Capítulo 4 CHAPTER 4

The morning after the banquet dawned crisp and clear, but Elaine felt a storm brewing within her. The arrival of Marcus Kane had shifted the dynamics of her strategy, forcing her to confront memories she had buried deep-memories of betrayal and bloodshed. She paced the length of her chambers, her mind a whirlwind of thoughts.

Marcus had been a shadowy figure in her past life, a mercenary captain whose loyalty was dictated solely by coin. He had played a crucial role in her downfall, aligning himself with Edmond and Lúcia when the scales had tipped against her. His sudden appearance at the banquet was no coincidence; it was a calculated move, though its purpose remained unclear.

Elaine paused by the window, her gaze fixed on the gardens below. The estate's grounds were alive with activity as servants bustled about, preparing for another day. She clenched her fists, determined to stay one step ahead of her enemies this time.

A knock at the door broke her reverie. "Enter," she called, her voice steady.

Gérard Lefevre stepped inside, his expression serious. He carried a leather-bound ledger and a stack of correspondence. "My lady, I've compiled the information you requested about the southern trade routes. There are indeed discrepancies in the reports."

Elaine gestured for him to sit, taking the ledger from his hands. She flipped through the pages, her eyes scanning the entries. "Sabotage?" she asked, though she already knew the answer.

"It appears so," Gérard confirmed. "Several shipments have gone missing, and our merchants report increased bandit activity. It's too organized to be mere coincidence."

Elaine's jaw tightened. "Double the guards on the southern routes and instruct our merchants to remain vigilant. I want a full investigation into these incidents. Whoever is behind this will not go unpunished."

Gérard nodded. "As you wish, my lady. There is another matter," he added, hesitating.

"Speak freely," Elaine said, her tone encouraging.

"Captain Marcus Kane," Gérard said, his voice low. "His arrival at the banquet was unexpected, to say the least. He's a man with a dangerous reputation. Should we be concerned?"

Elaine considered her response carefully. "Marcus Kane is a mercenary. His loyalty is bought, not earned. For now, we watch him closely. If he becomes a threat, we will deal with him accordingly."

Gérard's expression hardened. "Understood, my lady. I'll ensure our security is tightened."

Later that day, Elaine found herself in the library, seeking solace among the rows of books. The D'Armont estate's library was a testament to her family's legacy, filled with volumes on trade, diplomacy, and history. She pulled a book from the shelf at random, but her mind was too restless to focus on the words.

A quiet voice interrupted her thoughts. "Lady Elaine, you seem troubled."

She turned to see Edmond standing in the doorway, his expression one of practiced concern. He stepped inside, closing the door behind him.

"Edmond," she said, masking her unease. "What brings you here?"

"I was hoping we could talk," he said, approaching her slowly. "You've been distant lately. I worry about you."

Elaine forced a smile. "That's kind of you, but I assure you, I'm fine. There's simply much to do."

Edmond's gaze lingered on her, as if searching for cracks in her façade. "You've always been so strong, Elaine. But even the strongest among us need support. You can trust me, you know."

Her heart twisted at the irony of his words. Trust him? The man who had betrayed her so thoroughly? She maintained her composure, nodding slightly. "Thank you, Edmond. Your support means a great deal to me."

He reached out to take her hand, his touch sending a shiver down her spine. "You're not alone, Elaine. Remember that."

Elaine withdrew her hand gently, stepping back. "I appreciate that," she said, her voice steady. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I have matters to attend to."

Edmond hesitated, then nodded. "Of course. I won't keep you."

As he left, Elaine released a breath she hadn't realized she was holding. She couldn't let her guard down, not even for a moment. Edmond was as dangerous as ever, and she needed to remain vigilant.

That evening, Elaine convened a private meeting with Lúcia. The two women sat in the drawing room, the flickering light of the fireplace casting shadows on the walls. Lúcia sipped her wine, her demeanor relaxed but her eyes watchful.

"Elaine, you've been so preoccupied lately," Lúcia said, her tone light. "I hope everything is all right."

"Just the usual challenges of managing an empire," Elaine replied, her voice measured. "But I'm curious about you, Lúcia. How have you been spending your time?"

Lúcia smiled, a hint of mischief in her expression. "Oh, you know me. I've been enjoying the finer things in life. Though I must admit, I've missed our late-night conversations. We used to be so close."

Elaine tilted her head, studying Lúcia carefully. "Perhaps we should remedy that. After all, there's no one I trust more than you."

Lúcia's eyes sparkled with something unreadable. "I'd like that," she said. "It's important to cherish the bonds we share."

Their conversation continued, a delicate dance of words and hidden meanings. Elaine knew she was walking a tightrope, but she couldn't afford to show any weakness. Lúcia was as cunning as ever, and Elaine needed to keep her close to uncover her true intentions.

As the days passed, Elaine's plans began to take shape. She strengthened her alliances, secured her trade routes, and gathered intelligence on her enemies. But the presence of Marcus Kane remained a thorn in her side.

One evening, Marcus requested a private audience with her. Elaine agreed, though she felt a knot of apprehension in her chest. They met in her study, the room dimly lit by a single lantern.

"Lady Elaine," Marcus said, inclining his head. "Thank you for seeing me."

"Captain Kane," Elaine replied, her voice cool. "What can I do for you?"

He stepped closer, his gaze intense. "I've heard whispers of trouble on your trade routes. Bandits, sabotage. It's a dangerous time to be in your position."

Elaine met his gaze, her expression unyielding. "I'm well aware of the risks, Captain. But the D'Armont empire has weathered storms before. We will endure."

Marcus smiled faintly. "I admire your confidence. But if you ever need assistance, my services are at your disposal."

"For a price, I'm sure," Elaine said, her tone sharp.

He chuckled. "Of course. Nothing in this world comes free."

Elaine's eyes narrowed. "I'll keep that in mind, Captain. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have work to do."

Marcus bowed slightly. "As you wish. But remember, Lady Elaine-sometimes, the most valuable allies are the ones you least expect."

As he left, Elaine felt a chill run down her spine. Marcus Kane was a man of many secrets, and she couldn't shake the feeling that his arrival signaled a new chapter in her battle for survival.

Elaine stood by the window, staring out at the darkened estate. The path ahead was fraught with danger, but she was determined to forge her own destiny. Her enemies thought they could manipulate her, but they underestimated her resolve.

This time, she would not be a victim of their schemes. This time, she would rise above them all.

The game was just beginning, and Elaine was ready to play.