The green carriage, adorned with gold-plated designs that gleamed in the late afternoon sun, rumbled steadily along the dirt road that wound through the vast, rolling countryside. Merida Burton, an 18-year-old young woman with honey-brown hair braided neatly down to her waist, sat within the plush interior. The carriage, a gift from her father, Viscount Devon Burton, was a symbol of the family’s wealth and status. The intricate gold leaf patterns, depicting scenes of wildflowers and birds, stood out against the deep green paint, making the carriage a moving work of art as it made its way toward the remote Belonia estate.

Merida’s sharp green eyes scanned the landscape as the carriage rolled along. The countryside was vast and open, dotted with patches of wild heather and ancient oaks that had stood the test of time. The air was clean and crisp, carrying the scent of pine and earth, a stark contrast to the stuffy, smoke-filled atmosphere of the capital where she had spent the last year. It was peaceful here, a welcome change from the bustle of city life, yet the peace was tinged with a sense of unease as she approached the estate where her younger brother, Marcus, resided.

Marcus, just sixteen, had always been the more carefree and impulsive of the two. With his honey-brown perm and a height of 5.7 feet, he was on the cusp of manhood but still had much to learn. Merida had been sent by their father not only to handle important matters at the estate but also to bring Marcus back to the capital. He was to continue his studies, an endeavor that he had been neglecting in favor of mischief and idleness.As the carriage passed through a small grove of trees, the Belonia estate came into view. The manor house, a grand stone structure with tall, narrow windows and ivy creeping up its walls, was nestled at the base of a gently sloping hill. Surrounding the estate were vast fields of golden wheat and green pastures where cattle grazed lazily.

The estate had always been a place of comfort and security, a symbol of the Burton family’s enduring legacy in these lands.However, as the carriage drew closer, Merida noticed a change. The estate, while still grand, seemed quieter than she remembered. The gardens were not as meticulously maintained as they had been in her childhood, with some of the hedges growing wild and the flowerbeds less vibrant. The air here felt cooler, the wind carrying with it a sense of something amiss.The carriage came to a halt in front of the manor’s grand entrance. The large oak doors, adorned with iron fittings, stood imposing and silent. As Merida stepped down from the carriage, her boots making a soft crunch on the gravel, she was greeted by Mr. Thomas, the family’s longtime butler. Standing at 6.3 feet tall, Mr. Thomas cut an imposing figure in his neat black suit with coat tails. His graying hair was slicked back, and his sharp eyes missed nothing as he bowed slightly in greeting.“Welcome home, Miss Merida,” he said in his deep, measured voice. “It has been too long.”“Thank you, Mr. Thomas,” Merida replied with a polite smile, though her mind was elsewhere. “How are things at the estate? And where is Marcus?”Mr. Thomas hesitated for a moment, his eyes flickering with something she couldn’t quite place before he composed himself. “The estate is as it has always been, Miss. However, young Master Marcus has been rather… spirited in your absence. I’m sure you’ll find him in the stables or perhaps out riding. He has taken quite a liking to his new horse.”Merida sighed inwardly.

Marcus had never been one for discipline, and it seemed his time at Belonia had done little to curb his wild tendencies. “I see. I will speak with him after I settle in. And Mrs. Jesse? How is she?”“Mrs. Jesse is well, Miss. She is in the kitchens preparing for your arrival, and the maids are making sure your rooms are in order.”“Thank you, Mr. Thomas. I’ll see to it that Marcus is made aware of my presence. I trust everything is ready for the meeting tomorrow?”“Indeed, Miss. All the necessary documents have been prepared, and the servants are ready to assist you with whatever you may need.”Merida nodded, pleased with the efficiency of the estate’s staff, though a small part of her couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off. The estate, once so full of life, seemed to have lost some of its vitality. But she pushed the thought aside, focusing instead on the tasks ahead.As she made her way into the manor, the familiar scent of polished wood and faint lavender greeted her, bringing with it a wave of nostalgia. The grand foyer was just as she remembered, with its high ceilings, marble floors, and the large crystal chandelier that cast soft light over the room. Family portraits lined the walls, their stern faces watching over her as she walked down the corridor.The maids curtsied as she passed, their eyes downcast, while a few servants hurried past carrying linens and other supplies. It was comforting to see that, despite the slight air of neglect outside, the inside of the manor was still well-kept, a testament to Mrs. Jesse’s diligent care.Merida entered her chambers, where a warm fire crackled in the hearth. The room was just as she had left it—plush, deep green curtains framing the windows, a large four-poster bed with embroidered linens, and a small writing desk where she had spent many evenings reading and studying. She ran her fingers along the edge of the desk, memories flooding back of her childhood, spent here at the estate with Marcus.But there was little time for reminiscing. Merida knew she had to focus on the present. After freshening up and changing into a more comfortable dress, she made her way to the stables, determined to find her brother and bring him back to reality. The day was drawing to a close, and the evening air was cool against her skin as she stepped outside once more.The stables were located behind the manor, a short walk across the courtyard. As she approached, she could hear the familiar sounds of horses snorting and hooves clattering on the stone floor. She found Marcus in one of the stalls, brushing down a sleek black stallion. His back was to her, and he didn’t seem to notice her presence.“Marcus,” Merida called out, her voice firm yet gentle.Marcus turned, surprise flashing in his eyes before he quickly hid it behind a grin. “Merida! You’re finally here!” he said, dropping the brush and coming over to give her a quick, rather awkward hug.“Indeed, I am,” Merida replied, studying him closely. He had grown taller in her absence, his features more defined, though he still had that mischievous gleam in his eyes that had always been there. “And I see you’ve been keeping yourself busy.”Marcus shrugged, leaning casually against the stall door. “Just enjoying the countryside. You know how dull the capital can be.”Merida raised an eyebrow. “Enjoying it a bit too much, I hear. Father expects you to return with me to continue your studies. You can’t spend your days riding horses and shirking your responsibilities, Marcus.”He rolled his eyes, a typical teenage response that grated on Merida’s nerves. “Come on, Merida, we’ve only just arrived. Can’t we have a little fun before we get back to all that?”“This isn’t a vacation, Marcus. There’s important work to be done here, and you have a duty to our family. You can’t keep avoiding it,” Merida said firmly. “Now, wash up and join me for dinner. We’ll discuss our plans afterward.”Marcus opened his mouth to protest but quickly closed it again under Merida’s stern gaze. With a huff, he nodded and muttered, “Fine, I’ll be there.”Satisfied that she had made her point, Merida turned and made her way back to the manor, her thoughts already turning to the tasks ahead. She knew it wouldn’t be easy to rein in her brother, but she was determined to do it. The future of their family depended on it.As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows over the estate, Merida couldn’t help but feel that this visit would be more challenging than she had anticipated. There was a tension in the air, something beyond Marcus’s wayward behavior, and she knew she would need all her wits about her to navigate whatever lay ahead at Belonia.With that thought, she squared her shoulders and stepped back into the warmth of the manor, ready to face the challenges that awaited her.

The morning sun cast a warm glow over the Belonia estate, illuminating the dewy grass and filling the air with the sweet scent of blooming flowers. Merida, dressed in a practical yet elegant ensemble—a neo-mint-colored shirt tucked neatly into tailored pants—descended the grand staircase with purpose. Her honey-brown hair, braided to her waist, swayed gently with each step. Today’s tasks required not just her sharp mind but also her swift efficiency.

Mr. Thomas awaited her at the bottom of the stairs, his tall frame as imposing as ever, though his expression was soft with the respect he held for Merida.

“Good morning, Miss Merida,” he greeted, his deep voice carrying the gravity of the day ahead. “Kiri is ready and waiting by the carriage.”

“Thank you, Mr. Thomas,” Merida replied with a nod. “We have much to accomplish today. Please ensure everything is in order for my return.”

“Of course, Miss. Everything will be as you require,” Mr. Thomas assured her.

Merida stepped outside into the crisp morning air, where the green carriage with its gold-plated designs gleamed in the sunlight. The carriage, a symbol of the Burton family’s wealth and status, was as much a part of her life as the estate itself. Standing beside it was Kiri, the 17-year-old maid, her black hair neatly tied back and her maid’s outfit pristine.

“Good morning, Miss Merida,” Kiri greeted her, her voice respectful and tinged with a hint of nervousness.

“Good morning, Kiri,” Merida responded with a kind smile. “We have a full day ahead of us. Today, we’ll be managing stores in town and purchasing supplies for the orphanage.”

Kiri nodded, her expression serious as she absorbed her instructions. “I’ll do my best, Miss.”

With that, they climbed into the carriage, and the driver set the horses into motion. The road to town wound through the vast countryside, the landscape slowly shifting from the manicured gardens of the estate to the more rustic beauty of the open fields and forests. Merida watched the scenery pass by, her mind already focused on the tasks that awaited her in town.

The town itself was a small but lively place, nestled in the heart of the Burton estate’s lands. Cobblestone streets lined with quaint shops and houses gave the town a cozy, welcoming atmosphere. The townspeople, familiar with the Burtons and their long-standing generosity, greeted the carriage with smiles and nods as it passed.

Their first stop was the general store, a modest establishment that had served the town for generations. As they entered, the storekeeper, Mr. Harlowe, greeted them with a warm smile.

“Miss Burton! It’s always a pleasure to see you,” he said, his eyes lighting up with genuine delight.

“Good morning, Mr. Harlowe,” Merida replied, returning his smile. “We’re here to purchase supplies for the orphanage. They’ll need enough to last for the next few months.”

“Of course, Miss. I’ll get everything ready for you,” Mr. Harlowe said as he bustled about the store, gathering the necessary items.

Merida and Kiri moved through the store, selecting additional goods and ensuring that nothing was overlooked. Kiri took careful notes, her eyes scanning the shelves with a keen attention to detail, clearly eager to prove herself.

Once their purchases were finalized and arrangements made for delivery to the orphanage, Merida led Kiri to their next destination: the town church. The stone building, with its tall steeple reaching toward the heavens, was a place of both worship and refuge. The church was also home to the orphanage that the Burton family had sponsored for as long as Merida could remember.

As they approached, the sound of children’s laughter reached their ears, bringing a soft smile to Merida’s face. The orphanage was a place of warmth and care, a testament to the community’s collective efforts and the Burton family’s unwavering support.

“Kiri, wait here by the carriage,” Merida instructed as they reached the church. “I need to speak with Father Dinos privately.”

“Yes, Miss,” Kiri replied obediently, standing beside the carriage as Merida entered the church.

The interior of the church was cool and serene, the air filled with the scent of incense and the soft light filtering through stained glass windows. At the altar, Father Dinos stood in quiet contemplation. At twenty-six, the young priest had already earned the respect and admiration of the townspeople, known for his wisdom and gentle demeanor.

“Miss Burton,” Father Dinos greeted her with a warm smile as she approached. “It’s always a pleasure to see you.”

“And you, Father,” Merida replied with a nod. “I hope the orphanage is doing well?”

“Very well, thanks to your family’s continued support,” Father Dinos assured her. “But I sense you’re here for more than just a routine visit.”

Merida offered him a subtle smile, her eyes betraying nothing. “Indeed. There are some matters I’d like to discuss with you privately, if you have a moment.”

Father Dinos nodded, understanding her unspoken request. “Of course. Follow me.”

He led Merida to a small, quiet room at the back of the church, away from the prying eyes and ears of the townspeople. The walls of the room were lined with old, leather-bound books, and a single candle flickered on the wooden table in the center.

Their conversation remained behind closed doors, the words exchanged within that room known only to Merida and Father Dinos. When Merida finally emerged, her expression was calm, though her mind was clearly at work. Whatever had been discussed would remain a mystery for now, buried beneath the surface of everyday life at the estate.

Returning to the carriage, Merida found Kiri waiting patiently. The young maid looked up expectantly as Merida approached.

“Everything is in order, Miss?” Kiri asked, her voice soft.

“Yes, Kiri,” Merida replied with a reassuring smile. “Let’s head back to the estate. There’s still much to do.”

The journey back to Belonia was quiet, the afternoon sun casting long shadows across the countryside. As they drew closer to the estate, Merida’s thoughts drifted to her brother, Marcus. While she had been handling the responsibilities of the family, she knew that Marcus had likely spent the day in his usual state of idle relaxation.

Indeed, Marcus had found solace in the greenhouse, a sanctuary of glass and iron filled with exotic plants. The centerpiece of the greenhouse was a serene white lotus pond, its surface adorned with delicate, floating blooms. Marcus lay on a small wooden bench beside the pond, a novel resting on his face, shielding his eyes from the dappled sunlight streaming through the glass above.

His day had been peaceful, a stark contrast to the responsibilities that weighed on Merida’s shoulders. The novel was one of his favorites, its well-worn pages a testament to the many afternoons spent in its company. As he dozed, the world outside the greenhouse seemed far away, a distant concern that could wait until he was ready to face it.

But the tranquility of the greenhouse was quietly interrupted by the soft, almost inaudible sound of footsteps. A pair of boots, black with hints of red lining, approached Marcus’s resting form with deliberate silence. The figure, cloaked in the greenhouse’s dappled shadows, moved with an air of familiarity, as if this was not their first time here.

The boots paused beside Marcus, and a hand reached out, gentle and cautious, to caress his honey-brown curls. The touch was light, affectionate, as if trying not to disturb his sleep. But even in his slumber, Marcus sensed something was amiss. The warmth of the hand against his head, the softness of the caress—it stirred something deep within him.

Marcus awoke with a start, the novel slipping from his face and falling to the ground with a dull thud. His eyes, wide with sudden awareness, darted around, searching for the source of the disturbance.

But there was no one there.

The greenhouse was as it had been before, filled with the quiet hum of nature, the white lotus flowers gently floating on the pond. The only sign that anything had happened at all was the lingering sensation of the touch, the faint warmth still on his scalp.

He sat up quickly, his heart racing as he scanned the room, but the greenhouse revealed nothing. The door stood ajar, letting in a soft breeze, and for a moment, Marcus wondered if he had simply imagined the entire encounter.

But the unease in his chest told him otherwise.

Shaking off the lingering drowsiness, Marcus stood, his thoughts now as restless as the wind outside. Something—someone—had been there, of that he was certain. And as he picked up the fallen novel and clutched it to his chest, he couldn’t help but feel that whatever—or whoever—it was, had come with a purpose.

He glanced once more around the greenhouse, the peaceful scene now tinged with a sense of unease. He wasn’t sure what to make of the encounter, but one thing was clear: the days of idle rest might soon be coming to an end.

With a furrowed brow and a racing heart, Marcus left the greenhouse, the tranquil retreat now holding an air of mystery that refused to be shaken.

As the sun set over the rolling hills of the Belonia estate, a quiet calm settled over the manor. The golden light filtered through the tall windows of the dining room, casting long shadows across the oak table where Merida and Marcus sat for supper. The meal was simple but elegant, a reflection of their noble status, yet lacking the opulence of the capital. The candelabras flickered softly, their flames dancing in the gentle evening breeze that drifted through the open windows.

Merida pushed her food around her plate, her thoughts focused on the conversation she needed to have with her brother. Marcus, on the other hand, was visibly agitated, his fork clattering against the porcelain as he toyed with his meal.

“You know why you have to return, Marcus,” Merida began, her tone calm but firm, the voice of reason she so often had to be for her younger brother.

Marcus glared at her, his honey-brown curls falling into his eyes as he slouched in his chair. “I don’t understand why it has to be now. I’m comfortable here. Why can’t I stay a little longer?”

Merida sighed softly, setting down her fork and meeting his gaze with a steady look. “Father and I have always given you the freedom you wanted, Marcus. But this time, it’s important. Your studies, your future—it’s all waiting for you in the capital. You can’t just stay here and avoid your responsibilities.”

Marcus scowled, his youthful stubbornness flaring up. “You and Father always let me do as I please. Why is this any different?”

“This is different because you’re older now, and you can’t keep running away from what’s expected of you,” Merida replied, her voice unwavering. “Father may indulge you, but even he knows that there comes a time when you must take your duties seriously.”

For a moment, Marcus looked as if he might argue further, but the determination in Merida’s eyes made him hesitate. He knew she was right, even if he didn’t want to admit it. His shoulders slumped in defeat, and he stabbed at his food with renewed frustration. “Fine,” he muttered, “I’ll go back to the capital. But I’m not happy about it.”

Merida allowed herself a small, reassuring smile. “I know you’re not. But sometimes, doing what’s right isn’t about being happy. It’s about doing what’s necessary for our family and our future.”

The rest of the meal passed in relative silence, the tension between them slowly easing but not entirely dissipating. Marcus had agreed, but the reluctant acceptance weighed heavily on both of them.

As the evening deepened, Merida retreated to the manor’s office room, a sanctuary where she could manage the estate’s affairs in peace. The room was lined with shelves of books and documents, the walls adorned with portraits of their ancestors who had governed this land before them. The soft glow of the fireplace cast flickering shadows across the room, adding to the ambiance of quiet contemplation.

Merida sat at the large desk, her attention focused on the letters before her—correspondence from the capital, updates on the estate, and a few personal notes from acquaintances. The work was a welcome distraction from the conversation at dinner, though her mind still lingered on her brother’s reluctant agreement.

The quiet was broken by the soft creak of the balcony door opening behind her. Merida didn’t react immediately; she had been expecting this visitor, though their arrival was always unpredictable. The sound of boots—black with hints of red lining—approaching her desk was the only indication that the visitor had entered the room.

Merida finally looked up, her expression unreadable. “You’re late,” she said, her tone neutral, though there was a hint of familiarity in her voice.

The visitor, tall and clad in a black leather doublet with a hint of red, smiled faintly, their eyes glinting with a mix of amusement and something darker. “I had other matters to attend to,” they replied smoothly, their voice carrying the weight of authority.

Merida set aside the letter she was reading, leaning back in her chair as she regarded the visitor. “And what brings you here tonight? I didn’t expect you to return so soon.”

The visitor’s smile widened slightly, though their eyes remained sharp. “There are things that need to be set in motion—plans that require your expertise.”

Merida’s expression remained composed, though her curiosity was piqued. “Does this have to do with the throne?”

The visitor’s smile faded, replaced by a look of seriousness. They leaned closer, their voice lowering to a near whisper. “Yes. The time is coming when all the pieces must fall into place. We’ve been patient, but now... now we must act.”

Merida nodded slowly, her mind racing with the implications of their words. “I see. And what do you need from me?”

Their conversation continued in hushed tones, the words exchanged between them carrying the weight of old alliances and shared ambitions. Though their discussion was brief, it was clear that much had been said, much that could change the course of the empire. The visitor was clearly someone of great importance, someone Merida had known for a long time. But their name, like the true nature of their mission, remained a closely guarded secret.

When their conversation finally ended, the visitor straightened, their demeanor as composed as ever. “Thank you, Merida. I knew I could count on you.”

Merida offered a small, enigmatic smile. “Always. But be careful. The game we’re playing is a dangerous one.”

The visitor nodded, their eyes flickering with a mix of determination and caution. “I’m well aware. But I’ve never backed down from a challenge before.”

With that, the visitor turned and made their way to the balcony, their movements as silent as a shadow. They paused at the doorway, glancing back at Merida one last time before slipping out into the night.

The visitor made their way through the manor’s back garden, the moonlight casting eerie patterns on the ground as they moved swiftly and silently. But as they neared the edge of the garden, they noticed movement near the manor’s side entrance. The visitor halted, their sharp eyes narrowing as they saw a familiar figure sneaking out into the night.

It was Marcus.

Curiosity piqued, the visitor followed at a distance, careful to remain hidden in the shadows. Marcus moved with purpose, his earlier lethargy replaced by a newfound energy as he made his way through the estate grounds and into the dense forest beyond.

The path Marcus took led him into the town, where the streets were quieter now, the usual bustle of the day replaced by the soft murmur of nighttime activity. The visitor continued to trail him, their curiosity growing with each passing moment. What could Marcus possibly be doing, sneaking out like this?

Their silent pursuit led them to a local pub, its sign swinging gently in the evening breeze. The visitor watched as Marcus entered the building, disappearing into the dimly lit interior. Moving quickly, the visitor found a way to scale the side of the building, their lithe form making easy work of the climb. Reaching the roof, they peered through one of the upper windows, careful not to be seen.

Inside, the visitor observed as Marcus was greeted by one of the pub’s staff, who led him to a private room at the back. The scene unfolding before the visitor’s eyes was not what they had expected. Marcus wasn’t meeting with conspirators or engaging in anything remotely suspicious. Instead, he was joining a group of young people, all of them around his age, laughing and chatting as they shared drinks and stories.

The room was filled with the sound of youthful exuberance, the kind of innocent fun that Marcus so often sought to escape the pressures of his family and his looming responsibilities. The sight of Marcus, carefree and smiling among his peers, brought an unexpected smile to the visitor’s face.

For a moment, they watched in silence, a mix of amusement and relief washing over them. Despite the serious matters that had brought the visitor back to Agatha, there was something comforting in seeing Marcus enjoy such a simple pleasure. It was a reminder that, despite the machinations and schemes swirling around them, there were still moments of innocence to be cherished.

Satisfied that Marcus was safe and simply indulging in a harmless night out, the visitor turned away from the window and made their way back down to the street, the smile lingering on their lips. As they disappeared into the shadows once more, the night continued on, the secrets of Agatha woven ever tighter, and the young man’s heart a little lighter for the glimpse of ordinary life he had witnessed.