He looks up sharply, genuinely surprised by my perception.
"Business complications," he says after a moment. "Nothing that affects our arrangements."
"Our wedding is in three weeks," I remind him, the date a constant shadow over my existence. "Many arrangements would be affected by significant business disruption."
His expression hardens. "The wedding proceeds as planned, regardless of other considerations. The timeline is non-negotiable."
"Violet's wedding is this weekend," I say, changing direction. "Have arrangements been finalized for our attendance?"
"Yes." He moves to his desk, retrieving an envelope that he hands to me. "We'll depart Saturday morning at nine. The ceremony is at two, followed by reception at the Langham. We'll stay overnight, returning Sunday afternoon."
I open the envelope to find details of the arrangements—confirmation at the Peninsula Hotel rather than the Langham where the reception will be held, driver schedules, security protocols.
"Will I be permitted to speak with my sister privately?" I ask, the question direct rather than circumspect.
"Supervised interaction will be permitted," he replies with equal directness. "Your father has been informed of appropriate conversational boundaries."
"She's getting married. I should be able to congratulate her without supervision."
"Your history of escape attempts necessitates precautions," he counters, unmoved. "Particularly at an event with hundreds of attendees, many unknown to my security team."
The reminder of my failed bus station attempt. I suppress frustration.
"I understand the necessity for security," I say carefully. "But limiting my interaction with my sister on her wedding day seems unnecessarily punitive. I've been cooperative for weeks now."
He studies me, weighing the request against perceived risks. "You may have fifteen minutes with Violet before the ceremony, in her preparation suite. Victor will maintain visual contact but will allow conversational privacy if your behavior remains appropriate."
A concession, however small.
"Thank you. I appreciate the consideration."
He drains his brandy, setting the glass aside with finality. "I have calls to Asia in thirty minutes. Security will escort you to your suite."
In my suite, Marta has laid out nightclothes and turned down the bed. I dismiss her with practiced courtesy, waiting until the door closes before allowing my performance to slip.
I retrieve the journal, making my daily entry for the evening. A knock at the door interrupts my writing. I close the journal quickly, returning it to its place before answering.
Victor stands in the hallway, face impassive as always. "Mr. Blackwood requested these be delivered immediately." He extends a velvet box, waiting for me to accept it before departing without further explanation.
Inside the box lies a diamond and sapphire bracelet, exquisitely crafted, clearly antique rather than newly purchased. No note accompanies it, no explanation for the unexpected gift.
I set the box on my vanity without trying on the bracelet, unwilling to accept the gesture's implied exchange—beautiful objects as compensation for lost freedom.
Morning brings a change in routine—breakfastin the conservatory rather than my suite, Gage joining me rather than conducting early business.
"Final arrangements for Violet's wedding have been confirmed," he says, reviewing reports on his tablet while I add honey to tea. "Your dress fittings are scheduled for this afternoon. The blue Valentino, I believe."
The casual reference to clothing I've never seen, decisions made without my input—another reminder of my decorative rather than participatory role. I nod, noticing the slight edge in his tone suggesting ongoing business complications.
"Is something wrong?" I ask.
He glances up, momentarily surprised by the question. "Market fluctuations affecting several investments. Nothing that concerns you."
"Concerns that affect you necessarily affect me," I observe, pushing slightly. "Particularly as wedding preparations finalize."
He sets down his tablet, studying me with that assessing gaze I've come to recognize—calculating how much to reveal, weighing strategic value of information against potential risks.
"There are factions that would prefer our arrangement not proceed," he says finally, the admission surprisingly candid. "Financial pressure being applied through various channels, regulatory attention being directed toward specific holdings."
