Chapter 5: May I Share Some?

Striking Mary had consequences: no supper that evening. Helena, going to the kitchen to inquire, learned that Matilda had forbidden food for anyone in the Pearl Tower. Besides Helena and Mary, three maidservants also resided there, all denied dinner and resentful. They had always followed Mary’s lead, and now, because of Isolde, they were punished.

"Miss," Helena said anxiously, "there's no dinner tonight, but what if we don't get food tomorrow? What then?"

"Complain!" Isolde replied, rummaging in a cupboard, the sound echoing through the room.

"Complain?" Haitang whispered. "But the Duke dislikes tattlers."

Isolde emerged, whip in hand. "Found it."

Haitang stared in disbelief. "Isn't that the one you brought back from Windermount? Lady Matilda said young ladies shouldn't wield weapons—it's unseemly."

Isolde tied the whip to her waist. "Helena, a young lady should avoid violence. But if someone pushes you too far and you don't fight back, that's not grace—it's foolishness. And when you die, no one will pity you." Before her time travel, she had been precisely that kind of fool. "But," she added with a faint smile, lightly cracking the whip, "this isn't a matter for force."

Helena stared, astonished. "Go find out when Father will be back," Isolde said, pinching her cheek. "Let me know immediately."

"Miss, what exactly are you planning?" Helena asked, still confused.

"Just go. Why all the questions?" Isolde waved her off, inspecting the whip's thorns. It was a gift from her master, inscribed: Isolde, My Disciple. She hadn't understood her mentor's importance until after marrying into the Valen family. William disliked him and forbade contact. Naively, she obeyed, breaking her mentor's heart. She vividly remembered her master's visit soon after her wedding. Unaware of her changed attitude, he waited outside the main hall for over an hour, only to be coldly dismissed by William. She had watched from the shadows, witnessing his disappointment. The memory filled her with shame.

Half an hour later, Haitang returned. "Miss, Duke Langley has returned. He's at the Velvet Wing."

Isolde rose. "Come with me."

"Yes, Miss." Helena, though unsure of Isolde's plan, trusted her. Isolde knew Matilda always prepared supper for her father if he returned late. If the Pearl Tower wouldn't serve her, she'd go where food was guaranteed.

Geoffrey, Deputy Royal Inspector, was tasked with uncovering corruption, his days consumed by his unwavering service. The Court provided meals, though meager. Out of care for her husband, Matilda always prepared additional food for him. Geoffrey was used to stopping at the Velvet Wing for supper before retiring to his study.

Upon his return, Matilda helped him remove his coat, instructing servants to bring the meal.

"Josephine mentioned William and Lady Felton stopped by," Duke Langley said, settling into his chair.

"Nothing important—just a social visit," Matilda replied with a smile.

He didn't press further. After a pause, he said, "Isolde's marriage is set. Once the Duke returns, the wedding can proceed. As for Harley, you need to act quickly. It wouldn't look right for his younger sister to marry first."

Matilda hesitated. "Have you considered the Marquis of Greystone? His daughter, Princess Bourbon, has just come of age."

Geoffrey shook his head. "Do you think Harley's character matches hers? She's the Queen Mother's favorite. What chance does he have?"

Matilda pursed her lips. "She's known for her temper, and Harley isn't so bad."

Geoffrey's face darkened. "You know exactly what's lacking in him. Stop this nonsense. Find someone of equal standing—it's enough." He sharply cut her off as the servants brought the dishes. "Enough. Don't bring it up again."

He had barely begun eating when Isolde entered, bowing hastily, greeting him as "Father," and sitting at the table.

"Father," Isolde said, "May I share some?"

Matilda quickly interjected, "Isolde, if you're hungry, I'll have the kitchen prepare something. These dishes are for your father."

"No need," Isolde replied coolly. "Father won't finish all this anyway."

Geoffrey studied her, then Matilda, displeasure evident. He signaled a maid for additional cutlery.

Isolde ate with urgency, yet restraint, leaving half of each dish. Geoffrey, watching her, asked, "You seem unusually hungry. Didn't you have dinner?"

Isolde dabbed her mouth, sipped her tea, and stood. "I hit Mary. Mother ordered me to go without dinner. I doubt I'll be eating for the next few days, so I'll come again tomorrow night."

"Wait," Geoffrey said sharply. "Why did you hit Mary?"

Isolde's smile turned cold. "Because I refused to be William's concubine."

His voice rose, laced with anger. "And why would you even consider such a position?"

Matilda paled. "Isolde, don't speak nonsense! No one asked you to be his concubine. Eleanor will take that role—you are to be the lady of the house!"

Isolde gave her a hard look. "Is that so? Earlier, you told me Eleanor was carrying his child and asked me to step aside. When I refused, you called me heartless and accused me of ignoring Father's position. You reminded me that Marshal Blackwell has the Emperor's favor and that Father needs his support. Even Mary said I didn't know my place. I didn't dare fight with you—but can I not even slap a servant? Apparently not. Because now, for that one slap, I don't even get to eat."

Geoffrey regarded her quietly. "If anyone bullies you, come to me."

"There's no need," Isolde replied with a faint smile. "Anyone who bullies me will regret it." She bowed and left, giving Matilda no chance to respond.