Chapter 282: Threats and humiliation
The day ran by fast in Remus’ presence, but alas, the boy had to go back home by nightfall.
His departure marked the return of that acrid taste in Arabella’s mouth. That constant, bitter citric flavor that stung the inner walls of her stomach.
"How is she now? Any developpement?" she turned to Silas as they walked the hallway leading back to the foyer where the main staircase lay.
"The same," he shook his head, refusing to meet her pleading gaze.
A long and heavy sigh escaped her, although when they finally reached the stairs, her eyes widened momentarily, earning her the outlook of someone who’d just remembered something they had to do, "Oh! I wish to spend some more time at the library,"
"Perhaps after dinner," he half asked, "You could come down with Ada if she wants to as well,"
"Right! Good idea!" she nodded and followed in his steps without further objections.
Upon reaching the first floor, then the hallway leading to her room, a figure met them right by one of the doors.
Standing still in place, Ada stared down at her feet, an odd expression on her.
"Is everything alright, Ada?" Arabella asked as soon as they’d cut enough distance between them.
"Oh! Yes! Of course, everything is alright," her demeanor made a swift shift into a joyful one, even though strained, "I was simply taken by my own thoughts,"
"Well, I will leave you two to it then," Silas nodded once at Ada then split from the women.
"Has dinner been served yet?" Arabella asked the moment they stepped inside the room, only for her question to be answered in the form of a beautifully dressed and garnished table, "Have you eaten yet?"
"Yes," Ada seemed to avoid Arabella’s eyes.
"I don’t think Silas is listening in on our conversation," the young woman sat down, "You may tell me what truly troubles you," her voice steady and warm, she only blinked when necessary.
"What do you mean?I told you everything is alright," she squeezed a smile while shifting uncomfortably in place.
Arabella exhaled a long one, "You can’t fool me, Ada. I am getting really good at this reading faces thing thanks to you," she offered an apologetic grin.
"Then I have nobody to blame but myself," she chuckled and plopped down onto the chair next to Arabella’s, her expression dimming, "I’ve received a visit from Edna," she flashed her eyes to emphasize her words.
"And she strikes again...," yet another sigh from Arabella, "Did she want the usual?"
"The same old threats and warnings...," she trailed off, "She couldn’t fathom how, according to her words, a peasant such as me could ascend in rank like this,"
"She’s always felt superior to others, hasn’t she?" Arabella picked a small piece of tomato and placed it in her mouth, "But what sort of threats has she thrown your way? As you know, we can’t afford not to take her seriously," she continued after chewing and swallowing her food.
"She promised that I will pay for this and this humiliation that I’ve put her through," Ada had a distant look in her eyes.
Silence followed for a while, until Arabella drank some water to down a bite that threatened to clog her windpipes.
"I wonder how you becoming an entertainer humiliates her...,"
"I suppose that any human that rises above her is a direct insult to her, or so must her perception be, at least," Ada shook her head.
"It must truly be sad to live in her mind,"
"Honestly, I don’t know what to make of it," Ada stood up and walked over to the window, "Perhaps it’d be wise to report her behavior for our safety,"
"Then you and I have been thinking the same thing," Arabella’s gaze was soldered on Ada’s back, "But I’ll have to find the right words so that we don’t get misunderstood or cause her more harm than she deserves. Because... While I do suspect her of more, I can’t bring myself to speak of those since I have no proof of it,"
"That, I understand," her friend nodded, "In any case, I wanted to broach a different subject matter,"
"I am all ears," Arabella noted the warm smile on Ada and mirrored it.
"How was the day with little Remus?"
"It was wonderful," she giggled, "His presence made me forget the rest, honestly,"
"I believe you there," she laughed sweetly, "But you must remain careful not to get too attached to him. He isn’t yours and once his father finds another mate his visits will turn scarce,"
"Yes, I realize that," her gemstones rested on the remaining salad pieces in their dish, "For now he still comes so, I’d like to enjoy things while I still can,"
A not so shy knock landed on the door and Allegra’s face peeked through the instant Arabella gave her permission to enter.
"I just came by to see if you ladies aren’t in need of anything," she grinned before turning to Ada and studying her from head to toe, "Congratulations, by the way, and welcome among us,"
"Thank you," red faced Ada spoke sheepishly.
Arabella on the other hand, did not miss a single beat and stood to her feet, "No, we are not in need of anything but Allegra, please... How is Katherine doing?"
The vampiriess’ face fell a little, "There’s been no positive change," she shook her head, "She hasn’t closed her eyes at all,"
"That is awful!" Arabella squeaked.
Ada walked closer and wrapped an arm around Arabella’s shoulder, "Is there really no way we can see her?"
"Master Silas has been clear on this matter. No humans allowed near Katherine," she shook her head, her voice constant and rich.
"Please, Allegra," Arabella moved towards the vampire and took her hands, "Keep me informed on her situation. I haven’t been able to sleep at all,"
"Of course!" she smiled.
Allegra gave her hand a squeeze she wanted gentle, for sure, but Arabella felt the strain of it. It wasn’t painful by any means, but it was almost as though Allegra was still not aware of the amount of pressure to apply in a handshake with a human.