49. Dread Drowning the Light of Love
R ose woke in a fog, stiff and groggy. Ciel beside her moved his spotted leopard head to her chest, mewling like a kitten. Adrian reached over her to scratch his fuzzy ear.
“It’s about time you woke up, lazy bones.”
Rose turned bleary eyes to her Prince, who sat leaning against pillows with a small table across his lap on which his night’s work was spread. His cool hand pressed to her forehead and then cupped her cheek before he leaned over to kiss her softly.
“Good morning, love.”
“How long have I been asleep?” Her limbs were weak and achy, and her head throbbed dully, telling her it had been a while.
“Three days.”
“Three days!” Bolting upright in shock, she groaned at the way her head spun.
“Yes.” Adrian gently pushed her back down. “So, take it slow.”
“Okay.” Ciel mewled again, his stomach painful from hunger, just as Rose’s rumbled loudly. Hearing it, Adrian walked to the door to order food. He then moved his work to a table across the room and helped her sit up, resuming his position beside her. Holding her hand, he lightly stroked the back with his thumb.
“I was so worried.” Leaning forward, he kissed her forehead, lingering. “Never have you slept so deeply or for so long.” Pulling away, he slid his hand into her hair and stared into her eyes. “I do not want you ever to do such a stupid thing again.”
It took a moment to recall what he was referring to. It was hazy, but Prince Dimitri beaten and bruised in the hospital came to mind. Remembering what Dimitri had done, how Adrian had retaliated, and how she’d brought him back from near death had a flurry of contradicting emotions rising in her—anger at what had been attempted, pride that her love had stood for her so gallantly, pity for the second Prince’s drunken anguish taken out on her, hope that he’d change given this second chance, fear that he wouldn’t, and joy at what she’d accomplished.
“You could have died,” Adrian said. “Do you know how I felt, seeing you unconscious and so pale, dark bruises all over your body from taking the punishment I gave him? I’ve been suffering here every day, wondering if you would wake. The doctors had no answers.” He clenched his jaw and took a deep breath. “Promise me. Promise me you won’t do something so rash and foolish again.”
“I won’t promise.” Rose met his glare with a steady look. “I thought it through. I did what I had to. It would have eaten you alive being the cause of his demise.”
“I would have handled it. ”
Folding arms that felt like limp noodles, she glared. “Whatever you tell yourself, however angry you are, he is your brother, and you love him.” Though Adrian looked away, Rose asked, “How is he?”
“Better than you.”
“Adrian.” Rose sighed.
“He’s fine.”
“You’ve seen him?”
“Only at meetings.”
At the knock on the door, Adrian retrieved the tray to set on Rose’s lap and uncovered the dish of oatmeal and fruit. While Rose drank the glass of water, he placed the plate of meat, seeds, fruit, and nuts prepared for Ciel on the floor. The shifter grumbled but at Adrian’s firm look, he jumped down. Rose doctored her tea and after her first sip, he took it from her. Spooning up some of the oatmeal, he proceeded to feed her.
Acquiescing to his care, understanding he needed this, she took grapes from his fingers when the oatmeal was gone. Licking the dripping juice, she took in the bruising under her Prince’s paler-than-normal eyes, which spoke to his exhaustion. Moving her magic through him, she subtly siphoned his fatigue.
“Don’t.” The word was sharp as Adrian held the tea to her lips. She drank, and when it was gone, Adrian set the tray aside and pulled her close. Cuddling into him, she set her hand over his heart, the steady beat a comfort.
“What have I missed?”
Playing with her hair, his eyes drifted closed as he explained all the gossip and goings-on. Enjoying the rumble in her ear, Rose leeched more of his fatigue. Ciel left for a predawn flight to stretch. Through their bond, Rose entreated him to stay safe .
“I do not want you working today. Do not leave my apartments. I haven’t uncovered the traitor that gave my mother your gems, nor the spy who planted the necklace or killed the animals in your wardrobe. My mother is confined to her bedroom but can still plot from there. And though I’m sure Dimitri is grateful to you, we cannot trust him.” He rubbed her temple. “Remain with Timothy and Horace at all times, Rose. I mean this.”
Rose’s fingers traced patterns on his belly. “I understand.”
Some of the tension left Adrian’s body as he blew out a breath. “Good. Now, I’m going to get what rest I can before the Baroness DeGent arrives to begin preparing you for the masque—”
“What?”
“Today is my mother’s masquerade ball in celebration of her birthday. You will accompany me. The Baroness will pamper you in all the ways you deserve.”
“That is a terrible idea, my Prince.”
“The whole of the city, if not the kingdom, knows we are together, love.”
“But—”
Adrian set a finger to her lips. “I want you beside me. I want to flaunt you as mine. It goes against etiquette and all protocol, but I do not care. I have a plan.”
“What you plan is dangerous, Adrian.”
“Indeed, but security will be tight. Extra guards, along with Timothy and Horace, will remain glued to you at all times. And that’s not mentioning the guards and law enforcement officials Father will have at the event. Nothing untoward will be allowed on Mother’s birthday.”
“Even still, you will anger many—”
“I love you. It’s time everyone knows it.”
Though the sentiment lit Rose up, dread knotted her stomach. Even as she melted into a soft and dreamy kiss as Adrian settled over her, even as she gave in to the gentle lovemaking that glowed along their bond, burning it brighter than ever, a dark cloud of foreboding shadowed them.
Leaving Adrian sprawled across the bed, adorably snoring, Rose cleaned herself with a rag at the washbasin. Though grimy and gross after having spent so long abed, she was sure the Baroness’s pampering would include a full bath. A parade of maids to fill her one now would disturb her Prince.
After donning a pale green dress with thin straps and ribbon laces on the side, she tied her messy curls back and brushed her teeth. Sliding into simple slippers, she left the room. Timothy and Horace were just outside, playing a card game.
“You were rather quiet this morning,” Timothy teased.
“I imagine His Highness was gentle after the three-day-coma.” Horace chuckled.
Rose lifted her chin. “If you’re quite done, I have things to do.”
The guards looked at each other and then back at her. Tim said, “You are confined to these apartments, Miss Rose.”
“I am aware of His Highness’s orders.” Giving each male a steady stare, she pulled her power to swirl around her. Easier to access, it responded like a reflex and was well in her control. “If you cannot handle my task, by all means, stay here. I am sure I will be fine.” Walking out, she smiled when both males fell into step behind her .
The halls were quiet with the night shift ending. Though it wasn’t her normal time, she headed to the kitchens, where Hattie, Ms. Hutchins, and the other maids were beginning the day’s baking.
“Any burned?” Rose asked.
“Rose!” Hattie pulled her into a hug. “Oh, we were worried.” Shoving her to arm’s length, she looked Rose over from head to toe. “You look like a right lady. That Prince is taking care of you.”
“Yes. But I want to take a few baskets. Is there enough?”
Hattie shared a look with Ms. Hutchins before moving across the large room where others were busy working. Though a few noticed Rose’s presence, a glare from Hattie had them returning to their chores. From one of the pantries, she pulled the baskets full of food no one would miss and handed them to Rose.
“Be careful, girlie,” Hattie said before letting go. “Talk’s getting around and you never know who’s sneaking or spying.”
“I know. Thank you.” After a smile for Ms. Hutchins, who only frowned harder, she walked out with her guards.
In the lower levels, Rose was instantly surrounded by slaves. No one meant harm, but everyone wanted a word, a touch, a look at the Benevolent Maid she was shocked they called her. Some cried that she’d come back, others showered praise on her as they accepted her food. There were fights, which Rose quieted with a word.
When the food was gone, she handed out water and sought ailments. Just as subtly as she’d taken Adrian’s weariness, she took the worst of the pain from the slaves, leaving the room in awe.
The same happened in the next room, and the next, until Rose was out of food. There was a worse injury in her last room, a broken wrist from a younger slave being thrown by her superior. Rose rubbed the joint, soothing the swelling and knitting the bone back together while the rest of the room watched.
There was crying at her glow, at the peace and comfort in the warmth spread over those gathered around. When she headed toward the door, ready to leave, a male and a female fell at her feet, begging for mercy.
“I am no goddess,” Rose said, lifting the two to their feet with their hands in hers. “And you are strong. Whatever happens to you, keep your strength. No collar, no shackles, can kill the fire in you. Hold to who you are, for no one can take that from you.” Taking in the dirty faces around her, she added, “No matter what others tell you, you are beautiful. Persevere, and press on.”
It was hard to leave, harder than the other times, and though Rose promised to return when she could, she wondered if she’d be able to keep it.
After returning the baskets to their closet upstairs, stealing a slice of cinnamon bread from the loaf cooling on one of the counters, which earned her a glare and a swat from Ms. Hutchins who hid her chuckle, Rose made her way outside to the lily pond. Humming to herself, she weeded while the sun rose and her bodyguards stood in the shadows of the palace.
She played with the fish in the largest pond as she had once before, breathing in the fragrance of the blooms. Birds played, pollinators drank from flower after flower, and as the warm rays of the golden sun kissed her skin, she wished such peace could last in this place.
A fanciful thought, that, one too silly to indulge. But she could suck every drop of the tranquil alone on this morning when she had a feeling everything would change.
With her basket of pulled weeds on her arm, she checked Adrian’s indoor plants, happy with how they flourished. Tristan fetched two hats—which made Timothy and Horace scowl when she insisted they wear them outside. They looked dashing in the wide-brimmed things, but Tristan’s laughter belied her sentiment.
Still, the vampires wore them to protect their eyes as she settled in the breakfast garden and did more weeding in the bright morning. They remained in the shade, where the sun wouldn’t touch them, and kept watch.
Ciel returned to her, fluttering to the birdbath in his tanager form. Cheerily chirping, he splashed in the water. Rose sang, and a chorus of birds joined her.
For hours, Rose worked while the sun recharged her. When the light and heat got too intense, she took her full basket to the greenhouses, where she added it to the compost and chatted with Tom and the other gardeners. She then returned to Adrian’s apartments, which were abuzz with maids coming and going. Some carried buckets of hot water, others carried tables, and females in black and white dresses brought bags of supplies.
Following the stream of people, Rose made her way to the Gold Rooms, where she found the vampire seamstress Hilda DeGent. In the middle of the group of assistants, the Baroness oversaw the setup of various stations—one for sewing, another for skin care, and another for beautification.
“I want lavender oil in that water. I hear that is His Highness’s companion’s favorite. Let’s get more flowers in there too. And this is rose lotion! Josie!” She threw the bottle at the red-faced female. “Get the lavender, girl!”
Sniffing the new bottle of oil handed to her, she nodded and motioned for another assistant to add it to the steaming bath. Spotting Rose, she smiled and held out her hands. Rose hesitantly placed hers in them as the vampire looked her over from head to toe.
“How are you, dear? My, but you look different. Dirty”—her lips pursed—“but better than last we met. The Prince has been taking care of you, I daresay. My treatment will polish you up like a gem. So, let’s get to it. Strip before your bath cools.”
Rose began on her laces, but she wasn’t fast enough for the Baroness, who shoved her hands away and rushed through undressing Rose before pushing her into the steaming tub.
“You have five minutes to relax.”
In that time, hair and body products were lined beside the tub, and then every part of Rose was washed and scrubbed. An assistant shampooed her hair, massaging her scalp in little circles that made her tingle. After rinsing, conditioning cream was generously applied and brushed through every curl from scalp to tip.
After being toweled dry, she lay on a high table while the tub was emptied and cleaned, and her body was rubbed with her favorite lotion. All her scars—especially the ones on her back—were given great care. Gradually, Rose relaxed. All the tension in her muscles drained away under the skillful fingers working out her knots.
Pliant and malleable, Rose sat in a satin robe while her feet were scrubbed smooth and massaged, her nails trimmed, and more lotion applied. Her hands were next, getting the same treatment.
Across the room, Ciel lay on the bed as the leopard, watching curiously. When a female approached to trim his claws, he bared his teeth in warning. Rose chuckled.
Her hair was brushed again, the dead ends cut off, and then it was styled. Watching in the mirror, intricate braids took form around her head, pulled up into a beautiful design with several tendrils artfully framing her face. Diamond accents were pinned in places. Their sparkle made her nervous.
This was so far above her pay grade, it was dangerous.
But she didn’t have a moment to worry as makeup was applied around her eyes to help them stand out behind the mask she’d wear, and her lips were painted dark pink. The female in the mirror looked nothing like her . This female was beautiful in a way she had never been.
It made her eyes sting.
But that was silly, so she rose when Hilda pulled her, and she let herself be dressed, first in expensive lingerie and then in the most gorgeous gown she’d ever seen. A blush pink, the fabric shimmered iridescently, and though the skirt was layered and full, it wasn’t heavy. The black corset the Baroness laced over her bodice was embroidered with glittery silver swirls and gems that matched those in her hair.
Hilda had her step into black heels next, and Rose winced at them but schooled her expression at the sharp glare. She let the shoes be fastened and stood while the rest of her costume was gathered. She would be a butterfly, and she loved the glittery black wings with silver accents fastened to her back, and the mask that matched it. Staring at herself in the tall mirror as two tall black feathers were added to her hair, she felt like one of the heroines of a fanciful storybook.
And like someone who could stand next to Adrian.
And then suddenly, he was there, smiling behind her, and Rose saw nothing else. Hilda and her team disappeared as he stepped closer, setting his hands on her waist, and kissed her neck. His tantalizing chill made her shiver.
“You are stunning, my Rose.”
Beaming, Rose turned to take in his black dress pants, black vest, and light pink undershirt. The silver vines, pink flower embroidery, and mask matched hers.
“You coordinated.”
He smiled, ruby eyes shining like gems. “We are a pair, no?” And leaning closer, he whispered, “Goddess, I can’t wait to show you off. ”
“No messing each other up,” Hilda said snappily, stepping forward and giving them a stern look. “Irving and I spent considerable time on this, so make sure to tell everyone that the design is mine before going at each other.” Grinning, she pushed Rose away to adjust Adrian’s shirt collar. “Her corset is leather for added protection, just in case of anything.”
Adrian nodded. “Thank you, Baroness.”
A canny smile broke over her face. “You pay me well.” And then, she said, “Have her home by noon or she’ll turn into a pumpkin.”
Rose laughed at the joke and pulled the vampire lady into an impulsive hug. “Thank you.”
Hilda pushed her away. “It is my job. But don’t forget, just in case this idiotic plan works, I do weddings.”
Adrian laughed as he took Rose’s arm to lead her out. In the hallway, he told Javier to ensure the Baroness had help getting her things out. Javier bowed, eyeing Ciel with distaste as he hissed.
Javier sneered before saying, “One of your gems was found in Tristan’s dresser, Your Highness.”
Adrian’s mouth thinned to a grim line. “We will discuss when I return. Take no action yet.”
“As you wish.” Javier bowed and stepped back to let them pass.
When they were out of earshot, rounding the corner, Rose looked back to see him watching them. “Tristan is innocent.”
“We will discuss when we get home.” He kissed her temple. “Let’s not let anything ruin our night. I’ve a feeling it is going to be a grand one.”