They made their way across the courtyard to the annex, where the signs of neglect were evident. Paint peeled from the walls, the roof showed signs of leaking, and many of the window frames were cracked or loose.
Serena stood quietly, taking everything in, her sharp eyes missing nothing. After a long pause, she turned to Aiden.
"The roof needs to be replaced entirely," she said, pointing to the sagging beams. "Hire skilled roofers; we cannot have it leaking once snow falls."
"Yes, Your Grace," Aiden quickly noted down.
"The windows too," she added. "Replace the broken frames and reinforce them to keep the cold out. Choose thicker glass if possible."
"Understood."
She walked further inside. The wooden floors creaked underfoot, and there was a faint smell of mold. Serena frowned.
"Have the floors inspected. Any rotting wood must be removed. We'll polish and seal the new ones to preserve them longer."
"And the walls," she continued, running a gloved hand lightly over the cracked plaster, "scrape them clean and repaint them. Light colors—something that makes the rooms feel warmer and more welcoming."
She paused, tapping her chin thoughtfully.
"The fireplaces in each room — check if they are still functional. If not, repair them immediately. We'll need steady heat in winter."
"Also," Serena added, turning to Aiden, "make sure to order extra blankets, firewood, and preserved foods."
Aiden wrote furiously, his heart full of admiration.
"You thought of everything, Your Grace."
Serena smiled faintly, her eyes glimmering with determination.
"Winter can be cruel. We must be ready before it knocks on our door."
As the sun dipped behind the trees, casting a soft golden light over the old annex, Serena stood tall, already envisioning it restored—a place full of warmth.
For the past few days, the renovation of the annex proceeded without delay. As instructed, Aiden oversaw every detail carefully, ensuring that Serena's orders were carried out smoothly. Skilled craftsmen came and went, the sound of hammers, saws, and brushes filling the air. Step by step, the annex shed its old, withered shell and found new life.
Finally, the work was completed.
Serena stood before the newly restored annex, her hands clasped in front of her as she admired the changes. The roof gleamed with fresh tiles, the walls were clean and repainted in warm, inviting colors, and the repaired windows caught the sunlight beautifully.
She walked through the entrance, her footsteps echoing softly on the polished wooden floors. The air inside was clean and carried the faint scent of fresh wood and paint. She moved room by room, inspecting everything thoroughly—the fireplaces were in working order, the walls were smooth, and the floors no longer creaked.
Extra blankets and winter supplies were neatly stored in the back rooms, just as she had ordered.
Standing in the main hall of the annex, Serena allowed herself a small, satisfied smile.
"You did well, Aiden," she said, turning to her loyal butler who followed behind her with a proud look.
"Thank you, Your Grace," Aiden said, bowing deeply.
Serena nodded, her eyes softening slightly.
"Now the annex is ready. Should anything happen this winter, we won't have to worry."
The sun filtering through the new windows made the once-forgotten annex seem almost noble again—a silent proof of Serena's careful hands and steady leadership.