It was the first day that they would be hosting guests. Marielle felt stressed. It was her first time being a host, and the majority of the work would fall on her today as the lady of the estate. It was made worse by their lack of experienced servants. Marielle knew her duty, to act with grace and charm, as she had been prepared for during her tutoring. She moved around the building with purpose. Running her finger along surfaces to check for dust and dirt, and looking around for anything out of place.

Her and Augustus' house, which once was a disaster, now was presentable, although with minimal furnishing. It lacked the extravagance she saw at the manse, or the busy walls filled with art that she noticed was the style here in Venocia. But, she knew, they lacked the budget to rectify that situation. Her father would always try to flaunt his wealth whenever he had guests. He taught her it was useful intimidation. Those of lower status would recognize the difference in status as it was displayed before them, and be more amicable in negotiations because of it. It would also help defend against those of higher status and their unreasonable demands. It was a show of strength.

A knock came at the door to Marielle's surprise. It was much too early. She glanced in the kitchen on the way to the front door. The food preparations were nowhere near complete. Even Augustus didn't appear to accompany her as she went to the greeting. This was too sudden and unusual. Gillivan sped over and held the door open for Marielle. But it was just a messenger.

“I have a summons for Augustus DeCastellian,” said the messenger.

“I can pass it to him,” offered Marielle.

“Is he here? It’s better if I hand it to him. This has the magistrate’s seal. I must try my best to hand it to him with the seal unbroken.”

After waiting a bit, Augustus appeared and took the sealed message and the messenger then left immediately with his task completed. Augustus, unconcerned, broke the seal then and there and began reading.

“I was worried Revenica and Quintus arrived early.”

Augustus looked up from the letter casually. “They won’t be arriving early. If anything they’ll be here late.”

“What does it say, Augustus?” she asked.

“I’ve been summoned to hold court tomorrow. I must fulfill my duty as a magistrate... Cressa is making a cake right?” Augustus looked annoyed when he spoke of holding court, then changed the subject abruptly.

“Yes, she is,” Marielle replied. They had been sure to purchase the ingredient earlier. She learned that sugar, an ingredient she wasn’t familiar with, was surprisingly expensive. But, Cressa said it was necessary for the cake, and Marielle, particularly worried about being a wholly unimpressive host, agreed to the expense in the hope of making up for it somehow.

“When it’s done, can you do me a favour?”

Marielle nodded.

“There are a couple of guards outside. They are DeCastellian guards, assigned because of the recent disturbances. They have been watching our estate, ensuring our safety.”

Marielle was shocked and dismayed at the news. She could immediately guess that they might not really be there solely to ensure their safety. And might, in fact, be a threat.

Augustus raised his hand and said soft sounds like he was trying to tame a wild horse. His attempt to calm Marielle down. “They truly are there to make sure we’re safe. Horatio and Gillivan know them well enough to assure me they won’t try anything against us. In fact, they’ve been working quite hard. Staying up late into the night. We should thank them.”

Marielle let out a sigh of relief. If Horatio vouched for them she was sure they were nothing to be worried about. "Why haven't I noticed them before now?”

“Our mother asked them to keep their distance. Our family doesn’t have an unlimited supply of guards. Their duty is mostly to watch, and if something were to happen, to alert and gather the other guards to our estate. If there were intruders, we would be left to fend for ourselves for some time until an overwhelming force arrived.”

“Then what’s the favour you wanted?”

“When the cake is done, cut a couple of pieces and bring it out to them. Tell them that we thank them for their diligence — Don't worry, Gillivan will be with you. Tell them they need to be extra vigilant today because we have special guests, Quintus and Revenica are visiting. Be sure to tell them they are coming so that they don't try to give them a hassle. You can do that for me right?"

Marielle nodded. Even though she felt a bit condescended to. To be asked for confirmation after requesting such a simple task.

Augustus seemed to notice, softening his expression. "Sorry, I didn't mean to be rude. It's just something I need to be sure gets done."

Marielle smiled and headed to the kitchen. That was where the servants were, Cressa, Sara, and Bindel. There were a multitude of tasks for them to handle. The fire for the stove and oven needed constant tending, to keep the flame at a consistent heat. Ingredients needed to be chopped or crushed with a mortar and pestle. And everything needed cleaning because of the constant build-up of soot. Bindel would scurry outside, dumping the black water and coming back in with new water.

“How are the preparations going?” Marielle asked.

“Nothing has been burnt,” responded Cressa. She was the cook for the day, although not too pleased with the role. “Really, you need to get a dedicated cook as soon as you have the chance. Sure, I know a few recipes, but your guests probably won’t be particularly pleased with my offering. Not nearly sophisticated enough.”

It was true. They needed a cook, but their finances didn't have the leeway to accommodate that. Not that Marielle intended to inform Cressa about the state of her and her husband's finances. She knew enough to not have that type of discussion with a servant. “Unfortunately, I’ve been just too busy to interview for a cook. I ask that you just bear with this responsibility for a little while until I have the free time to get a cook. Things will be better later. Is the cake ready? Augustus requested I cut a couple pieces for some guards outside.”

“And you need a new head attendant. And some decorations. This estate still needs work too. You really shouldn’t have invited guests over while there is still so much for you to do.”

All expensive things, Marielle thought.

“Yes, the base of the cake is prepared. I was going to add the cream later, once it cooled down a bit more. It was the first thing I cooked since it can be served cold.” Cressa pointed over to the cake. “Sara, dear, please add the cream to the top of the cake then cut some pieces for Lady Marielle.”

Sara did as was asked and wrapped the pieces in a cloth. “My Lady, please return the cloth when you’re done. We are running short on clean linens.”

They had spent the morning washing every surface with wet rags and had thus accumulated a bin full of dust-stained rags in the attic. It would take much longer than they had to properly clean them. Marielle nodded with a sigh. Then with a glance, she signaled Gillivan to follow and headed outside.

She couldn’t spot them from the front door, but Gillivan guided her to a tree line. Underneath the largest tree in the area were the two guards. They were dressed in leather armor, with blades sheathed at their waist, and were leaning against a boulder. They looked directly at the two of them approaching, having heard their footsteps. It didn’t seem like they had a very good vantage point to watch the estate. They had gear strewn about like a mini outpost. Marielle got the impression they spent most of their day just chit-chatting and sitting down. Possibly even taking naps.

“Good morning, I am Lady Marielle DeCastellian,” she said with a confident smile.

They introduced themselves in turn while lowering their heads. “I am Grimmond, my Lady. This is my partner Rexan. And yes, it certainly is a good morning.”

“I come with a gift.” She glanced over at Gillivan who stepped closer, handing them the cake. They unwrapped the cloth, and the moment they saw the contents their mood brightened. “Please enjoy. My husband and I would like to thank you for your hard work.”

“Please, my Lady, this was completely unnecessary. We are merely doing our duty.” Grimmond’s smile never faded, and she noticed his eyes shifting repeatedly to the gift. After a short pause, he just said, “Thank you.”

“As thanks, would you try to be extra vigilant today. We will have guests arriving for lunch, Quintus and Revenica DeCastellian. We want to make sure they arrive and leave safely.”

Grimmond was already taking a bite. In between chews, he managed to respond, “We are always vigilant... But you have my word that we will be extra vigilant today.”

She waited, making small talk about the weather until they were done with the cake, then collected the cloth. “We’ll take care of this for you,” she said.

“Again, thank you to you and your husband.”

With the task completed, she returned to the estate. “Augustus said you knew those two. Is that right?” she asked Gillivan.

“Yes, my Lady. They are reliable. Decent fighters, too.”

“Trustworthy too?”

“Not the word I would use. I would say they are not bold men. As Augustus said, you shouldn’t worry about those two.”

“I guess I have no choice but to rely on your judgment.”

It was a short wait until once again, there was a knock at the door. This time, they were ready. Marielle and Augustus walked side by side to greet their fashionably late guests. They both wore warm expressions and strict postures, like when they entered their mother’s welcoming dinner.

The door opened and revealed Quintus and Revenica. Revenica was beaming, but Quintus had but the slightest smile. He met their gaze then looked down as if shying away. Marielle had heard that he wasn’t the most gregarious person from Revenica. But, it was her duty as the host to make up for her guest’s unique circumstances. She knew she would need to keep the conversation going today, as it would probably be Quintus’ tendency to stay quiet on the sidelines of discussions whenever possible. Behind those two was an attendant holding something wrapped in linen that was finely dyed a bright yellow.

After their greetings, they all came inside to sit in the receiving room.

Revenica tapped Quintus on the shoulder then he said, “We bring a gift to thank you for your hospitality.” He said it with some hesitancy, but clearly, the words were rehearsed beforehand.