As if knowing that I was there, she turned in her sleep and her head landed on my chest. She sighed, and placed her hand on my abdomen. That is how our nights went. She would wrap her arms around me and relax, instinctively knowing she was safe, and I would stay up, guarding her until the first signs of the rising sun.
CHAPTER NINETEEN
ALINA
The day started worse than ever. I opened my eyes to see Corliss watching me sleep, her gaze traveled from my crumpled bed sheets to my face. Then, still not saying a word, she moved to the window and fastened it. I watched her puzzled.
“Good morning,” I said.
“Yes. Forgive me. I just have something on my mind.” She returned to the bed.
Then Sally walked in, holding a beautiful evening gown made of layers upon layers of peach-colored shimmering tulle that was embroidered with delicate flowers all the way tothe very bottom.
“As you remember, today is the grand opening of the little theatre.”
For the first time, I did not feel dread thinking about the evening, and was genuinely curious as I had never been to the theater before.
Corliss went on to explain that the theater had been closed for years, as it was deemed impractical to maintain while the virus remained a significant threat at the borders. But with people feeling more secure, the resumption of cultural life was considered necessary.
I could not quite agree with her there. In my opinion, the people in the city needed more immediate attention. It did not seem like the right time to be redirecting efforts toward rebuilding a theater. Yet, despite my reservations, my curiosity was piqued.
My enthusiasm subsided when I learned that my day had already been planned for me from the early morning when I was expected to have breakfast with one of the representatives from the blue clan, then a walk with Lord Edsel, followed by midday tea with his older brother. After that, Lord Rutherford would have the next slot of my time.
I sighed and looked in the mirror. I was still feeling angry about the fight with Kent.
What did he expect? What did he want me to do?
All my frustration at him for storming out, and essentially ignoring me for the rest of the day, could not quite compare to the deep, unfulfilled desire that still burnedin my bones. My body ached from the want, and I was not ashamed to admit it.
As Sally left the room, Corliss stood behind me, holding a hairbrush in her hand. Her pale fingers wrapped around the handle, her face set in deep solemnity.
“My child, I truly want what is best for you; and Talman, of course. You have to make your final decision this week. The queen is not in good health and we must be certain that the kingdom is in good hands. Just imagine how many people could be saved, and provided for. The council is doing what it can, but having so many people in charge is never a good idea. Many things are not getting the attention they deserve. Just imagine how much you could do.”
“What if I am not allowed to do anything?”
“What do you mean?”
“I am sure I will not be free to do as I please after marriage.”
“My dear, you are a woman. From a very early age we learn how to make a man do what we want.”
I pursed my lips. That prospect was highly unpleasant. There was no appeal in being in a situation where I would be reduced to lying and scheming in order to do what needed to be done. Whatever Corliss and the others thought, I did not see this upcoming match as a great opportunity for Talman. To me, the future felt entirely obscured, hidden beneath the darkest veil. Anything could happen, anything at all. The husband I chose could decide to rid himself of me. He could orchestrate a deadly accident, or worse, continue thepractice that my current keepers deemed necessary, and poison me.
The inability to see a way out produced a light headache that squeezed my temples.
Sally returned carrying a tall, crystal glass filled with an opaque liquid.
“Now, Alina, dear. Drink this and you will feel better.” Corliss brought the glass to my lips and I had no way to get out of it.
I emptied my stomach as soon as I had a chance, but some traces of the poison clearly seeped into my bloodstream, because my head was spinning and I felt weak and shaky. The miserable, never ending parade of suitors was almost at its end. My last date with Lord Rutherford was coming to its less than exciting conclusion, when I finally gave in and glanced at Kent. He stood with his arms crossed on his chest. His shoulder length, chestnut brown hair swayed in a light breeze. He reminded me of a statue of an ancient god – lethal, unforgiving, and breathtakingly beautiful. In the next moment, he lifted his enchanting umber eyes, and I could not stop my heart from leaping in my chest. Last night, I dreamed of him again. I saw us walking together through a field, hands intertwined, surrounded by wildflowers. Thescent of fresh grass and the sweetness of lilies of the valley immediately brought a feeling of belonging, deepening the connection between us.
Even now, I could sense what he was feeling without a word between us. I could feel the anger and frustration buried deep inside him, along with jealousy: somber, urgent, and more intense than anything else.
“Have you given any thought to what we discussed earlier?” Rutherford returned my thoughts back to our depressing date.
“Yes, I have.”
“What is your answer?”
