CHAPTER 2: THE HOUSE OF VIPERS

Eva’s POV

The coarse linen of the servant's apron felt heavy against my collarbones as I pulled the white ties tight around my waist.

Standing before the small silvered glass in my quarters, I smoothed down my dark grey gown. My hands were steady, but the fire behind my ribs was unyielding.

Today, I was merely preparing to take up the broom and dustcloth, waiting for the first crack in the De Witt fortress.

A sharp knock sounded against my wooden door.

"Eva!" Mrs. Gable the head maid called from the stone corridor. "Finished adjusting your cap, girl. Her Ladyship requires two maids in the main courtyard."

I opened the door immediately, bowing my head.

"Is there a grand task for the morning, Mrs. Gable?"

"Her Ladyship wishes to deliver seasonal gifts to a neighbouring estate," Mrs. Gable explained, her keys jingling as she turned. "Laura offered to go, but Her Ladyship specifically requested you accompany her alongside Martha. Wash your hands and step lively."

Down in the cobblestone courtyard, a dark-lacquered carriage waited beneath the morning sun. Velvet-wrapped boxes, imported silk, and carved silver casks were stacked inside.

Lady Eleanor stood by the carriage door in a pale rose silk gown. When her hazel eyes fell upon me, a warm smile touched her lips.

"Ah, Eva," she said softly. "I hope you rested well after your journey yesterday. Today, you shall assist me with a small courtesy visit to an important family."

"I am honoured to serve you, My Lady."

We climbed into the carriage, and the wooden wheels crunched over the gravel as we passed through the iron gates of Valenridge Manor.

Throughout the drive, Lady Eleanor spoke with quiet grace, ensuring Martha and I were comfortable. Her gentle treatment of the servants felt entirely foreign to the cold world of the nobility.

An hour later, the carriage stopped before a massive estate of white marble and dark slate.

My stomach twisted.

The servants here wore thin, tattered grey coats, the fabric threadbare at the seams. It was clear the master of this house spared little for those who served him.

A head butler led us into the reception room.

The room was suffocatingly lavish. Crimson velvet drapes hung beneath gilded ceilings, while a massive tapestry covered the far wall. A thick royal-blue carpet muffled our footsteps.

Then a voice echoed from the marble staircase.

"Eleanor, my dear! What a delightful surprise."

I raised my eyes.

And the world went silent.

Descending the stairs in shimmering emerald silk was the Dowager Duchess Sterling.

Her.

The woman who had stood in my father's study eleven years ago.

The woman who had watched as her guards dragged my father away in chains. The woman who had declared that my family would be erased from history so her bloodline could flourish.

My fists clenched beneath my apron.

Look at this house.

Gold moulding. Crystal chandeliers. Priceless paintings.

They built this empire using my father's stolen fortune.

They fed off his murder.

I lowered my chin immediately, staring at the carpet and praying the maid's cap and the years that had passed would keep her from recognising me.

"It is always a pleasure, Beatrice," Lady Eleanor said warmly, exchanging polite air-kisses with her. "I brought over the new French silks and spiced wines from the eastern port."

"You are far too generous," Lady Sterling replied, gesturing toward the velvet chairs. "Come, sit. My maid was just about to bring the tea."

Her eyes shifted toward a raggedly dressed servant trembling beneath the weight of a silver tea kettle.

"Nonsense," Lady Sterling snapped. "You move like a crippled mule! Let Eleanor's maids serve. They at least look presentable."

She pointed directly at me.

"You. Girl. Pour the tea."

"At once, My Lady."

I stepped forward and lifted the silver teapot.

My hands trembled—not from fear, but from rage.

I stood beside Lady Sterling's chair. She tilted her chin up, looking down at me with disgust.

"Pour it to the rim," she ordered. "And do not spill a drop, unless you wish to spend the night in the cellar."

I tipped the pot.

The dark amber liquid filled the delicate cup.

My gaze fell upon the pristine green silk of her dress.

Silk bought with my father's blood.

My wrist slipped.

Tea spilled over the brim, pouring directly onto Lady Sterling's lap and soaking the front of her expensive gown.

"AAAAH!"

She shot out of her chair.

"You stupid, wretched, useless creature!"

"Forgive me, My Lady!"

I dropped to my knees, hiding my face as I forced panic into my voice.

"My hand slipped. I am so sorry, My Lady!"

"Look at what you've done!" Lady Sterling screamed, staring at the spreading stain. "You worthless, brainless hound! This silk was imported from the capital!"

"Beatrice, please," Lady Eleanor intervened, stepping between us. "It was merely an accident. The girl is new to service and the pot is heavy."

"An accident?" Lady Sterling hissed.

She finally forced herself to calm down, but her glare remained venomous.

"Get out of my sight and stand against the wall, girl, before I have my guards strip the skin from your back."

"Yes, My Lady."

I backed away and took my place beside Martha against the far wall.

Lady Sterling settled into another chair while a servant brought her a damp towel.

"In any case," she said, aggressively changing the subject, "we must finalise the arrangements for the upcoming season. How are we to join our houses together, Eleanor?"

Lady Eleanor took a delicate sip from her cup.

"I have been giving it much thought. I believe Lucian should be the one to take Genevieve's hand. He is the elder heir, and it is time he settled into his duties."

My chest tightened.

Lucian.

The mysterious lord I had danced with at the masquerade was destined to marry Lady Genevieve Sterling.

The son of the kindest woman I had ever met was about to bind his bloodline to the family that had destroyed mine.

How am I supposed to execute my revenge now?

If Lucian married Genevieve, the Sterlings would be shielded by the power of House De Witt.

I stared at Lady Sterling, my heart hammering.

No.

It changes nothing.

If anything, it was better this way.

Now I knew exactly where the snakes resided.

I would use my position in Valenridge Manor to uncover every ledger, every secret, and every forged document.

I would tear the Sterlings down, reclaim my father's stolen legacy, and take back everything that belonged to me.

No matter who stood in my way.