Episode 10

Forgotten the turmoil of the night before, Mariam was joyous, having spent a restful evening free from the nightmares and visions that usually plagued her. She descended to the dining room and greeted everyone cheerily while requesting her father's permission to purchase new gowns for her upcoming debut.

"I want new dresses, too," Rogelia demanded.

"It wouldn't be fair because it's my debut," Mariam protested.

"Enough, this is Mariam's time. Your big day will come, Rogelia," the Marquis interjected.

He also consented to Mariam's outing to acquire her new dresses. The Marchioness prepared to accompany her daughter, but as they were about to leave, a lavish carriage arrived, catching her by surprise since the Marquis had not mentioned expecting visitors. Rogelia, who was at the entrance, also noticed the carriage’s arrival.

Alighting from the carriage was Sigrid, along with two maidservants and his guards, taking the Marchioness aback.

"Sigrid Richardson, son of Duke Raimon Richardson, you must be the Marchioness. I've come to meet the youngest daughter of the House of Leroux," he informed the Marchioness.

She was astounded, well aware that Richardson was the surname of the royal family. Meanwhile, Rogelia, upon hearing that Sigrid was there for her, became excited. Sigrid was handsome, and his opulent carriage betrayed his wealthy background.

"Oh! Young Duke, what an honor for you to visit my daughter, I presume you are referring to Rogelia," she indicated Rogelia.

"No, I speak of the Marquis's legitimate daughter."

Rogelia's smile vanished upon hearing his words.

"My Rogelia is a legitimate daughter," Nidia retorted, lips pursed.

"According to your family's information, your daughters were conceived out of wedlock, and thus are not legitimate. I seek the legitimate daughter of the honorable Marchioness of Leroux," Sigrid added.

Nidia was seething with anger at the young boy's words but knew that yelling could lead to trouble.

"Mother, don't let him continue to insult our honor," Mariam requested.

"Listen, young man, your offenses will be reported to your parents, and know that my daughters are the only daughters of the Marquis."

"Whatever you say; my father and all the nobles will agree with me. Now I ask that you send for Lady Leroux," he demanded.

"You cannot come here and give me orders. And my present daughter is one of the Lady Lerouxs; there is no one else."

Approaching Rogelia curtsied and then offered the blond youth a smile, which he ignored.

"It seems ignorance cannot be cured by a rise in status," he muttered. "I seek Lady Charlotte Leroux, not this bastard of yours." He looked at Rogelia with arrogance and a mocking smile.

Rogelia clenched her hands in her dress skirt.

"How dare you insult me? I care nothing for that stupid bastard," Rogelia shouted.

"I care very much for her, she's beautiful, unlike you, who lack any charm," he retorted.

"Look, young duke, I won't allow you to insult my daughter that way," Nidia scolded.

"As you can see, there's no need for your permission; I've already insulted her, or rather, spoken the truth."

Nidia, infuriated by the boy's rude manner, raised her hand to strike him, but her hand was stopped by Sigrid's guard.

"Raising a hand against a royal family member could cost you that hand or land you in the dungeon," the guard warned her.

"What is this disturbance?" the Marquis descended, surprised to see Sigrid present.

"Greetings, Marquis. I have come to see Lady Charlotte Leroux, but your wife refuses to call her, even attempting to strike me."

Rogelia ran to her father and embraced him while sobbing.

"Father, it's not true. That boy has been insulting me and mother," Rogelia accused.

"Young duke, your rank may be higher, but you cannot come into my house to make demands and insult my family."

"I didn't start this. I explained my reason for coming, and they seem unwilling to let me see Lady Leroux."

"Charlotte is being punished and cannot see anyone. Please leave, and when her punishment is over, I will inform you," the Marquis tried to be polite.

"I understand; the Marchioness could have easily told me that. I think your wife needs etiquette lessons; it would be a shame if she always received guests in such a rude manner," he advised.

With his departure, Sigrid left, but the Marquis looked at Nidia with annoyance and chastised her for her rudeness, for he wished to do business with the royal family, and the earlier episode might jeopardize those plans.

Nidia eventually did leave with Mariam, while Rogelia remained in her room, upset.

"How dare he say she's pretty! No, that bastard isn't prettier than me!" Rogelia screamed.

Angry, she left her room for Charlotte's. After all, that boy had offended her on the bastard's account. She tried to enter, but the door was locked, so she pounded on it.

"Open up, damn bastard, open..."

"Open? I would, but the Marquis has confined me. However, I'd advise you to avoid looking for trouble."

"Trouble is what you've got, you damn thing."

"For an eleven-year-old, you've got quite vulgar vocabulary," Charlotte mocked.

"Shut up, I'm going to ruin that ugly face of yours," Rogelia continued to bang on the door.

But suddenly there was a thud from Charlotte's side; she had kicked the door, and Rogelia stepped back.

"Get lost, brat, or after tonight... once I'm done with Mariam, you'll be next."

For some inexplicable reason, the atmosphere tensed, and Rogelia felt a chill as Charlotte's laughter echoed. Seeing black smoke seeping under the door, Rogelia fled.

***

That night, Mariam, confident she could sleep in peace, didn't ask her mother to stay. But in the early hours, dark mist entered her room, and as it dissipated, there stood Charlotte. Mariam thrashed in desperation as her nightmare returned. When her eyes opened, she couldn't scream, but Charlotte was on her chest, her tiny hands squeezing Mariam's throat. Mariam tried to claw at her without success; she wanted to scream, but the lack of air silenced her.

By the moonlight shining through the window, Mariam could clearly see Charlotte's face, her eyes red with an excited gleam, her lips curled in a malicious grin. She was becoming increasingly breathless.

"Did you think it was over? I don't leave work half-done, not like you... remember, sister? Remember how you beat me with a sword until I bled because I refused to give up the last necklace our mother gave me?"

Tears filled Mariam's eyes, hoping for Charlotte to stop, but the grip was strong.

"Or the time you threw that necklace into the lake to mock me... You took something precious from Charlotte, something not even your life can replace."

"P-er...don..." Mariam managed to articulate.

"What's that? I don't know that word... don't worry, your family will soon join you in the graveyard."

When Charlotte tightened her grip, aided by her dark magic, Mariam's neck bones snapped, and she breathed her last breath as Charlotte smiled in satisfaction.

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