Chapter 265: A quiet morning
The anthology book was the first thing that greeted her eyes upon opening. Like every other time Silas’ room was void of... Silas and its coziness had shifted from that cool and relaxing atmosphere to a warmer and more joyful one as the sun gave more than life.
The difference however, was that Ada did not come through the door to call breakfast time. It was Silas that entered first.
"Good morning," she straightened her stance.
"And to you as well," it was faint and meek but Arabella could’ve sworn a smile stared back at her, "If it is all the same to you, I’d like to sit with you as you take your breakfast this morning,"
"Oh...," her eyes darted around a few times, "Will you be watching?"
That scene did not play well in her head.
"Would that bother you?" he asked, coming closer to her.
"No! Ada always sits with me and refuses to share the food. I am not sure why I even asked," she shook her head profusely.
"Well, I am planning on doing more than watching," one of his hands dared and brushed some of her hair away from her face, "I will say a few words too if that makes things better,"
The tiniest of chuckles escaped her before the beam that painted her features wavered, the spark in her eyes quickly replaced by a distant stare.
"Do you still worry about Katherine?" he took his time, tucking one thin strand behind her ear after the other.
"I suppose there is no use in lying," she sighed, "I saw her in my sleep," a nod followed her words, "She was... Something made her smile," her lips drew a fleeting grin that vanished as quickly as it’d appeared.
"I will make sure everything is done for the sake of bettering her," Silas offered her a hand and waited patiently for her to take it.
Her finger slipped into his hand first and then her palm. The vampire did not tug harshly, just enough to communicate his intention.
Neither of them let go of the other as they walked back to her room where an already dressed table awaited.
"Did you send Ada away?" she asked upon sitting down.
"Yes, I made sure to set her free before coming to you," he watched each of her motions, "Why? Do you miss her company already?"
"I do love her company, yes, but today is special, I suppose," she marked a pause in order to pour some milk into a cup, "I wanted to speak with her and acquire her consent so that I can arrange a meeting between her and Lady Persephone,"
"What would this meeting be for?" he sat facing her, his diamonds following her gemstones.
"She’s agreed to sing before the Lady and I’d like to suggest Ada as a replacement for me," she smiled.
"You believe Ada can handle being an entertainer for mother’s guests?" one of his eyebrows rose up his forehead.
Arabella gracefully wiped at her mouth with a white cloth, "She’s been reading a lot lately and I noticed she’s quite talented," the young woman picked an apple and began cutting it into small parts, "Not to mention her golden vocal cords. She’d become a favorite in no time,"
"I mean will she be able to withstand it mentally and emotionally?"
All movement ceased as her eyes snapped onto him, and for a moment, only silence spoke until she found her words, "Well, it doesn’t have to happen in a day. I thought I wasn’t ready for it either... I was terrified during the gathering but it mostly went well,"
"That is fair enough," his finger gently tapped the wooden arm of his chair, "Speaking of my mother, may I know what she wanted from you?"
"Oh...," once again, her hand froze before reaching her mouth, "She uhm...," she cleared her throat, hoping against all hope the shade of her face wouldn’t betray her.
Persephone’s question about intimacy loomed and dangled low over her head...
"She congratulated us," Arabella chirped.
"Is that so?" a new expression dawned on him. He squinted his eyes.
"Yes!" she simpered.
He decided not to press on the matter and moved onto a different topic, "In any case, your meeting with my mother won’t be tonight. Tonight, you’ll need to be ready for a different meeting. The one you suggested,"
"Right," she almost choked on her food, "Yes, I haven’t forgotten. When will we be leaving?"
"After dinner," he said.
"I doubt I’ll be able to swallow anything by nightfall...," she grimaced.
"If you don’t feel up for it, we may always push the meeting to another da-"
"No! I will be alright!" she practically leaped off her seat.
"Calm down. Getting agitated in that sort while eating isn’t in your best interest," he smiled.
Arabella stopped her doing and merely stared back at him, mouth a little agape.
"What is it?"
"Oh! No! Nothing... I just," her cheeks started heating up, "I do like to see you smile,"
He said and did nothing. It was his turn to watch her as she returned to eating. The way her cheeks got puffy, the manner in which her lips pursed while trying to remain shut during chewing. It was all too adorable.
Silas made no mention of it, lest she’d grow subconscious about it.
There was still twisting in his stomach. An omen foretelling their future for that same evening.
The vampire thought of bringing a few of their guards with him just in case but feared that act would spark yet another conflict.
He feared her smile would be stolen or tainted by something... Someone out of his control.
He wouldn’t forgive himself for allowing it as long as he lived if that were to happen.
After the bit of progress they’d made... The little steps they’d built towards each other.
Cynric would surely not miss a chance to destroy it all for his own benefit.
It hurt to know there was more stacked against their union than for it.