章 36: Whispers in the Shadows

Two days after Sylvette's confinement to her chambers, a clandestine meeting took place between two maids, one from House LeBlanc and the other from House Hannes, a modest merchant family. They met in an alley just close to the LeBlanc house. The Hannes maid had been dispatched by her mistress, Lady Dulcie Hannes, with a specific task. Clutched in her trembling hand was a folded letter and a single gleaming gold coin. She had been chosen for her discretion, and the weight of her mission bore heavily on her like stone blocks. She felt scared, as if every passerby was only looking at her.

Approaching the LeBlanc maid with a mixture of fear and resolve, she whispered her instructions. "Mistress Dulcie bids you to deliver this letter to Lady Sylvette," she murmured, her voice barely audible. She showed her the small pouch full of copper coins.