My heart leaped franticly. I froze, the elegant stone sword still clutched in my hand, its tip pointing towards the floor. The metallic scent of the armory suddenly seemed sharper and a sudden silence creeped in. I slowly turned, my mind racing for an explanation, any explanation.
Standing in the doorway was a man who seemed to embody the very essence of 'butler.' He was tall, impeccably dressed in a dark, tailored uniform that probably fit his lean posture. His posture was elegantly straight, his expression unreadable, and his silver hair was neatly combed back, not a single strand out of place. In one hand, he held a silver tray, upon which rested a delicate teacup and a small plate of biscuits. He looked like he'd stepped straight out of a period drama.
His eyes, a piercing shade of gray, scanned me, then the sword in my hand, then back to me. No expression across his face, but I felt the weight of his scrutiny.
"Young master," he repeated, his voice smooth and even, devoid of any discernible accent, "what are you doing in here?"
My mind was a chaotic scramble. Think, Alex, think! What would Kai Lorne say? What would a noble child say? I couldn't just say I was lost. That would be too obvious, too out of character for someone who supposedly lived here.
"Ah, Jenkins," I blurted out, hoping that was his name. Most butlers in these types of stories were named Jenkins. "Just… admiring the collection." I tried to sound casual, confident, as if I were merely perusing a library. I gestured vaguely with the sword, then quickly lowered it, feeling foolish holding such a weapon in front of this perfectly composed man. "I heard about this room from… from the others. My siblings. Always wanted to check it out properly."
A flicker, a barely perceptible tightening around his eyes, was the only indication that my answer had registered. "The other young masters and young miss?" he clarified, his voice still perfectly level, but with a subtle undertone of skepticism. "That is… curious. This room is strictly off-limits to all but Lord Sapphire himself. How exactly did they inform you of its existence, let alone its contents?"
My internal panic surged. Damn it, Alex! You walked right into that one! Of course, it would be off-limits. It was a secret armory. And I didn't know their names. I couldn't even point to them. My mind raced, trying to find a way out of this deepening hole.
"They… they mentioned it in passing," I insisted, trying to inject more conviction into my voice. "A whisper, really. Something about Father's… hobbies. I merely followed my curiosity." I tried to project an air of innocent, youthful curiosity, mixed with the inherent privilege of a noble child. "You know how siblings are. Always teasing with secrets."
Jenkins—which was obviously not his name, remained impassive, his gaze unwavering. "Indeed, young master. And which of your siblings, specifically, shared this 'secret' with you?"
My heart pounded. This was it. The trap. I couldn't name them. I didn't know their names. I didn't even know if they had mentioned it, or if I was just digging myself deeper. My face felt hot. My palms were sweating around the hilt of the sword.
A sudden surge of frustration bubbled up. I was a noble now, wasn't I? I had some authority. I had to assert it.
"Look, Jenkins," I said—once again that wasn't his name but I still insisted on it, my voice firmer than I expected, "I don't appreciate the persistent questions. I was merely exploring. I will, of course, take my leave now." I made to put the sword back on its hook, trying to convey a sense of finality.
The butler's expression softened, surprisingly. The subtle tension in his posture seemed to ease. He even offered a faint, almost imperceptible nod. "My apologies, young master. It is merely my duty to ensure the manor's security and the family's privacy." He then shifted the tray slightly in his hand. "Might I perhaps bring a fresh pot of coffee to your room? Or perhaps a calming tea after your… exploration?"
He surprisingly let it go, and there was a sudden shift in his demeanor, it was jarring. I had expected more questions, more suspicion, perhaps even a threat to report me to Lord Sapphire. Instead, he was offering coffee. My relief was so profound.
"That… that would be delightful, Jenkins," I managed, trying to sound gracious and not like a man who had just narrowly escaped being exposed as an impostor. "Thank you."
He bowed slightly. "As you wish, young master. I shall have it prepared immediately." With that, he turned and glided silently out of the room, leaving me alone amidst the gleaming blades.
I let out a long breath, leaning against a nearby rack of swords. My heart was still hammering, but the immediate threat had passed. I had survived. I had bluffed my way through. He hadn't figured me out. Or at least, he hadn't shown it. The thought that he might still be suspicious, just playing along, sent a fresh shiver down my spine. I needed to be more careful. Much more careful. My new life as Kai Lorne was a tightrope walk, and every step was fraught with the risk of exposure.
I quickly re-hung the stone sword. I needed to find my room, and fast. I couldn't risk another accidental discovery. I stepped out of the armory, closing the heavy door behind me, and looked down the long, quiet corridor.
My mind was still reeling from the encounter with Jenkins—which is still not his name. I saw a door adjacent to the armory, just a few feet away. It seemed like a logical place for a bedroom, perhaps a guest room, or even my own. Without thinking, my hand reached for the handle.
I pushed the door open.
The room was bathed in soft, natural light from a large window. It was clearly a private chamber, a bedroom. My eyes, still slightly unfocused from the adrenaline, registered a large, four-poster bed, a dressing screen, and…
A figure. Standing by the dressing screen.
It was the eldest daughter of the Sapphire family. Her back was to me, her blue hair cascading down her bare shoulders. She was in the process of taking off her clothes, her delicate undergarments visible.
My eyes widened in horror. Oh, god. No. NO!
"AH!" I gasped, my eyes snapping shut instinctively, my face turned red. I slammed the door shut with a resounding thud, stumbling back against the opposite wall.
"KAI! WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!" She let aloud, followed by distinct thwack. A pillow. She had thrown a pillow at the door.
To be honest, it was truly an incredibly uncomfortable way to meet her… and of course, my mind had to betray me for a second. Pulsing images of her slender body, she's my supposed stepsister, for god's sake. Gush... I need to get a grip.