Success?
Fiona had left everything behind nine years ago. Her boring home, her dull lowborn family, her old name. She wanted more from life than what they could offer. She wanted money, power and success. She didn’t care who she had to lie to, betray, or hurt to get it. She played the game of the underworld, gambling, scheming, and committing countless other crimes to ascend the social hierarchy. Against all odds, she succeeded.
Life was tough but she was tougher. She endured hardships and risks that could have cost her life and prevailed.
She amassed wealth, power and fame beyond her wildest dreams. But she wasn’t happy. She felt a hollow ache in her chest that nothing could fill. A feeling of emptiness that kept her dissatisfied. She had fame, but also enemies who wanted to bring her down. She had money, but nothing to spend it on that would make her feel alive. ‘What’s wrong with me…?’ She wondered if she needed more companionship, since she only had one servant in her vast mansion. Or maybe she should see the world, even though she had no interest for it and too many problems to deal with at home that made it impossible.
But one day, she was attending a tea party with some of the ladies she is close to, influential noble ladies whom she met at a salon while discussing literature. They were the only ones Fiona actually enjoyed conversing with, especially Lady Charlotte, her closest friend and ally. They were all intellectuals with great education, but most importantly they had access to information that was otherwise unreachable.
That wasn’t important this time though, today they were discussing the current state of the Kingdom, a topic that usually bored Fiona. She didn’t care much for politics or the emperor if it didn’t directly affect her. But this time, something caught her ear.
“…The situation is graver than we anticipated. I have heard that the famine has claimed thousands of lives in a single month!” Charlotte exclaimed in dismay.
“It is a dire time for the common folk. I do not mean to question the emperor’s wisdom, but something must be done to address the crisis, instead of concealing it and neglecting it. The problem will only worsen. They may not realize it, but it is only a matter of time before the nobility feel the repercussions as well.” Fiona said. She knew a thing or two about it, having the most to lose as someone who bought her noble title instead of by inheritance.
“Indeed, if we have no ground to stand on, then we will fall to the bottom. That is the harsh reality. Ignoring their plight is foolish.” Lady Charlotte agreed.
“And cruel. I have heard that some have resorted to selling their own children…” Cecilia said with sadness.
“Oh, I see. I did hear that slave trade was flourishing. Especially in the south sector… Wyndorr, I believe.” Lady Charlotte added like putting two and two together.
“Wyndorr…” Fiona whispered thinkative.
“Is something the matter, Fiona?” Victoria asked.
Ignoring Victoria’s question Fiona inquired. “Do you know any names? Have you heard anything about them?”
“You overestimate me, Fiona. I may have a good memory, but I did not pay much attention to individual names or surnames. But why? Do you have acquaintances there?” Lady Charlotte asked.
“That would be surprising.” Cecilia said, showing interest. Most nobles don’t mingle with commoners, much less Fiona.
“Something like that…” Fiona started. “We’re not very close. But I met a girl there once, who told me all about her dreams. I was just wondering how she was faring...” Fiona explained, referring to her sister whom she hadn’t seen in so long. But she couldn’t tell them that since it would ruin her reputation.
“I would never have expected the feared Fiona to have such a tender side to her!” Victoria said.
“Nor would I. How did you meet her?” Cecilia asked, intrigued.
“It’s a long story, but it was when I worked for the late Duke Frideric.” Fiona had to make up a valid excuse, since refusing to explain the question would be suspicious.
“Oh, yes, I remember. May he rest in peace…” Victoria said, making them all quiet.
“...It was a tragedy, but let us not dwell on that today.” Cecilia said, breaking the silence.
“Agreed. Have you seen the latest designs from Madame Lacroix? She makes the most exquisite gowns and hats.” Charlotte said, changing the topic quickly.
Fiona had it very clear. As soon as she was out, she would investigate everything about it.
She had no idea her former family was going through all of that, it was none of her business. She didn’t have much love for them, except... If there was something Fiona had missed all these years, that was her little sister.
This was an opportunity like no other to ‘reconnect’, and Fiona was dying with anticipation.
