Tale As Old As Time

Chapter 1

MALAYA WAS AS RELAXED AS A MOUSE. Every little sound or thud made her either jump or freeze as though it would help her get out of trouble if they get caught. When they get caught. She was sure that they will be caught by any of Edward's constables or the manor's own staff. It wouldn't matter then whether Alice was the Inspector's wife or not. There was a possibility that Edward will get in trouble for their actions.

The group of rule breakers wandered through a hall with "English Heritage Personnel Only" signs on both ends. They were breaking the rules. When Malaya pointed that out, the others chuckled like it was the same as walking on someone's lawn. But this was different - it's a noble family's property managed by the charity that works closely with the Queen. Malaya didn't think that she was brave enough to mess with that.

As their group made way across the hallway, Alice was jiggling the doorknobs of every door to check if any of them was unlocked. "There's no need to worry." She giggled beside Malaya. "The doors are locked. The guards know people would be exploring."

Malaya shook her head and pursed her lips, "If they know that, then they would certainly look for people who are doing so and breaking the rules about not accessing the closed rooms."

"I don't think it's a big deal." Alice whispered to her, having no idea why her friend was so uptight about it.

"Well I think it is. This place is one of the protected and cherished estates in the country. Everything in it is important. The whole place is." Malaya's eyes darted from painting to painting and every furniture they passed.

Alice gently wrapped an arm around Malaya's shoulder, "No one's stealing anything and breaking antiques. Everyone will be respectful of the place."

"I know," Malaya replied. She hoped so. She knows that Zachary was a troublemaker. It's exactly why he initiated breaking off from the tour and exploring the closed parts of the house. "Do you really want to do this, Alice?"

"Yes," her friend grinned. "I want to see what's so important in this wing that they made sure to tell everyone not to go here multiple times during the welcoming."

Malaya placed a hand on her chest to try to stop her heart from skipping and palpitating. "I have a bad feeling about this," she mumbled with a sigh. They turned to a corner that led to a hallway bigger than the others. On the ivory walls hung portraits of different people. They were of fair-skinned women with blue or greenish eyes, some wearing dresses that looked similar to what Malaya was wearing, others with frills, feathers and hats. They all faced the same direction and had the same coat of arms hanging on one side of their chest like a small badge of honor.

As they reached the other end of the hallway, there was a portrait of a brown-skinned lady. Malaya's heart thudded faster in her chest. The lady had black hair pulled up in an updo, with a few whispy strands framing the side of her face. Her lips were slightly tilted in a demure smile. Her small nose had an inconspicuous bridge and a rounded tip. Her small, hooded brown eyes pierced through the portrait, looking straight at Malaya; like a conscious person engaged to make a connection. Malaya shivered and hastily looked away.

Giving Alice's hand a squeeze, Malaya whispered to her friend. "I think I'm going to head back to the party. I don't want to miss the dancing." She made an excuse before telling the truth, "These portraits give me the creeps."

"No one's that interested in the portraits, Malaya." Alice looked at her with a pout, "Do you have to?" When Malaya nodded yes, she asked again, "Can you handle it for another minute?" Malaya shook her head no. Alice bit her lip and nodded in understanding. She wanted her friend to enjoy the masquerade. She knew how Malaya really wanted to experience a Victorian soiree. "Shall I accompany you?"