The next morning, Myra was summoned to his Lordship's study. She anxiously tapped on the door and entered when she heard a deep male voice say, "Come in."
Theodore was reading something. He lounged on the sofa, his long legs propped up on the coffee table, crossed at the ankles. His black hair was tousled in an effortlessly attractive mess, two shirt buttons undone, sleeves rolled up with casual elegance.
Myra couldn't help but stare. He looked like a handsome devil sitting there reading so calmly. The morning sunlight beamed all over him through the windows behind. The word gorgeous didn't even come close to describing the Arcardian Lord.
He glanced up, his sharp gaze catching hers for a beat longer than necessary before motioning to the empty seat across from him. Myra obeyed, sitting quietly, waiting for him to speak.
Theodore set the file he had been skimming on the table and placed his feet down, sitting up straight.
"My Lord, did you wish to speak with me?" Myra asked.
"Yes," Theo replied, locking eyes with her. His voice was serious, calm, controlled. "I've found a new job for you."
"Really?" Myra shifted excitedly in her seat.
Theodore nodded. "It pays well and is quite safe."
"Where is it, milord?"
"You'll be working for the Swansons starting tomorrow," he said, his eyes fixed on her, as if studying every flicker of emotion that crossed her face.
Myra took a moment to process the information. She didn't know whether to be excited or nervous. She already knew Lady Florence and Mr. Swanson—they were kind and friendly. She had no doubt she could settle into her new work easily.
But then the memory of being attacked by muggers on her way to the Swansons' resurfaced.
"Don't worry—you won't be allowed to go anywhere alone," the Lord stated, as if reading her mind.
"And what would my job entail?" Myra inquired.
"The usual. Cleaning, cooking, gardening. Whatever they assign. Think you can manage that?" He leaned back with a shrug, the corner of his mouth lifting slightly.
Myra nodded enthusiastically. "Yes, milord."
Theo had no doubts. He'd even instructed Alvin to let her perform a few simple tasks around the mansion to test her skills and keep her mind occupied.
"Devon will be meeting Leonard around noon today. You'll go with him," Theodore said, matter-of-factly.
Myra processed everything quietly, then looked up with a grateful smile.
"Thank you, my Lord." She meant it. Without him, she'd probably be starving on the streets, abused, lost—forgotten.
Theodore stared at her blankly, observing. He had considered letting her work in his mansion, where it was undoubtedly safer. But he realized it would be difficult for her to adjust.
Over the past week, most of his staff had treated Myra like a lady. Demoting her to maid status might lead to bullying. And if she stayed too long in his mansion as a guest, it would raise questions—dangerous ones.
Considering all this, he decided to send her to his cousin's home as a maid. It would be safer and out of the public eye.
With a curt nod, Theodore dismissed her. Myra stood, curtsied, and turned to leave.
"Amyra," Theo called, making her stop and turn. He rose from his seat.
"One more thing," he said, voice firm. "While working there, you must portray yourself as human."
Myra blinked, stunned.
"No one must know you're pseudoborn—not even the Swansons."
It was a strange demand.
Wait… how does he know I'm not human? She didn't recall telling anyone here.
Still, she didn't question him. There must be a reason, she thought, nodding.
A slow smile curled on Theodore's face. He stepped forward, gently took her left hand, and pressed a kiss to the back of her palm—his lips warm and deliberate.
Myra blushed, her heart doing a wee somersault.
"I'll come and take you away soon," he said in a low voice that sent a chill down her spine.
She frowned, not understanding. Take me away? Where? she wondered.
Seeing her confused expression, Theodore shook his head, still smiling. With his hands in his trouser pockets, he casually walked over to his large study table.
Myra's gaze followed him—and landed on a large portrait mounted on the wall behind the table. It was the same woman she'd seen in the first-floor drawing room.
Rachel had been right. Compared to that painting, this one was majestic.
Lady Aurelia looked regal. Clad in a rich red gown, she sat with her legs crossed and head held high, her jawline sharply defined. Her oval face was flawless, with perfectly arched brows, slightly slanted eyes, a straight nose, and full lips
She was an epitome of perfection.
Theodore noticed Amyra staring at his mother's potrait with an awe and cleared his throat to bring her attention back. She quickly looked away, intimidated.
"We're heading to Wendlyn in three weeks—remember?" he asked casually.
Myra nodded.
"I'll come pick you up," he added, and she visibly relaxed.
After thanking him once more, she left the study.
Back in her guest room, Myra threw herself onto the bed. She lay there a while, staring at the ceiling and playing with the pink charm around her neck.
Eventually, she sighed and got up to pack.
She selected four dull-colored dresses from the wardrobe. All the dresses provided were high-quality—nothing a maid would wear. But her old bag had been stolen, and she had no choice but to make do.
Just then, someone knocked. She opened the door to find Rachel.
"Are you going somewhere, Myra?" the maid asked curiously. The butler had told her to help Myra pack, but she didn't know why.
Rachel handed her a small satchel.
"I'll be working at the Swansons' household from now on," Myra explained.
"Working?" Rachel echoed, puzzled.
Myra nodded. She neatly folded the dresses and placed her father's pocket watch and the vial into the bag.
"Did the Lord permit this?" Rachel asked.
"He did. It was his idea," Myra replied.
The maid frowned lightly. Why the Lord would allow his guest to work for someone else, was something beyond Rachel's understanding.
Myra tapped the bed, inviting Rachel to sit beside her. Over the week, they had grown quite close.
"When are you leaving?" Rachel asked.
"Around noon, I think," Myra said.
"Can't you just stay here?"
"I came to Terracotta to live on my own. I want to earn my way, not depend on the Lord forever."
"Will you visit?" Rachel asked. "Swansons' place is close by."
"I'll try," Myra smiled.
Rachel nodded. They chatted for a while before the maid left, saying she had chores to finish.
Alone again, Myra went to the bath chamber to freshen up. With a heavy heart, she began getting ready to leave.