Dusk arrived, and the estate grew busy with preparations for the consort's arrival.
Lilith sat leaning back, eating an apple as she spoke with the human consort Angelina about the food preparations, ensuring everything met the required standards. Out of all the human consorts, Angelina had been here the longest, making her the most suitable for the task.
Meanwhile, Elizabeth, along with Sarah, directed the maids, ensuring that all the items for the welcome ceremony were properly arranged.
Andrew and I oversaw the final decorations of the hall, making sure nothing was amiss. An internal clock ticked steadily in my mind—we only had a few hours left before their arrival.
This was going to be a long night.
Fortunately, the welcome ceremony would not be large. Either she came from a minor noble family—a viscountcy, perhaps—or the duke had chosen to keep the event small.
Either way, it worked in our favor, making our tasks far more manageable.
I decided to inspect the Crimson Estate, where the new consort would be staying. It was located quite close to mine, which would prove convenient.
____________
Andrew and I quickly made our way to the estate, trusting Elizabeth, Lilith, Sarah, and Angelina to handle the rest.
The ride was short. The manor, though not as grand as the others, was large enough to accommodate twenty people. As we entered, the estate was bustling with human maids moving in and out, carrying furniture and supplies.
At the sight of me, they quickly bowed.
The head maid, Mara—a middle-aged vampire—approached and greeted us before escorting us inside. Her eyes were heavy with exhaustion. The preparation for a new consort had come unexpectedly. No one had anticipated it, especially not a human consort after Emma's untimely death.
The estate itself was old, built during the Valentine era, and had rarely been used. It had once been intended for a noble human lady who had unfortunately met an early end.
Now it was spotless, no longer covered in dust. The decorations, however, remained outdated—dark oak furniture, heavy with age, and striking red silk curtains adorned with floral patterns. That, at least, would not be an issue. She could change it as she pleased.
Andrew walked around, dragging his finger along surfaces to check for dust. The maid looked visibly annoyed as he criticized her work.
Everything had to meet standard.
Even if I was not pleased about her arrival, her accommodations had to be handled properly. I would not have my name tarnished over trivial matters.
"Let's go, Andrew. Everything looks fine."
He withdrew his hand, dusting it off before following me out, leaving the maids to continue their work.
___________
The night was still young.
As preparations continued, guests began to arrive.
Lilith handled the welcoming, greeting them with practiced ease. Elizabeth ensured everything ran smoothly, moving through the manor with a list in hand, checking and recounting what was needed. Sarah oversaw the nobles who had arrived early.
I watched them move about.
At times, it was a relief to have them—shouldering parts of the burden I could not carry alone.
This gave me the opportunity to speak with the Holy Steward of Sangro's temple. He had grown increasingly arrogant, ignoring my summons. I would not get a better opportunity than this.
I approached him near the front of the hall, where he was preparing the altar, chanting softly as he moved in a slow circle.
"My lady, how have you been?" the priest asked as he finished his ritual, extending his hand to bless me.
"I am well, if the dukedom is well," I replied, lowering my head as he placed his hand upon it.
"That is good to hear, my lady. And I see you remain well, even as another enters your midst."
"If the duke is fed, then of course I am," I replied evenly. "Speaking of the dukedom's well-being—you have yet to respond to my invitations. I wished to know whether the plans I proposed for this year's festival are acceptable."
For a brief moment, the warmth in his expression faltered before he replaced it with a polite smile.
"Of course, my lady. These past few days have simply been quite busy at the temple. Once your own schedule allows, I would be more than happy to meet."
His words were courteous—but empty.
The people of Sangro, particularly those within the temple, held tightly to their traditions. After the Bloodfast, they celebrated with grand feasts. But what only a few within the court understood was the growing shortage of food. Lavish indulgence without restraint was no longer sustainable.
The elders, however, clung stubbornly to outdated customs.
"I will leave you to your work," I said, ending the conversation.
He had not been listening.
He bowed and returned to his duties.
It would have been easier if the duke had made his stance clear. This year, we needed to reduce excess—but he remained passive. The elders must have pressured him into opposing the proposal. If so, then perhaps this marriage was another attempt to secure influence.
Even after Emma's death had placed us under scrutiny.
Still, there must have been another way.
What guarantee did we have that the past would not repeat itself? And if it did, it would not be taken lightly this time.
Who, in their right mind, chose to marry again while under investigation?
The entire empire was watching us.
We should have been more cautious.
I could only hope he had his reasons.
Time passed, and more important guests arrived.
The former duke's wives, Lady Courtney and Lady Carmila, entered together, their beauty untouched by time—the only survivors of a court that had stood two hundred years ago. The former duchess followed shortly after.
Lady Courtney quickly moved to greet her son, Count Anders, while Lady Carmila searched the room, likely hoping to find her son's widow, Countess Joanna.
Life in court without power was precarious.
Lady Courtney remained secure, her influence still strong. Lady Carmila, however, was not as fortunate. The recent death of her son, without an heir, had left her vulnerable. It was unlikely that the territory would remain in Countess Joanna's hands for long.
At the very least, I could take some comfort in knowing that fate had not left me entirely empty-handed.
Though a part of me still wished Eric were here.
The hall soon filled with conversation—diplomatic discussions, quiet negotiations, and the inevitable spread of rumors.
One question lingered above all:
Was it too soon to bring in a human consort?
The room was divided.
Some argued yes. Others, no.
Each opinion shaped by personal interest, fear, or ambition. The timing was questionable—the duke's brother's death, and the incident with Emma still fresh in everyone's minds. The court remained unsettled.
And for the first time in a long while—
I found myself doubting his decisions.
Yet, in the end, none of it mattered.
She was already on her way.
All that remained was to wait, to watch, and to pray to Mother Valentine that the duke's decision would not lead us into ruin.