Once alone in the room Darma reserved for the two of them, Olivia recounted to her handmaiden the events that had transpired earlier, including what Winston had told her. The teasing smile on the dark haired girl's face was replaced by a frown, her comments about her mistress' meeting with Paul dying on her lips. "You have been doubtful about your father for a while now. Do you believe the knight's words?" she asked. [color=tan]"There must be a reason why he would think so about father. Besides, father has been getting more and more comfortable thinking that Adam would be the next Duke. He even went so far as to redesign the Family crest. But now that Lord Paul has returned, he [i]must[/i] turn over the power."[/color] Olivia frowned as she paced the floor. "Perhaps you should hear Lord Paul's opinions on the matter. I am sure you would want to hear what he has to say. I believe he had stayed his tongue as not to offend you or... he might not be too certain if you came to him as a spy for your father." Olivia nodded. [color=tan]"Yes, I had the same notions. And yes, I have all intentions of meeting with him tomorrow."[/color] A small smile appeared on her lips. Darma chuckled. "Make sure you ask him his opinions. Do not just flirt with him," she reminded. [color=tan]"Darma!"[/color] This time, Darma laughed out loud at Olivia's reproaching look. "I am just saying," she grinned and then shook her head. "But before anything else, I have heard that your father has found out that you and I have slipped out of the castle." [color=tan]"What!?[/color] Olivia stopped pacing and stared at Darma with a horrified look on her face. "If what Sir Winston said about your father is true, then he will no doubt be sending spies and guards to watch the Duke. And since you are his most favored child, I believe he would do all in his power to keep you away from Lord Paul," Darma mused out loud, unaware of how accurate her words were. [color=tan]"Then I will not go back to the castle. He has kept me locked away with no friends and no one to talk to for far too long... well, I mean, other people. You know that I greatly appreciate your company,"[/color] she hurriedly assured her handmaiden. [color=tan]"And the bethrotal to that...that [i]old[/i] man. Does he really think I would really go along with his plans?"[/color] "I know, I know," Darma nodded. "But where would we stay? The town is small, your father's men will eventually find us. I would not want to encounter Crone," she shuddered at the thought of the man. Olivia sighed and fell back on her bed. --- Sophia knew that if she played her cards well, Paul would be lusting after her now. She thought that she was doing a good job and kept at it despite being tempted to check out his physique. She kept her eyes averted as he removed his clothes, glancing upward quickly as he handed her his soiled clothes. She glimpsed a well toned torso and she bit her lower lip. [color=lightgreen][i]Show just a bit of interest...[/i][/color] She willed a blush to color her cheeks as she looked down again. [color=lightgreen]"I will take my leave to have your garments cleaned, my Lord. Do you require anything else from me?"[/color] she asked, wondering how he'd answer her question.