Bound At Heart

Bennett

Clifton Bennett's estate was one well secluded from the nearest village Ilyana had just finished visiting. Her heart pounded as she was left to intensely think about her plans on how to retrieve Ronan's family from the clutches of a man who had taken their freedom, was involved in slave trading, bribery, adultery, and a possibly a murderer who would not hesitate to get what he wants. It concerned her a lot and she didn't have too much time to develop a plan. All she knew was that she was going to have to dive in headfirst into this just as she had done before.

Bennett knew who she was and would think that this would be a regular business check-up on how his end is holding up after the atrocities committed by Archimedes. It was still a terrible thing to think of. Archimedes could possibly be Bennett's bastard son since he never married Ronan's mother and no one questioned it because Bennett is a man of power.

Ilyana turned a corner, catching sight of a stone wall that was the edge of Bennett's estate. She shook her head to get rid of the excess thoughts in her head.

'Focus,' she lectured herself, 'There is a chance that you might have to possibly take down the man for all he has done. Or, smuggle Ronan's family out of the house in the dead of night. Wait, that might create a problem and he will track them down... Unless I can somehow acquire evidence against him.'

She approached the front gate to his estate to find a personal guard standing there. She slowed down in her step and declared, "Ilyana Faethyra here to see Clifton Bennett on official business."

The name rang with familiarity in the guard's ears as he bowed his head and opened the gate for her, permitting her to enter. When she passed the gates, she was met by a gravel pathway shaped by trees as she passed the stables that were hidden behind them. She reached a big roundabout where there was a stone fountain covered in snow. Behind it, was Bennetts estate, composed of gray bricks outlined by smooth caramel stone. It held a rectangular shape yet its features liked to pop out and there even was a circular tower on the side of it. It was grand, elegant, yet Ilyana knew she wouldn't be able to look at it the same way since she knew who lived there.

After crossing the front terrace, she got off of Cherleene in one fluid motion while still holding the reins. One of the male servants that stood by the door, made their way to greet her.

"Madam," he bowed his head.

"I am Ilyana Faethyra, here on official business," Ilyana repeated as the servant bowed his head once more before walking off with the mare. She walked up the smooth stone slabs as the other servant opened the doors for her. She removed her gloves when she entered the grand foyer composed of beige with white accent walls and marble floors. The dual stairs' railings had an ornamental pattern composed of steel. The whole room was elegant, and it refreshed Ilyana's memory from whence she was last here.

A butler came forth and greeted, "Ms. Faethyra, a pleasure. May I take your cape?"

Ilyana bowed her head as she untied the bow and allowed the butler to hang her cape on the coat rack.

The butler turned to state, "Mr. Bennett is upstairs, I shall guide you to his office and let him know of your arrival."

"That would be very much appreciated, butler, thank you."

"This way, please." The butler gestured a palm to her right as she was guided down a hallway from the foyer and she made another right turn to be greeted with a spacious personal library and cabinets. The room had tints of red with golden accents, wooden floors, and an intricate mahogany rug. In the center was a grand desk where files and paperwork were neatly organized. In front of it faced a fireplace where two sofas were conveniently placed. If one were to sit at the desk, their backs would be against the window. It was smart to sit facing away from the light since it was easier to write and not strain one's eyes in candlelight.