I don’t remember what happened after I was knocked unconscious – but then I don’t suppose anyone does. When I came to, my head was pounding and my eyes were blurry.

I blinked a few times before my focus wobbled and snapped into place. The small space I was half slumped in was that of an old carriage.

How did I end up here?

I turned to the window, pulling back the curtain. Early morning sunlight peaked over the mountains in the distance – casting a gentle glow on the landscape that blurred by.

Strange. I thought, sitting back. I thought I would be charged with something for taking Gerald as a hostage.

Either I was on my way to be put in a cell – which was highly unlikely – or I was being carted to Justin Blaine’s estate. Based on the Duke’s past actions, if he wanted to lock me up, he wouldn’t have sent me away. I’d have woken up in that cell again instead.

The carriage jolted forward, bouncing over a large bump, and sending me flying forward. I swore as I landed in a heap on the seat across from me – scratching my palm. I grabbed the seat and pushed myself up, and glanced over at the door.

What’s the chances I can jump out?

At the obnoxious speed we were going, I’d probably die. I shrugged and reached for the handle. I’d rather choose my own death rather than leave it to Justin’s whims. I turned the knob – or rather I tried to. It didn’t budge, no matter how many times I rattled it.

“I should have expected as much.” I groaned, sitting back down before I was tossed like a ragdoll again.

Now what do I do? I turned back to the window, seeing but not actually paying the outside world any mind. Two attempts at escape resulted in the same action. Either I get away and – somehow magically get caught– or I get caught and dragged back.

A third time is just madness incarnate. I shook my head, pressing my fingers to my temples. This damned headache. Trying to think rationally was like trying to tell a dog to speak in human language.

I inhaled sharply and closed my eyes, running over the events that had happened thus far. Enter the world, run away from the house, be dragged back, and be forced into the plot.

The only small solace I had was that House Thornevale was no longer an immediate problem. I had to find a way to survive in Justin’s mansion before he makes an attempt on my life.

The carriage violently shook suddenly, yanking me from my thoughts. I slammed against the seat – teeth vibrating from the impact.

Did they really have to be so violent? I wondered angrily.

I heard movement coming from the front of the carriage, moments before the door unlocked and was pulled wide open.

“Get out.” The driver snapped. “We’re here.”

I wanted to tell him to screw off, but I was too mentally and emotionally drained to bother. Instead, I climbed out of the carriage to see a large two story manor wrapping around and stretching beyond the large carriage circle.

The driver slammed the door closed behind me, pushed me forward, and hopped onto the seat. He muttered something under his breath and tore out without any parting words.

“Where is everyone?” I took a step forward, glancing around. The place seems empty.

I climbed up the stairs and paused before the door. Do I just knock?

Before I could raise my hand, the door opened wide and a middle aged man appeared, covering his mouth as he yawned. He must be the butler based on his outfit.

“Apologies, my Lady.” He sniffled, taking a stop aside and motioning me forward. “I overslept today. I do hope that isn’t a problem.”

“It is early.” I shrugged and walked inside – immediately hit with an overpowering floral scent.

No wonder the butler was sneezing. I wrinkled my nose, pressing my sleeve against my face. It’s so hard to breathe. Between the headache I already had and the strong odor – I felt like I was going to pass out.

“Don’t mind the-” He cut off, sneezing several times. “Apologies.” He sniffled again. “Lady Matilda is particularly fond of Casa Blanca lilies. I’m a bit allergic, but the smell will clear some after you enter your room.”

He walked toward a large winding staircase – sneezing the entire time. Is this a new form of torture? I followed after him – feeling dizzier as we ascended.

Who uses this much…Oh. I realized as I started to sneeze. A brief line from the novel flashed through my mind:

…And the scent of Casa Blanca lilies permeated the air as though it were a kiss from death himself.

The line was referring to the beginning of Justin’s downfall – when Paulita had entered the building after accusing the man of murder.

I shivered at the thought, walking behind the butler down a long passageway. At a large mahogany door, he stopped and pulled out a key.

“Lord Justin is still fast asleep,” he said, unlocking the door. “He will call on you in a few hours – I have no doubt of that.”

He smiled, holding out the key. Confused, I opened my palm – shocked that he wasn’t locking me inside.

“I understand.” I moved past him, and entered a large – clean white and beige room.

It was three times the size as the one I had at Thornevale’s estate – and much cleaner. At least it’s not the attic.

“Oh, one last thing, Lady Kyla.” The butler cleared his throat. “Your maid will be arriving around noon.”

“A maid?” I looked back at him – brow knitting together. “You’re assigning one to me?”

“Yes, I suppose.” He sniffled. “In a way. Your maid from back home.”

A maid from back home? What is he talking about?

To my knowledge, and from my own experience living as Kyla, she never had a maid. Even when she attended social functions, she was always alone.

“Please rest well, my lady.” The butler bowed low before stepping back and closing the door quietly between us.

“How can I possibly rest well here?” I muttered, walking toward the bed and sinking down into it. The softness of the bed wrapped around me – and I wanted nothing more to do than to sink into it.

I can’t do that. I shook my head. I have no idea what to expect from this situation – other than the obvious.

I can’t let my guard down for any reason.

I knew what was coming and knew that one mistake would end in death.

Blaine’s Estate was going to push me to my limits.

The second half of the novel had begun.