It was not an insignificant decision and, in fact, it was almost unheard of on Mont Nuit. Once one became Second of a House it was a foregone conclusion that they would ascend to the position of Dowayne upon the death or retirement of the current Dowayne. A Second simply did not step down. Perhaps in the case of severe illness or injury, it would be understandable, but to simply give up one’s post as Second? No. It was not done.
Petrea nó Cereus considered this as she paced the halls of Cereus House. She had been away from the House and her duties for almost a year, traveling with her lover Marco. While the time had been enjoyable, she had come to realize that her place was here on Mont Nuit. But was her place as Second? Did she truly want to return to the responsibilities of being one of the most prominent Servants of Naamah in all Terre d’Ange? The anonymity of being simply Marco’s lover – passed off as his betrothed when necessary – had been blissful.
But. She had long ago made a promise to Aliksandria to stand by her. They had risen in the ranks together, side by side. From Petrea’s first night in Cereus House, Aliks had guided her through the murky waters of Naamah’s service. Petrea doubted she would have survived without that. And truly, she enjoyed her success. Enjoyed somewhat her prominence. Enjoyed the prestige of her position.
What to do?
Petrea’s wanderings led her unexpectedly to the rooms of Aimee nó Cereus, who had been de facto Second in Petrea’s absence. Aimee sat bent over a desk, surrounded by piles of documents, a deep frown marring her lovely face. Petrea’s heart contracted with contrition. Aimee had been thrust into a role for which she had no training and no preparation. And yet, she had managed everything with great aplomb. Petrea did notice, however, that Aimee looked continually harried and had taken to muttering under her breath, racing about the halls.
With all of this in mind, Petrea stepped into the crowded office and settled down onto a chaise.
She cleared her throat to get Aimee’s attention. When Aimee did not look up or cease her fierce scribbling, Petrea cleared her throat again, louder this time. Again, Aimee did not appear to notice.
Finally, Petrea gave up with subtlety and spoke.
“Good morning Aimee. How does the day find you?”
Aimee started and dropped her quill.
“Oh! Milady! Excuse me,” she said, pushing a lock of hair behind her ear, “I was deep in thought. There are many plans to be made for the upcoming fête and I fear we are not keeping a close enough eye on our ledgers to meet expenses for it. I have to speak to Louis about this today.”
Petrea moved to look over Aimee’s shoulder at the documents on the desk. Her practiced eye scanned the lines of the ledgers and estimated expenses for the upcoming ball.
“Ah, here it is!” she said a moment later, pointing to a line in the expense document. “The flower vendor is trying to overcharge you. We do not pay this amount. Ever.”
She smiled slyly at Aimee. “Louis is not the one you need to speak to. We’ll go together this afternoon to the flower shop and make this right. Shopkeepers cannot think that they can overcharge Cereus House.”
Aimee sighed. “There is much work to being Second. One does not have a moment to think!”
Petrea put her hand on Aimee’s shoulder. “You did not ask for this and I am so grateful that you stepped in while I was gone. You have done the House proud. I hope you know this. You would make a wonderful Second.”
Aimee gestured to the chaise and the two sat down across from each other. Petrea poured glasses of wine as they continued their conversation.
“I could not continue as Second on my own, you know. I have not taken a single assignation for myself in months. I feel as though I do not sleep and have no energy to even eat.”
Petrea looked down into her glass. “I did not know that,” she said quietly.
Aimee continued. “I did not have the opportunity to make connections in the city as you did and you see the results of that with the flower shop. I did not learn to be a leader over time as you did. I have not earned anyone’s respect as you have. I have not learned the administration skills you have. I simply do not have the training and teachings that you have.”
“You would need a great deal of help….were you to become Second,” Petrea said slowly.
“I would need assistance, yes.” Aimee appeared to be thinking aloud now. “An assigned group of adepts or hired hands to help me with the position. I could not simply continue as I have. But a dedicated committee? Yes, that would work.”
Aimee blinked, ending her reverie. She lowered a gaze at Petrea.
“Do you intend to step down?”
That was the question.
“I do not have an answer to that,” Petrea said sadly, her shoulders sagging. “My heart is torn. I have no desire to leave Cereus House, but I waver on what to do about my position.”
“You must decide.”
Petrea nodded. “I know.”
The two sat in silence for a moment, sipping their wine, each considering their own thoughts.
Petrea was the first to speak. “I should like to do something for you to show my gratitude for your work during the last months.”
Aimee smiled. “That is kind of you and I appreciate it.”
“I was thinking a grand ball. Invite all of our adepts and your favorite patrons. Certainly they have missed you!”
Aimee’s smile began to fade as Petrea rushed on. “I, of course, will handle the planning. You will not need to lift a finger. Would you like a new gown? I could have a new gown made for you if you would like?”
Aimee raised her hands. “Petrea, please! I do not want a ball. In fact, I cannot think of anything I should want less than a ball.”
Petrea was stunned. “No ball?”
Aimee shook her head vehemently. “No! I have been drowning in planning balls and fêtes and purchasing gowns. All I want is some peace. Some time to myself.”
“Something like a night at Balm House?”
Aimee laughed. “A week at Balm House would be suitable for my needs!”
Petrea looked at her curiously. “Truly? That is what you desire? A full week at Balm House? I could arrange that if it is what you want.”
Aimee looked at her in surprise. “I was not being completely serious. While, yes, a week at Balm House would be my dream, I cannot imagine the expense of that!”
Petrea waved her off. “That is not your concern. If I can express my gratitude to you by sending you to Balm House for a week of restoration, then I shall.”
“Well. In that case, I shall pack a bag.”
Petrea nodded and put a gentle hand on Aimee’s arm. “I shall speak to the Dowayne as soon as we finish speaking and arrange everything. You have done great things for this House and for me, personally, and should be appropriately rewarded for that.”
“You must make me a promise, Petrea. You must promise me that when I return to Cereus House, you will give me your decision. I do not want to spend my week worrying. I want to come back and know my future.”
“I promise. One week is enough time for me to come to a decision. I shall bring word when your assignation at Balm is arranged.”
Petrea embraced Aimee and left the room.
One week. Petrea knew it would not take long to schedule the assignation at Balm House and Aimee would leave perhaps even that day. She had little time to decide her future. She returned to her apartments and sat down at her desk. She shuffled papers absently, not looking at anything, simply needing something for her hands to do.
Presently, a House attendant knocked on the door.
“A letter has come for you milday. From Aragonia, I believe.”
Petrea took the letter and broke the seal. “Aragonia? Who would write me from Aragonia?”
The attendant shrugged. “I know not. You traveled far this past year and met many people. Perhaps one of them?”
A jolt hit Petrea as she remembered whom she had met in Aragonia. Her heart racing, feeling a bit giddy, she read her letter.
Mi querida Petrea,
Long have I thought of our night together and wished for another. Your words, your kiss, your touch. I cannot seem to forget you and I seek a reason to see you again.
Finally, my longing ends as I shall be traveling to the City of Elua on business for my family. Will you make time for me amongst your many other important patrons, cariña?
With all my affection,
R
Ramiro Pascual De Soria y Borja, Marqués of Almazan
A warm feeling spread in Petrea’s belly at the memory of Don Ramiro. She had exchanged an assignation with him for lodgings in Aragonia. It had been…enjoyable. The news that he was coming to the City on behalf of his family was not necessarily surprising. The silver embargo was affecting the mines in Aragonia and the Aragonian nobility was sending the young Marqués to make political overtures on behalf of the family. He would, of course, be seeking to make his own political connections in Terre d’Ange. He had only his family name to trade on presently and that was a thin thread.
He likely believed, however, that he had another ally. Her. Being seen about the City with the Second of Cereus on his arm gave him clout that could open doors that might otherwise be closed to him. Regardless of what he might say about their night together, it wasn’t only her he wanted, it was the Second of Cereus House.
Petrea knew from experience that politics trumped personal feelings every time. Ramiro might personally desire her, but he would spend his time with whoever occupied the Second’s seat.
“Well,” Petrea thought, “that’s not an assignation I’m willing to give up. I suppose that’s that.”
She dropped the letter on her desk and went off to find Aimee.