The Decoder - Chapter 18

Avery

There it is. The codes the High Commander spoke of, Avery thought. How did he even come to know of it, Avery wasn’t sure. For a moment, he had suspected Lady Ada as she was the only connection between Edith and the High Commander. And, recalling Sir Alcoft’s connection to the High Commander, he couldn’t help but wonder why the High Commander would wish to know the contents of the coded message. He thought he could easily accomplish this new assignment, but only problem now was Edith hadn’t decoded it. Why? Surely by now, eight years later, she would have decoded it easily. He knew she was fluent in the world of cryptography.

Avery had been in shock once more when the High Commander Ekker had assigned this new assignment to him, after all that happened last weekend. Mr. Roan’s escape hadn’t gone unreported to the High Commander though he did not know the identity of Mr. Roan. As if the blow from Major Wright was not enough, the High Commander had thundered at him like a beast would. He was forced to brace through it all. He had allowed Mr. Roan’s escape, so he will deal with the consequences. He was prepared for it.

Then, came the assignment.

“You have a new assignment and I hope you will not fail it this time. I can’t afford another error, not even a tiny one.” The High Commander said icily. How did this man was once friends with Sir Alcoft? Avery couldn’t help but wonder.

“Yes, Sir.”

“I heard you are friends with a lady by name of Edith Alcoft?”

Avery’s stomach knotted and dread ran down his spine. Why did he have a feeling that this will not turn out good.

“Yes.”

“She’s currently an employee here. As you well know, her father and I used to be close friends. I came to learn of a note in her possession that her father had left her. Your task is to find out what does the note contains.” The High Commander said.

“A note?”

“Yes. Since you are friends with her, you’d be the perfect person for this assignment, and I strongly believe you will accomplish it. Report to me once you have found out the contents of that note. Better yet, if you could bring that note to me.”

“But, why?” What was so important that the High Commander seek for it?

“No questions, Avery. Just do as you are told. If you succeed in this assignment, I will guarantee your ‘promised’ position you’re seeking for.”

There it was his chance. He had failed the previous assignment by allowing one refugee’s escape. He could not afford to fail now. Besides, it was just a note, so long as Edith was not harmed in any way. If she was harmed, will you still proceed with this assignment to achieve your goals? That thought crept into his mind, unwelcomed and he quickly brushed it away.

“Yes, I will take on this assignment.” Avery said determinedly. But he couldn’t help feeding his curiosity before he left the High Commander’s office despite his command to not ask any questions.

“One question, if you’d allow me.”

“What is it?”

“How did you come to know of this ‘note’?”

“Agent A who goes by the name of Lady Ada.”

His suspicion had been confirmed. The lady whom he believed Edith had trusted, whom she did not expect was the High Commander’s spy. Anger roared to life in him, anger on behalf of Edith. He understood the feeling of betrayal and it had rendered his life. Oh, he understood so well that he could put himself in Edith’s shoes and imagined her anger and hurt. Though she hadn’t expressed it to him, he could well imagine it. There was, however, one last question hanging on his tongue, but he decided the question will be left for another time. Why was an order for Sir Alcoft’s death issued?

Avery now stood at the doorway of the gilded music room in the Entertainment Building as he reminiscence his memories with the High Commander just six days ago. The calm melody carried all the way to the entrance and broke his reverie. He leaned on the panel and crossed his arms at his chest, watching the trio. Edith was playing the pianoforte while Caden and Merille were dancing a waltz at the centre of the tiled marble floors. It was past working hours and employees were free to roam about their own activities. He had heard calm melodic sounds coming from the Entertainment Building as he walked past. Having a feeling that the calm melodic sounds was produced by Edith’s talents on the pianoforte, he sought for the music room on the first floor.

The last time he had entered the vast rectangular-shaped room was two months ago and he recalled all the musical instruments that had been placed at the corner of the room, to his right. There were musical instruments of all sorts, from the harp to the multitude of trumpets, flutes, harmonica, violin, clarinet, accordion and drums, all untouched. Only the grand pianoforte was placed at the far centre of the room ahead of him, row of floor-length windows overlooking the garden, draped with velvet draperies. There were four couches at the other corner of the room, to his left. An unlit enormous crystal chandelier hung from the centre of the room, holding hundreds of wax candles and throughout the room, with its striped sky-blue and white wallpapers, several lit gilded sconces were engraved into the walls. The room gave a feeling of calmness and peace. It was the one room he had frequented before he met Edith again.

He recalled the kiss shared between him and Edith last night. A kiss that he had dreamed of long ago. He was curious to know the feel of Edith’s soft lips on his, and when he had accomplished that yesterday, the pull of desire, lust and longing had swept him completely. He was hungry for her, hungry to feel her, to touch her all over, but a part of his mind was aware that they were in public for any wandering employees to see. With reluctance, he broke the kiss and wished that he hadn’t done so because it only fueled his desire and longing even more. The kiss had been different if he were to compare it to Ira’s kisses. It had been passionate and along with it, a mixture of emotions swelled in him.

Now, looking at Edith again, listening to her play, the desire to hold her in his arms and kiss her senseless came in full force. He needed to control himself. He knew he shouldn’t be kissing another lady when he was already promised to another, but he couldn’t help it. He had longed for Edith for a very long time. The friendship that had started eleven years ago, had blossomed into something more and he wondered if Edith had felt the same way. She had reacted to his kiss passionately and deeply, does this means she had feelings for him, too?

When the music reached its end, Caden and Merille’s waltz came to an end as well. Avery took this opportunity to give a round of applause, stepping into the music room, his boots clicking against the black and white marble slabs. Three pair of eyes turned to him and a cheerful smile cast his way.

“Captain, it’s a surprise to see you here.” Caden remarked nonchalantly, still holding Merille by the waist.

“I do frequent this room during my free time. Playing the pianoforte gives me peace.” Avery planted himself next to the pianoforte, his left elbow came to rest on the polish surface.

“Do play us a song.” This came from Edith who was beaming at him.

“Oh, please do, Captain.” Caden exclaimed excitedly like a little boy.

“And, you could dance a waltz with Caden, Edith. It’s your turn since you wished to dance a waltz.” Merille added.

“A waltz?” Avery’s brows raised.

“Ahh…It has been quite a while since I last danced the waltz.” Edith said coyly, averting his gaze, a blush was creeping up her cheeks. Dear God.

Avery felt his chest constricted at that moment. A waltz? With other man? Jealousy hit hard.

“I could waltz with you.” He offered without a thought. The thought of Edith waltzing with another man was…well, intolerable.

“But who would play the pianoforte? Caden and I aren’t well-versed with the pianoforte.” Merille said.

Damn. She has a point.

“I will play the pianoforte.” Avery said reluctantly after a moment. He forced himself to move to the bench as Edith rose to her feet. She wordlessly moved to the centre of the room and stood before Caden. Merille stood by the pianoforte, her hands clasped under her chin. It’s just Caden. Besides, Caden is in love with Merille, Avery silently convinced himself. Edith and Caden moved into position, his arm circled her waist and Edith placed her left bandaged hand on his shoulder, then Caden took her hand in his. Avery forced himself to look away and focus on the vertical black and white tiles before him.

When the first chord struck, they moved in a one-two-three pattern of a waltz. Avery had picked a slow melody befitting a waltz, occasionally glancing at the duo from the corner of his eye. They kept a respectable distance and Caden was chattering away. Edith seemed unaffected and she laughed, including Merille into their banters as well. Her laugh was like a balm to his ears, the sound delicate, soft and genuine happiness. The trio really have formed a deep bond, a bond that excluded him. At the thought of it, he felt a hollowness in him once again. Not that he had been part of any group of friendship or even bothered with it, but watching the trio, he longed to be a part of one. His only blood relation had cast him out and he had no one other than Edith and Lucien.

The song came to an end and Caden released Edith.

“Thank you. I almost forgot the steps.” Edith said with mirth. Merille clapped and directed a smile at Avery.

“You play well, Captain.”

“Thank you.” Avery smiled in return and stood.

“Thank goodness you did not stumble though you almost trod on my foot.” Caden said with jest.

“Your foot is undeniably made of steel.” Edith returned the jest and they giggled. Avery watched the duo and feelings of admiration and jealousy sprang into motion again. He never had the chance to dance a waltz with Edith besides their little country dance at the Alcoft cottage eleven ten years ago. Without a second thought, he strode toward them and offered his hand to Edith.

“May I have the next dance?” Avery said in formal tones. Edith looked up at him, surprise and bewilderment etched on her face.

“But there’s no piano accompaniment.” Caden remarked.

“It’s alright. I will create the tempo.” Avery smiled, still holding his hand out to her, waiting and hoping. A gentle smile plastered to his face.

“I have never danced a waltz with you, Avery.” Edith grinned and placed her hand in his, a hint of excitement in her voice. The touch of her hand reminded him once more of their kiss last night and he suddenly felt hot all over. Focusing on the present, he placed a hand at her waist and pulled her closer to him. Edith let out a small gasp and looked up at him. Their gazes locked, intense and electrifying. Avery’s free hand held Edith’s in a gentle hold and he begun to hum a melody, slowly building a tempo for their little waltz.

Avery was skilled at dancing and the steps of the waltz was no stranger to him for he had danced the waltz with Ira some time ago. He made the first step and expertly led Edith along, swirling across the marble floor. How he had dreamed of this moment for a very long time. A feeling of joy erupted within him and he wished their waltz will not come to an end. After what seemed like forever, Avery slowed his steps and led them to a stop, both taking in several deep breaths. His gaze never left Edith’s, so were his hands. They remained rooted to each other for a moment before Avery lowered his head to her right cheek, his lips close to ear and he could feel Edith stiffened.

“Thank you for this dance, Edie.” Avery whispered and brushed a soft kiss at her cheek. He released her and took a step back. Edith only stared at him with those big round eyes of hers.

A pair of claps broke her stare and she glanced away from him, her cheeks turning pink. Avery smiled, enjoying the moment.

“Bravo!” Caden said excitedly as he approached them, Merille at his side.

“The two of you will make a perfect couple.” Merille exclaimed cheerfully and both of Avery and Edith’s gazes flew to her.

“What?” Merille asked innocently, as if her comment was just a passing remark.

Edith remained silent and lowered her gaze to the floor. Avery could see her ear were turning red now, her blush was becoming apparent. If she blushed any harder, he believed she would be on fire any time soon.

“The Starlight Festival is coming soon. Let’s all attend together.” Caden said.

Avery very much liked that idea, “yes, I agree.” That would mean he could spend his time with Edith and he very much looked forward to it. However, there was a niggling feeling of unease prickling at the corner of his mind. Ira. He had always attended the Starlight Festival with her for the past seven years. Now, there was no word from her at all and he was already worried about her. He ought to check on her with the High Commander tomorrow morning.

“I look forward to this year’s Starlight Festival.” Edith grinned.

“I’m positive it will be splendid.” Merille returned.

And Avery couldn’t quite shake away the uneasiness that was beginning to swell in him, an unease that he couldn’t quite make of and he didn’t like it at all.

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