The Fall of Madame Fleur Part 3: Scars of the Heart

 Chapter 1

The polished wooden floors gleam beneath my feet as I sift through papers on my desk, a chaotic mix of enrollment forms and curriculum outlines. Madame Fleur's Academy for Young Ladies is finally complete, and the air hums with possibilities.

Gazing out the door of my office, I never fail to notice the extravagant furnishings in the plush apartment I’m currently in, where Mother, Gale, and my sisters now find solace amidst our new responsibilities. A place to call home. A surprise gift from Vaeris that makes me smile every time I think about it. 

Many days and nights were spent around that large cedar dining set, crafting flyers. The four poster bed lulled me to sleep comfortably after long nights of networking around the town, and ensuring that the town folk were aware of the academy and its purpose. I’m no fool, I know things may be slow at first, but I hope once word travels, that enrollment grows exponentially.

All the hard work, the blood, sweat, and tears poured into this place has finally paid off. Today is opening day. It’s been a long time coming, but it seems like just yesterday my mother and siblings were desolate, and starving, out on the streets. 

 I walk into the main area of the academy scanning the room, making sure everything is in place just as Adeline bursts through the door, her breath coming in quick gasps. 

“Fleur!” 

I snap my head up, dread pooling in my stomach. No, not today. “What’s wrong? Is it Mother?” 

She shakes her head but keeps her hands planted on her hips, as if bracing herself. “No, no! She’s been doing better, thanks to the physicians Vaeris brought in. But you won’t believe who just arrived.” 

I furrow my brow. “Who?”

Adeline grabs my arm, pulling me towards the lobby. 

“Adeline! Tell me what’s going on?” I probe. She should know by now I’m not one for surprises.

“Oh come on! You’ll just have to see for yourself!” Adeline’s eyes sparkle with excitement, a contrast to my rising anxiety. Her excitement is contagious, a spark in the air that draws me in despite my lingering stress. I exhale slowly as I follow her lead. 

“Slow down. just tell me, who has arrived?” I jerk my hand away, stopping in place. 

She jumps up and down, no longer able to contain herself. “Future students! They’re waiting out front!” she insists, her voice bubbling with anticipation. “You have to see them! They want to enroll!”

“Enroll?” I echo, my heart racing as I push aside the rising anxiety in my chest. “How many?”

“Five! All eager to learn and... oh, Fleur, they seem lovely!” She claps her hands together, bouncing on her toes.

I barely allow myself a moment to process this turn of good fortune. My fingers brush against my hair as I gather it into a quick braid, wishing to appear at least somewhat presentable. “Then let’s not keep them waiting.”

With that, I dart toward the door, Adeline trailing behind me like an eager shadow. 

As we reach the lobby, I see five young women huddled together near the entrance, their faces lit with curiosity and nervousness. They stand in neat, but worn dresses, their eyes bright with dreams that once mirrored my own.

“Welcome!” I call out, letting a genuine smile break through my earlier tension. “I’m Fleur, and this is my sister Adeline.”

One of them, a petite blonde with striking blue eyes, steps forward first. “I’m Clara,” she says breathlessly. “We heard about your academy from Lady Elara.” 

Lady Elara, a long time friend of Vaeris, has always been so supportive of the academy. It seems Vaeris asking her to help spread the word was a good choice. 

“Seems like our reputation precedes us,” I reply with a wink. “And what brings you ladies here? A thirst for knowledge or simply seeking refuge from drudgery?”

Clara giggles, glancing at her friends before responding. “I heard you teach young girls like us how to be ladies and proper wives.”

“You mean ‘become’ ladies.” I tease lightly but feel warmth blossom inside me at their enthusiasm.

The taller girl beside Clara nods vigorously. “I’m Maelis! I’ve always wanted to study music but never had the chance.” Her gaze flits around the hall as if searching for something tangible among our walls.

“And what about you?” I turn to the next girl who’s been quietly observing. She is a raven-haired beauty whose green eyes remind me of Adeline’s.

“I’m Liora,” she says softly but confidently. “I want to write stories that inspire people.” 

A thrill runs through me at her ambition; she reminds me much of myself. Apart from the quiet and observing part of course.

The remaining two girls stand shyly next to each other, huddling close together. Memories of myself and Adeline flit across my mind. They must be sisters, as both have red hair that would rival the devils. As I approach the two girls, the eldest lowers her eyes. 

With one finger, I gently touch her chin and lift her head to meet my gaze. “And you are?”

“Liza, Ma’am. I like to draw,” she blushes. I smile warmly at the shy girl. 

“And my sister here, Lizbeth, she loves to paint.” Lizbeth nods, her eyes still downtrodden.

“Well then,” I say with conviction, stepping closer to embrace this moment fully. “Welcome to Madame Fleur's Academy for Young Ladies! Let’s make those dreams a reality.”

I invite them to follow me on a tour of the campus. I start with the rundown of the curriculum and the expectations of the academy. There was even time to start the basic etiquette lesson. By the time the girls are prepared to leave, a new light shines behind their eyes. One of determination, one of hope. I can’t help but beam with pride knowing Vaeris and I had part in making that happen.

I’m back in my office, taking a reprieve from today's duties. I find myself in a daze, still in awe at how successful the day has been, when Vaeris emerges in the doorway. I can’t help but notice how handsome he looks in his dark blue suit. I scan him over, observing the curves and ridges of his muscles even through the fabric. 

“Good afternoon my little entrepreneur,” he says with a grin, “how was your first day?”

“Oh Vaeris, better than I had ever imagined,” I respond with a smile.

The flickering candlelight casts dancing shadows against the walls of my office as I recount the day’s events to him. The way his violet eyes focus on me, sharp and intense, makes my heart race a little faster than it should. 

“Five new students?” He leans back in his chair, rubbing beneath his chin. “Impressive.”

“Thanks,” I say, trying to keep my tone casual. “They seem eager to learn. It’s... refreshing.” 

He smirks an infuriatingly charming expression that both delights and frustrates me. “I told you this would work. You’ve got a talent for turning adversity into opportunity.”

I roll my eyes but can’t suppress a smile. “Flattery won’t get you anywhere, you know.”

“Ah, but it already has.” He gestures toward the window, where the sun dips below the horizon, painting the sky in hues of crimson and indigo. “You’ve built something beautiful here amidst.”

My heart swells with gratitude, and I find myself leaning forward instinctively. “I couldn’t have done it without your support.”

Vaeris straightens, his gaze piercing through me like an arrow aimed true. “Then let’s celebrate this success properly.”

“Celebrate?” I arch an eyebrow.

“Dinner,” he declares with confidence. “Just the two of us at The Gilded Rose.”

I blink at him in surprise. The Gilded Rose is for the elite, a place where common folk don’t dare tread.

“Should we invite Adeline?” I suggest hesitantly.

He shakes his head slowly, his long white hair cascading over one shoulder like silk. “No distractions tonight, Fleur. Just us.” 

The intensity in his voice sends a thrill racing down my spine—both exhilarating and unnerving.

“Alright,” I concede reluctantly, yet part of me tingles with anticipation at the idea of dining alone with him.

“I’ll send a carriage for you at seven,” he adds smoothly.

“Wait, what should I wear? I’m not sure I have something prestigious enough for a night at the Gilded Rose with the great Lord Vaeris.” I smile smugly.

A ghost of a grin that rivals mine flits across his lips. “You could show up in rags; it wouldn’t matter.” 

My cheeks heat under his gaze as warmth blooms inside me, something more than just appreciation.

“I’ll wear my best then,” I reply playfully, pushing aside the butterflies dancing in my stomach.

“Or you can wear nothing at all.” His lips curves into a sly grin as his eyes scan up and down my frame. 

Blushing under his gaze, I lean in closer to him. 

“Are you flirting with me, Lord Vaeris?” I raise an eyebrow, slightly puckering my lips. 

He licks his lips as he directs his attention to my lips. He lets out a heavy sigh, “I always said you were a clever girl.” He winks at me, and I melt. 

He stands up from his chair, smoothing out invisible creases on his immaculate clothing. “I look forward to seeing you shine.”

With that enigmatic statement lingering in the air between us like magic before a storm, he strides toward the door, leaving me both exhilarated and unnerved by what tonight might bring, a night filled with laughter and perhaps secrets shared under candlelight.

As he exits my office, I catch myself smiling foolishly at nothing in particular while pondering how this man seems to grow on me every day—a bittersweet twist in our complicated tale that leaves me breathless with possibilities.