They followed Elias and Keiran deeper into the forest. After a while, the thick trees gave way to a clearing, revealing a massive, elegant mansion that looked more like a small palace than a lord's estate.
Liliana's eyes widened. "Does everyone in this country live like this?" she wondered. "Something is not right about this man."
As they reached the entrance, several servants rushed out to greet them. Two men took the horses toward the stables, while the rest bowed deeply. Just as they were about to step into the light of the foyer, Ria reached out and pulled the hood of Liliana's cloak further over her head.
"What is it?" Liliana whispered.
Ria pointed subtly to a lock of hair escaping the hood. Liliana's heart nearly stopped. The heavy rain had begun to wash away the dye; streaks of brilliant gold were beginning to peek through the dark brown.
"Change into dry clothes first, then we shall dine together," Elias said, his voice smooth. "Lady Marilyn will show you to your quarters."
"No," Ria interrupted firmly. "We would like to stay in the same room."
Elias raised an eyebrow, a thoughtful look crossing his face. "Hmm... as you wish."
Inside the Guest Room
The moment the door was locked, Liliana threw back her hood. "That was too close," she exhaled, her hands trembling slightly. "Thank goodness you noticed. I hope they didn't see anything."
"I hope so too, My Lady. If they realize who you are, our journey ends here," Ria said grimly.
Liliana untied her damp cape. "We need to redye it immediately. Did you bring the powder?"
"Of course," Ria answered, pulling a small pouch from her bag. "But I need a deep bowl and some warm water. Please, do not leave this room until I return."
"As if I would," Liliana replied. "Just be quick!"
Elias's Study
Elias stood by the window, watching the rain lash against the glass.
"Those eyes... they are so familiar to me," he mumbled to himself.
"Did you say something, Sire?" Keiran asked, looking up from a stack of reports.
"Don't you find it odd, Keiran? They look nothing like sisters. Not even a little," Elias noted. "And the girl, Lil... her eyes. I feel like I've seen them before."
"Perhaps you met her during one of your travels? Though it's unlikely a merchant's daughter would cross paths with someone of your standing so easily," Keiran remarked. "Just ask her at dinner. Then you'll know for sure."
Elias laughed softly. "That would be rude, wouldn't it?"
"Why? Just say: 'You look very familiar, have we met?' Simple as that," Keiran shrugged.
Elias didn't respond. He simply kept his gaze on the storm outside, his mind racing with possibilities.
Back in the Guest Room
A soft knock signaled Ria's return. "It's me."
Liliana pulled her in quickly. "What took you so long?"
"I'm not used to navigating a kitchen this large," Ria panted, setting down a stone bowl of steaming water. "I managed to get this from a maid. Let's hurry."
"If only we could do something about my eyes as well," Liliana sighed.
Ria worked quickly, reapplying the dark pigment until every trace of gold was hidden once more. They changed into the simplest clothes they had brought—plain but clean travel tunics—and waited.
Soon, a knock came from the head maid, Marilyn. "Ladies, I am here to escort you to the dining hall."
When the doors to the hall opened, Elias and Keiran turned to greet them. However, both men froze, their expressions shifting from polite curiosity to utter confusion.
"Marilyn?" Keiran asked, blinking. "Did you not take the ladies to their rooms?"
"I did, sir," the head maid replied, her voice puzzled.
"Then..." Keiran gestured toward Liliana and Ria. "Why are the ladies still wearing their... khm... own clothes?"
In a mansion where even the servants wore fine silk, Liliana and Ria stood out in their rugged, travel-worn tunics like two thorns in a rose garden.