I, the slave boy, awaken with the most potent seed!!

Chapter 28 - 28: Break up 2

As Mara departed with a curtsy, Cordelia took a sip of the juice, noting how Matilda's glass remained untouched. She decided to change tack.

"So, tell me about Zafron," Cordelia said, her tone light but her eyes sharp. "Your new hire. How is he settling in? And more importantly, how did Lord Blackthorn take the news of you making a hire without consulting him?"

Matilda's fingers tightened almost imperceptibly around her glass. "Everything is well," she replied, her voice steady but lacking its usual warmth. "Zafron is... an excellent addition to the household. And Blackthorn had no objections."

Cordelia raised an eyebrow, unconvinced. "Is that so? Speaking of Zafron, I haven't seen him about today. He's usually never far from your side, isn't he?" She allowed a knowing smile to play at her lips.

Matilda's head tilted slightly, her eyes narrowing. "What's this sudden interest in Zafron, Cordelia? I don't recall you being so curious about our staff before."

The air between them seemed to thicken with unspoken tensions. Suddenly, Matilda's eyes widened, a spark of realization igniting in their depths. She leaned forward, her voice low and intent.

"Cordelia, why did you insist on having Zafron come all the way to your house to pick up your attire for the upcoming events? You said you'd send one of your maids. What changed?"

Cordelia felt a flush creep up her neck, but she maintained her composure. "I... well, I thought it would be more efficient. Your man was already out and about, after all."

Matilda's gaze was piercing now, all traces of her earlier distraction gone. "Efficient? Cordelia, your house is in the opposite direction from where Zafron was headed. It was anything but efficient."

The two women stared at each other, years of friendship suddenly strained by suspicion and unasked questions. Cordelia's hand trembled slightly as she set down her glass, the clink of crystal against the table unnaturally loud in the tense silence.

"Matilda, I-" Cordelia began, but Matilda cut her off with a raised hand.

"No, Cordelia. I think it's time you told me exactly what's going on. Why this interest in Zafron? What are you not telling me?"

Cordelia's mind raced,

As the sun set outside, casting long shadows through the kitchen windows, Mara made a silent vow. She would watch, she would listen, and when the time was right, she would act. For the good of the household - and perhaps, for her own heart as well.