CHAPTER 14: THE MASK AND THE MIRROR

Lucian’s POV

The mahogany desk felt like an anchor in the quiet, heavy air of my study. I hadn't summoned Mrs. Gable or told Leo. If my suspicions were correct, involving the estate staff would create a fire I couldn't control. I sat in the high-backed leather chair, the Sterling guest list lying flat before me as my mind ran through every possible scenario.

I summoned a junior page and sent him to the servants' wing with a direct command.

Five minutes later, the oak door creaked open.

Eva stepped inside, closing it softly behind her. She stood near the threshold with her hands folded neatly over her crisp white apron, her expression serene and almost entirely unbothered.

"Take a seat, Eva," I said, my voice low and devoid of warmth.

A faint hesitation crossed her eyes before she pulled out the carved wooden chair opposite my desk and sat on the edge, her posture perfectly straight.

"Yes, My Lord. How may I help you?"

I leaned back, locking my gaze onto hers. "I am going to ask you one question. You will answer me with the truth."

"Of course, My Lord."

"How did you get into the Sterling summer ball?"

The change was instantaneous. Her composure vanished, replaced by wide-eyed shock. Her chest hitched, and the colour drained from her face. She looked less frightened by the question than by the fact that I was the one asking it.

"My Lord... whatever do you mean?" she stammered. "I could never afford a ticket to a Sterling ball. I am simply a maid."

I stood, picked up the guest list and dropped it onto the blotter before her, tapping the dark ink with my finger.

"Look. Your name is on the guest ledger. Explain why Eva Vance was invited to a private court event."

She stared at the page, her jaw tightening for the briefest moment before she looked up with a weak smile.

"My Lord... Eva is a remarkably common name in the northern valley. Perhaps you are mistaking me for a noble lady who happens to share my name?"

"No." I stepped around the desk until I stood beside her chair. "I am not mistaking you. You speak like a scholar. Your composure is entirely too disciplined for someone who grew up in a servant's quarter. It explains everything. You are playing the role of a maid in my house for a reason I have yet to determine, and I will not have an imposter under my roof."

I paused, my voice sharpening.

"I am going to expose you to my mother and have you removed from this duchy before nightfall."

Her eyes widened.

Before I could say another word, heavy footsteps sounded in the corridor outside, approaching the study.

Eva moved instantly.

She leapt from her chair and, before I could react, pressed her palm firmly over my mouth.

"Shh," she whispered.

I froze.

She was standing inches from me, her breath warm against my cheek, the faint scent of lavender soap surrounding her. I didn't push her away. Instead, I looked down into her wide, dark eyes.

And suddenly, I remembered the familiarity in her eyes.

I had felt it from the first day I saw her in the library—that strange, impossible familiarity. Looking at her now, I'm trying to remember where i had seen them.

Before I could place it, the footsteps faded down the corridor.

Eva immediately pulled her hand away as though she'd been burned. She stumbled back and dropped into a deep bow.

"My Lord, I am so sorry!" Her voice trembled. "I... yes. Yes, I went to the Sterling ball. I saved every copper coin I earned for an entire year just to buy a gown and step inside a real capital hall for one night. But I mean no harm. I swear to you, I am not wealthy. I am deep in debt, My Lord."

She looked up, unshed tears shining in her eyes.

"Please do not let me lose this job. I need this work. Please... do not tell your mother."

I watched her silently.

The pieces suddenly seemed to fit. A fallen, indebted girl playing dress-up for one evening to escape the brutal reality of her life. Foolish, reckless, perhaps—but entirely human. She hadn't stolen anything or harmed my family. She was simply trying to survive.

The tension in my shoulders eased.

"It is alright, Eva," I said quietly. "You may go."

She blinked. "My Lord?"

"I will keep your secret." I held her gaze. "Just do not disappoint me. Do not make me regret protecting you."

Relief washed over her face.

"I won't, My Lord," she breathed, bowing deeply. "Thank you so much."

She turned and practically fled the study, the heavy oak door clicking shut behind her.

I remained where I was, touching the corner of my mouth where her hand had rested moments earlier.

She thought she had successfully lied her way out of my trap.

Perhaps she had.

But as I stared at the empty doorway, those dark, familiar eyes remained fixed in my mind.

I would keep her secret.

But I would never stop searching until I remembered exactly where I had seen those eyes before.