By mid-morning, the butler returned – politely knocking on my door. I didn’t answer at first – expecting him to open.

“Lady Kyla,” he called softly. “If you are sleeping I will inform Lord Justin and return at a later time.”

“No.” I said quickly. “I’m awake.”

His polite tone is disarming. I thought, standing up.

“Are you dressed, my lady?”

“Yes.” I crossed the room, and opened the door – hit again with the overly floral scent.

“Oh.” The butler stiffened, startled. “I could have gotten the door. You need to open it in the future.”

“It’s fine.” I stepped out, closing the door behind me. I don’t want the smell leaking inside. It had taken over an hour for it to fade.

“Please follow me.” He sniffled, and turned – walking at a reasonable pace.

We walked down the hallway, opposite the direction I had arrived in. The further we moved away from the location – the fainter the smell of the flowers became.

I had half a mind to request a new room, but I knew to remain silent. If I upset Justin in any way, he may try to kill me. A sudden thought occurred to me – one I hadn’t considered previously. The novel had been vague on Kyla’s time living in House Blaine’s estate, so I had no idea what to expect. I wasn’t sure either if she was forced to go as I was. I only knew that he would try to kill me at some point.

I shook my head, clearing the thoughts. I’ll have to play it by ear.

“What’s your name?” I asked as we walked down the stairs.

“My name, my lady?” He sniffled, pulling out a handkerchief and dabbing his nose.

“I would like to know what to call you.”

“My name is Martin, my lady.” He said simply, as we reached the bottom.

“Are you the head butler?”

“Indeed.” He glanced behind him, smiling at me. “Should you have any concerns or problems, you may request me at any time.”

“Thank you.”

We didn’t speak for the remainder of the walk to Justin’s office. Several times I caught maids peeking over at me, but each time I glanced in their direction they would look away quickly – faces flushed a deep red.

Martin slowed to a stop, and knocked on the first door on the left side of the corridor. “Lord Justin, Lady Kyla has arrived.”

“Please send her in, Martin.” Justin’s voice, thick with sleep, called.

Martin opened the door, offered a polite bow to Justin and stood aside to allow me access. I walked in, surprised to see Justin sitting on a sofa – drinking what smelled like coffee.

“Good morning.” He said over the rim of his mug. “Please take a seat. We have much to discuss.”

I moved over to the chair across from him and sat, wordlessly waiting. A large bay window behind him glimmered in the sunlight – revealing a modest flower garden and a maze. I half expected the grounds to be dark and dismal with spindly knotted trees – similar to what horror movies had for villains.

“Are you satisfied with your room?” He asked, setting his drink down on the coffee table between us.

“Yes.”

“Good. Your bridal lessons will begin tomorrow morning at eight a.m.” Justin crossed his legs, folding his hands on his stomach. “Mother won’t be back until later this evening and I don’t want to tire her out.” He paused – looking me over.

“We will need to get you clothing,” He sighed. “I will have Martin drop off some catalogs for you to look through. Please be sure to pick clothing that is in style. You will need dresses for social functions, one for the upcoming founders ball, and dresses to wear around the estate.”

Does he think I’m a dress-up doll? I wasn’t sure which surprised me more – the fact that he was telling me I would be mingling in society or that he was disgusted by my clothing.

“I will.”

“Good, good.” He shifted, leaning forward. “I expect you to be presentable and a proper woman when you meet with other ladies. Your actions will reflect on me, and I don’t want my business partners to lose faith over instances between ladies.”

“I have no intention of getting into trouble.” I said simply. At least not in the way you think.

He stared at me quietly for a while, scanning my face. “I’ll believe you.” He didn’t say for now but the implication was clear. “You will keep your distance from other men. I don’t want them getting any ideas about you. Is that clear?”

“Yes.” I suppressed an eye roll.

“Great. Now some rules that you absolutely must abide by in my home. You cannot skip any of your bridal training, for any reason. Mother will not approve and she will be handling discipline as she sees fit. You must return home each evening before sunset – unless we are together such as the ball. The basement is forbidden to you. Do not go down there. It’s unfit for women.”

You mean it’s where you kill people. I shivered at the thought. As a reader, I knew there were five rooms in the basement. Four where he kept people he abducted when he wasn’t killing off his wives. The fifth was at the end of the long hallway – where he committed his deeds.

“You will eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner with me each day – other than when I am indisposed.” He continued, unaware of my thoughts. “I do have plans over the next several weeks, so I may not be able to attend. When I am not able to, you will eat in your room.”

Why? I wondered. To control me further? I opened my mouth to speak, but he continued talking.

“You may go outside as you wish, but stay out of my mothers garden. You are not to harass my staff, nor are you to cause problems. Understood?”

“Yes, I understand.” I said, voice flat.

“We will be attending a soiree in a few days together. I bring this up because I wish to watch how you handle yourself with a larger group of people. If I deem so, you will take lessons on decorum.”

A knock on the door – thankfully – made him pause.

“Yes?” He called.

“Lord Justin, Viscount Vance is here when you are ready. He is in the Rose Reception room.” Martin spoke – voice muffled.

“Thank you. Please inform him I will be there shortly.”

“Yes, my lord.” Martin said, walking away.

“Now,” Justin stood, smoothing out his vest. “Please return to your room and peruse the catalogs once they arrive.”

He walked toward the door, pausing and turning to look back at me. “I would recommend you stay in your room today as the staff is not yet accustomed to you.”

He didn’t wait for an answer – and left, leaving the door open behind him.

I stood up – not wanting to stay in his office longer than necessary. As I made my way back to my room a sense of dread began to creep through my stomach. The rules were ridiculous and the constant being around him was going to make me sick.

The near future looked bleak, but I wouldn’t give up.

I would survive him.

There was no other option.