of yours” She finished.

He nodded, walking with sharp steps back towards the house as a burst of laughter and applause came from the window. Miss Holloway was singing a rather lovely song inside, apparently.

“And I saw that in London, my father, the most important man in the world, was just a rich squire with no title. And I realized how little I knew about the world and… how little I was in the world”.

“Maybe you’re not so little. Maybe destiny has sent you something that will change your life and the world’s forever. Maybe… despite being little now… you’re destinated to be grand” She said of all sudden, her eyes connecting with his.

“What do you mean?” He asked.

“The thing is�� Mr. Sinclaire, I—”.

She stopped short. No, this wasn’t the time.

“Here in London we are whose the others define us” His face fell “You should have stayed in your village, my lady. You might have been happy there”.

She stepped close to him, her gloved hand caressing his “I wouldn’t have met any of you. I would go against my destiny and reason to be alive”.

“Which is…?”.

“I won’t say it so slightly, but… perhaps in a close future. Do not doubt my word”.

“Not you. Only the generosity of my peers”.

“For every Countess Henrietta as an obstacle, I have a friend like Miss Parsons here to help me out and who was won my tenderness already”.

“Then you are fortunate indeed” He smiled.

“I have found few friends among society who would not push me down if it meant they could climb over me to their own success”.

“Better have the truest than the cruelest. If I had stayed in Grovershire, I don’t think I could have ever met such a fascinating man like you. I wonder if you wish I were that maid on the side of the road as you ride past unseeing?”.

He took his hand in hers. It was a cold night, but it warmed her nevertheless “It is hard to imagine riding past you again”.

Their eyes met, his hand raising to her cheek, giving her a gentle touch that made her shiver, her lips parting slightly.

“I noticed you then” She confessed.

She leaned on his caress, resting her head on his arm, smelling the essence of woodsmoke and cologne on his clothes.

“That day in Grovershire, I never imagined my life could ever change that much. That I’d stand with people like you, talking like equals”.

“Equals is perhaps generous” He commented “I came out here like a petulant child and you had the superior grace and kindness to come after me”.

“I hope I have given you the needed comfort”.

They heard some voices from the inside. Someone was calling for Mr. Sinclaire. He gave her an apologetic look.

“You have. More than you know. And you have reminded me that I am still in position to make this a joyous debut for you. Shall we go in?”.

She is about to take his hand when she heard whispers calling for her, a corrupt darkness in there, out in that street “Um, give me five minutes. I promise I’ll be there in five”.

“My lady—”.

But she rushed him in and closed the door. She made a quick spell so no one could get in or out without her permission and went down to face the person who dared to disturb her debut.

Her eyes went wide!

It was the boy that Elias introduced her to train with… but different. Corrupted, evil and lethal.

“Joanna… Come out and play…”.

“Alright, you son of a bitch”.

She snapped her fingers and a charm appeared in the windows so they could just see two people argue. The boy came closer to her, laughing maniacally. She shook her head from the left to the right, showing her panther claws and a semi-turning. She twirled her hands and magic spilled out of her “Let’s dance”.

She dodged his first spell and blocked the second one and blasted him with a ball of power, sending him flying. She smirked and jumped high, stabbing him with her claws in his chest, making him howl in pain! He let out a part of his power and so did she. Red versus amber, she tensed her muscles, refusing to lose.

“You…will not… best me!” He screamed.

Soon, she looked at him in the eye… and knew what was with him: he had demon blood. And if you had an abusive amount of demon blood, you could die or your own body could barely bear it and would destroy itself. She had to blast him with Light so he would die in less pain.

“Elias? I could use some backup!”.

But he didn’t move out of his sight. He was standing there, in the window with a worrisome Mr. Sinclaire. She glared at the idiot and moved her hand just right, sending him flying again. She started a conjure in Arabic, her palms up and extended, creating a heavenly fire only her could do. Only Goddesses could do that magic. When she came to the last sentence, she pulled her hands towards him and made him screech and howl of pain.

“MASTER ELIAS! I’M—”

BOOOM.

She was sent flying, but landed on her feet elegantly. The doors flew open and Mr. Sinclaire rushed towards her, but her eyes were elsewhere.

She couldn’t believe it… It all fitted! The times he wasn’t there, the locket, the black hands, that her aunts seemed to care about her mother’s murderer… It was Elias all along. She looked at him with fury, pure anger, disbelief… and disappointment. After all those years, he just wanted her dead. She swallowed back tears as she assured Mr. Sinclaire that she was alright.

When it came the hour to say goodbye, Joanna lingered against the wall. Her eyes darted from one object to other, when she saw a sword she could swear she saw once…

It was made of gold, long and with a steel she had studied before… Her finger ran over the steel as Mr. Sinclaire approached to her “I take you like my sword?” He asked.

“This sword… is made of a rather odd steel in this universe. Swords like these aren’t very common. Who was the former owner?” She asked.

“My father. It is a family relic, but he forbade me to use it, so I hang it there instead, as a memory of him”.

She touched the initials when she felt a bolt and gasped, feeling transported to the past! She was having a vision.

A young version of Mr. Sinclaire ran around the gardens of Ledford Park, giggling and enjoying himself, like life has never hurt him badly.

“Ernest!” An old man called him. Joanna could hardly believe it… It was his father, dressed like a Nighthunter!

“Papa! You’re back!” He ran towards her father and hugged his leg, beaming. A young woman darted to greet her husband. Mr. Sinclaire’s mom. She took the sword off him, but the young boy grabbed her skirts “No! I want to hold the sword!” He pouted, trying to convince his mother.

The marriage looked at their son and the father shrugged, handing him the sword. His mouth was wide open as he felt the power of that steel in his little, young hands.

“With this sword, my boy, I slay threats and keep you and your mother safe, just like you will when you marry and have children of your own”.

“I will be as brave as you, Papa!” He beamed.

The man kissed his son’s head “I know you will, my boy”.

In another vision, the man was facing someone… Elias. He smirked, full of black magic as he extended one hand and the man dodged the attack gracefully, glaring at him “You will not touch a single hair out of my son!” He roared, the sword in flames. Heavenly fire.

“Soon or later, I will come back for him and kill him!” Elias vowed.

The man ran, jumped high and lunged the sword towards Elias’s chest, but he found himself with his own sword stabbed in the chest. Elias smirked sinisterly “I’ll see you in hell, Nighthunter”.

Then, all the visions mixed. A teenage Mr. Sinclaire, crying and mourning, a wizard disguised as a clerk erasing his memories, blocking his abilities as a Nighthunter, letting to die his father’s true legacy…

With another gasp, she was back in the present, with a concerned Mr. Sinclaire calling to her. She looked at him, now understanding why the Goddess sent him to her.

“My lady, are you quite alright?”.

“… I’m perfect”.

When they came to the townhouse, Joanna locked them up in the stables with a movement of her wrist, her hands fiery on him. Elias looked around, confused and slightly scared.

“Joanna, I don’t know what you’re doing—”.

“Did you do it? And don’t lie” She demanded to know, her amber eyes on him.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about—”.

“Did you kill my mother, Elias?” She asked, a small wind forming around them.

“What are you talking about? I—”.

Something inside her made her unhuman, her amber eyes turning white, her voice of other dimension “DID YOU KILL MY MOTHER, ELIAS?!”

The lights outside turned off as the wind grew stronger, making the horses neigh and Elias dropped on his knees, the truth spell working on him.

“I… Hnng, did” he spitted.

“Why?”.

He looked at her, now pure hatred on his eyes, a growl on his lips “Because she gave birth to you. I cursed her and whoever was destinated to help you stop me. I wanted them all dead, you the last of them. You should have never been born, Joanna Mills” He got up “You… are… a… monster!”.

But her expression just hardened as she started to cast a big portal, the world spiraling around them, making him further damage as Briar and Mr. Harper called to her, but she didn’t listen.

“Get out of here, and don’t come back until you’re a worthy rival to tear apart”.

She sent him to the portal, screaming, making the whole city shake violently! She dropped on her knees, overwhelmed by emotions: power, anger, disappointment, guilt… revenge. The door flew open as Mr. Harper looked at her and closed behind him, trying to snap her out of it.

He calmed the horses as he made a holding spell of his and started to approach her “Joanna, I know this is hard, but you must come back. Like this, you’re not helping anyone. Joanna… take my hand”.

She grabbed it violently, dragging him towards him. Mr. Harper tried to break free, but her grip was stronger “This isn’t you, Joanna. Fight it, come back!” He cried out.

She grabbed his waist and pulled him against her, smiling through the tears “This is me”.

He struggled in vain, but couldn’t quite get rid of her grip. Then, when she felt he was giving in… she screamed of pain, clutching her shoulder, close to her heart! It all seemed clearer now. The wind stopped, her eyes started to come back to normal… and her wound healed. She gasped and threw up, shuddering.

Briar rushed to her side while she cried, feeling miserable in this world. All the people she cared about was dead or hated her.

Except for Briar. She was the only one who never left her. Her other half, her most loyal friend, and now, the only thing she had from her past. She held her tight, too tight, but she didn’t mind. As long as she had Briar, she wouldn’t lose her mind entirely. As long as Briar existed, Joanna knew that she’d be alright and she’ll get through this. It was now Briar and her against the world.

#playchoices fanfiction #desire and decorum au #the cursed heiress #ernest sinclaire #joanna x ernest #briar daly #duke richards #oc: joanna mills #luke harper #joanna x luke #supernatural au

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