Isobella climbed out of bed and stretched, her eyes widened as a chill cut through her nightgown. Wrapping her arms around herself she gazed out the window, her breath making it fog up. All the leaves had long since fallen from the trees, and a fine coating of frost covered everything in sight. The noble smiled and moved to get dressed in something warmer. After browsing through her closet she selected a heavier dress, made recently with the silk she’d strong-armed from Ellma. She completed the ensemble with a pair of knee high boots.Upon exiting the closet, Isobella spotted a flash of blond and green. Despite the drop in temperature Drasna still wore the same outfit, though she’d swapped out her red scarf with a soft lavender one.

  “Back from your morning run? Aren’t you cold?”

  “Not as cold as you seem to be, not that you don’t look adorable all bundled up.”

  “Does your ki keep you warm, or are you gonna tell me its discipline?”

  “Its actually a little bit of both, the monastery is always cold, so most of us are just used to it.”

  “Sometimes I wonder if you’re actually human or not.”

  “Well I could definitely eat a horse right about now, not sure humans do that, maybe I’m a dragon?”

  Isobella scoffed, “You wish, come on, let's get breakfast.”

  Drasna pouted and followed Isobella out of the bedroom, “I saw they finally re-sealed that cave on my way up the mountain yesterday. I hope that helps you rest easier now.”

  Isobella nodded, “It does, Calathiel wanted that rose for vanity only because the getting was good. Now that she’ll need to jump through hoops she will lose interest.”

  “I still think it’s wild you told off your patron for me, you certainly know how to make a monk feel important.”

  “I’ve bent over long enough for Calathiel, if she wants something from me now, she’ll have to humble herself. That being said, I only had the courage to break free because of you.”

  “Aw, stop it, you’re making me blush.”

  “Its a good look on you.”

  “Hey! That’s my line you little thief.”

  The duo sat together at the dining room table with a breakfast of; soft boiled eggs, sausage, and a berry medley. Tristan and the chateau maids had joined them around the table, eagerly accepting the food. Isobella had grown fond of eating this way, the atmosphere was far more stimulating.

  Tristan cleared his throat, “Lady Isobella, have you given any thought as to when you’d like to reopen the chateau?”

  Isobella frowned, “I’ve found the peace and quiet most enjoyable, perhaps we don’t?”

  “Huh? You’re gonna close it Izzy?”

  “I only began running a chateau as a means to fulfill Calathiel’s wishes, but since she has gone quiet this last month, I see no reason to reopen.”

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  Selene’s face contorted behind her minty green locks, “Miss Isobella, are you firing us?”

  Isobella cocked her head confused, “Of course not, I rather enjoy everyone’s company, I’ll of course still pay you to stay, though I hope money isn’t the only reason you would choose to anymore.”

  Nicola pouted, “That’s a shame, I kinda liked cooking for so many people, it made me feel like a super chef.”

  Drasna crossed her arms, “Hey Izzy, do you think your ballroom would make for a good hang out spot? I know everyone at the top of the mountain is always so curious about you and the manor. If you’re not going to host guests anymore, maybe you could host a party for the monks every few weeks."

  Isobella considered the idea, “Like a tavern?”

  Nicola gasped and clasped her hands with excitement, “Running a tavern would be so much fun! All this high society stuff is always so stiff.”

  Selene spoke up, “We’ve turned many adventurers away in the past, but we don’t need to offer a place to sleep, if you fear theft and ill manners.”

  Tristan smiled, “Your father and I used to talk about opening a tavern when we were younger, before he went and earned a title of course.”

  Isobella felt the back of her neck sweat as she gazed around the table. Everyone was excited over the idea, yet she felt trepidation. The thought of rowdy strangers entering her home, even if it was just the basement made her pulse race. She’d come to enjoy the monks thanks to Drasna, but an adventurer could be any number of assassins, witches, or burglars.

  “Izzy, you look pale, is everything alright?”

  Isobella thought for several moments, “I’m willing to try it, since everyone seems so excited.”

  The table echoed with cheer and thrill as everyone quickly began to make plans and describe ideas.

  “Let’s not forget however, I’m still supposed to host parties for other nobles, the winter gala is to be held quite soon if you all recall.”

  Tristan chuckled, “I suspect we’ll need to prepare the proper permissions and advertisement for such an endeavor. Perhaps renovations as well, there will be plenty of time for you to come around to the idea fully. The gala will likely have come and gone by then as well.”

  Drasna pouted and crossed her arms, “Oh right, I still have to wear a gown for that don’t I? Can’t I just wear my normal clothes?”

  Isobella nodded, “I would like it if you wore something nicer. Parties held by and for nobility are very stressful. My aunt Beatrice will be there as well, and I want her to like you.”

  “Aunt? I didn’t know you had an aunt, I thought we said no more secrets?”

  At the mention of Beatrice, Tristan and the maids became very focused on cleaning up the table. Plates were quickly stacked, even ones that still had plenty of food left. The five made haste to leave the room with as much as they could carry, as if to do it all in a single trip.

  “I never told you, because I’m not particularly fond of her, but she as well as the rest of my family have a way of getting under my skin. They make a point to embarrass me every chance they get.”

  Drasna pouted, “That’s so mean! Those are the kinda nobles that people hate. I was a bit worried you’d be like that when I first came to visit.”

  Isobella frowned, “I love you, and I don’t care that you're the daughter of a cobbler and hairdresser, but my aunt will. I want you to be yourself, but a nice dress will make my night easier.”

  Drasna nodded, “Alright, I guess if I can wear a belly dancing outfit for you, I can wear seven layers of silk.”

  “It won’t be seven, I’m confident we can narrow it down to four.”

  Drasna snorted and rolled her eyes, “You know you still have to meet my family too. I sent a letter saying I have a girlfriend, but didn’t mention you were a noble. I thought they might pressure me into asking for money.”

  “How considerate, at the rate were going, we might just be married by the end of the year.”

  “Very funny, Izzy.”