Paloma’s first month as the Duchess of Rinne was…uneventful.

The Rinne mansion didn’t have the same warmth as the Lis’ but it was perfectly serviceable. The corridors were wide and clean, with tall, iron windows that made everything incredibly bright. Little by little, the foreboding feeling of the building had begun to dissolve.

Her own room was clean and perfectly lovely. She suspected it had been designed with Irina in mind many years ago. It was enormous and boasted vaulted ceilings, sheer, gauzy curtains, and a plush bed. Paloma was relieved to see it was in a separate wing from that of the Rinne family, instead sequestering her to her own island nearer the servants.

From the start, the staff were deferential and professional, with several of the maids clearly angling to serve her personally. They took her apparent change in personality in stride, making note of her favorite teas and flowers with single-minded determination.

She’d been instructed by the butler, Reginald, to choose as many ladies-in-waiting as she desired, but no fewer than three. She'd only been served by Molly at the Lis estate, but it made sense that a Duchess would require additional support. It was a hard decision, but in the end, she went with her heart.

Paloma made it a point to select Hanna to serve her first, to the surprise of virtually everyone at the estate. Hanna was, after all, a low ranking maid of common heritage. She was occasionally clumsy, but she was talented with makeup, and a cheerful presence to Paloma's often sour mood.

She also reminded Paloma of Adora and, more recently, of Molly. She was happy and sweet, with a tendency to leave Paloma alone unless asked for.

She chose the other two girls who would care for her, Rosalia and Edith, using much the same criteria.

In exchange for their kindness, Paloma tried to spend more time outside of her room than she wanted to so that they wouldn’t worry after their mistress. She took frequent strolls of the grounds, spoke at length with the gardener about the most beautiful patches of flowers to take her afternoon tea by, and read in the estate library.

She avoided the Rinne siblings and the Duke himself, but she studied under the most experienced ladies on staff so that she could better learn how to manage the estate. She buried the persistent sadness in her work, spending long hours studying how she could be the most efficient and effective hostess. It would’ve been quicker work to learn from Asta as the eldest sister, but Paloma thought better of bothering someone who still so clearly despised her.

In her fifth week, Paloma could no longer avoid all of the Rinnes.

She was taking tea in the garden when she spotted him. He was startlingly slight, even compared to the servant girls. Clemens Rinne, the youngest brother. It made sense that he would approach her first, given everything Irina had written about him.

He was so young, and his face still had the pleasant optimism of someone who’d yet to be disabused of its prudence. He stopped just at the edge of her small iron table, a cup of tea halfway to Paloma’s mouth.

“May I join you?”

The serving girls exchanged looks but, at Paloma’s nod, began hastily preparing an identical cup of tea for Clemens. They gave a curtsy and fled to give them privacy.

“What brings you to the gardens?” Paloma asked placidly, taking a long breath to calm her racing heart. She set her teacup delicately in the saucer, crossing her hands in her lap.

“Horace said you come out here in the afternoons,” he told her. He was casually dressed, but he couldn’t hide his noble posture. His back was straight and proud, shoulders squared with a natural confidence.

Paloma hadn’t realized anyone else in the family took the time to speak with the gardener, or she may have been more cautious about sharing her plans. When she didn’t say anything, Clemens continued. “I know we may not have had the most auspicious start. We were all just so shocked when Einar told us about the curse after Irina passed.”

Paloma nodded. "Irina suspected he would tell you all, that much I know. Given your response at our wedding, I was inclined to agree."

Clemens took a sip, humming approval. Apparently his taste in tea mirrored hers. “He did. Asta took it the hardest. Admittedly, I didn’t know Irina well. I was so much younger then, and I spent little time with the three of them.”

Paloma picked at her gloves. “I have no intention of being a bother to your family. I will carry out my duties faithfully, but I will not ask that you welcome me as one of your own.”

“I suspect that’s why Einar went through with this in the first place.”

Clemens seemed shrewd enough. Something in his pale eyes was assessing in a way that made Paloma want to shrink behind her long hair.

Clemens pursed his lips. “He had every intention of ending this engagement and leaving you to ruin, but you didn’t impose yourself on him and were otherwise perfectly reasonable. His sense of justice won out in the end.”

“He could have found a wife to cherish,” Paloma said, with a sigh. “Instead he has bound himself to me. I won’t pretend he’s not doing it out of affection for the rest of the Lis family, and for Irina’s sake, but I still do not understand why it is worth scuttling his future.”

Clemens took a long moment to watch Paloma. It took every ounce of courage to meet his gaze without crumbling. “You’re nothing like she was. But you are not without your own charm. Perhaps he found the idea of destroying you unpalatable.”

“He does not owe me anything. He is paying a debt he has not accrued.”

“My brother is kind.” Clemens said it suddenly, and his face softened. “I am often described as the gentlest among us, but it is Einar who is the most sentimental. You’ve seen him at his worst, but my siblings are ultimately good people. Give them time.”

Give them time. Paloma hid a private little smile. “I’ve heard that quite a lot this summer.”

“It is sound advice.” Clemens took another measured sip of his tea. “In the interim, consider me an ally. You have proven perfectly competent at your duties thus far, and have given Asta and Einar the space they need. I have no reason to keep my distance.”

“They won’t resent you for spending time with me?”

“Perhaps at first.” Clemens’ eyes were sympathetic. “But I am convinced that you deserve a chance. Considering Andor was in love with Irina, and Asta considered her closest friend, I suspect I’m the best chance you’ve got.”

Clemens is too clever for his own good, Irina had written, in that diary Paloma now kept locked in her nightstand. But beneath it all is a sweet boy. I think he is too afraid to join us during my visits, but I can always tell that he is watching. His favorite thing to do is to read just close enough that he can watch Asta and Einar on their horses, lighting up with the joy of riding.

“You may regret choosing me over them,” Paloma told him honestly. “I mean no harm, but I don’t belong here. I will make mistakes. I am not sociable or outgoing like Irina, and I cannot mimic the best parts of her. I am quiet and I keep to myself. Should you really align yourself with someone like me?”

Clemens took a few moments to think. She appreciated that about him — the time he took to weigh the impact of his words. “What is your real name?”

Paloma startled, just a touch. “Paloma. My real name is Paloma.”

“Paloma,” Clemens started. He set his cup in its dish. “Irina was a lovely girl. But she was not suited for the tedious life of a Duchess, and she and my brother would not not have been compatible in marriage. You have been a quick study under the staff here. They have emphasized such to me, and to Einar. But most of all, during your Pronouncement, the Gods took your side. They saw your potential as a shrewd and competent Duchess, and as a partner to Einar. That is what those blessings meant. Truth be told, I am throwing my lot in with them, not you — no offense meant.

Paloma’s cheeks pinked and she bit her lip. “I trust then that if I fail, the blame also lies with the Gods?”

Clemens smiled, wide and joyous. “Consider it so. Though it may be blasphemous to admit aloud.”

Sister, Irina wrote, in one of her many notes. If you need someone on your side, you can count on Clemens. He will be the first to give you a chance. The Gods know Einar and Asta are too stubborn for their own good, and for some reason, Adnor thinks I hung the stars. Do your best and wait for him — he will come to you.