Chapter 272: Plans
The next morning was different for Arabella did not awake alone in the lounge chair, but with a warm body holding hers close.
Silas hadn’t left the room for his early morning walk as per usual.
"Morning," he whispered the moment the change in her breathing rhythm became noticeable.
"Morning," she groaned, wiping at her still sleepy eyes. It took her a moment to realize where and with who she was, only to then wiggle and try to straighten herself, "You did not leave for a walk around the manor?" she asked, looking up at him.
"No," he shook his head slowly.
When he said nothing else, the young woman made further inquiries,"Is everything alright?"
"Yes," he cracked a kind smile, "I merely wanted more of this," at those words, he tightened his hold around her middle.
She returned the beam and laid her head against his chest, allowing silence to creep in and mingle with the sun that painted the space around them in gold.
"Is there anything in particular you’d like to do?" he spoke again, voice still soft
After taking a deep breath, Arabella unsealed her lips to respond, "I would definitely like to speak with Ada about the meeting I wish to arrange for her with the Lady and then...," she trailed off momentarily, "I want to spend some time at the library to do further research,"
His right hand went over hers and began to play with her fingers in a gentle manner, "I see,"
"Did you have something else in mind?" she quickly asked when noting his downcast tone.
"Not really," he shook his head again, "Although there is something I need you to be aware of,"
The serious air that had dawned on him caused Arabella’s insides to twine in anticipation for those news.
"For the next tribute auction, the prince of Lustris will be residing here in the manor until the end of the event,"
Silas braced himself for the reaction that came in the form of tension. The stiffness that conquered her entire body was enough of an answer.
"The syndicate made the request a few days ago," he cleared his throat, "I wanted to tell you sooner, but the time was never right,"
The vampire expected many things, but a chuckle wasn’t on his list of reactions.
"Time never seems to be right, doesn’t it?"
"No, it doesn’t," he too chuckled. A semi-serious tone reclaimed his features, "I also meant to ask how you were feeling since you are still bleeding? Granted, it isn’t as much as the previous days but it’s still there,"
"Oh..., yes," blood rushed up her cheeks, coloring her face red, "today should be the last day. The bleeding isn’t as intense as it is in the first three days. I was even able to take a bath yesterday,"
"That is good," he nodded, eyes locked with hers, "What about the pain? I can tell when your muscles contract all of the sudden, but it doesn’t seem to happen that frequently now,"
"Yes, the cramping stopped by yesterday morning,"
For a moment, neither of them spoke. It wasn’t awkward by any means as they simply stared into each other’s eyes with no sign of breaking the cadence.
It wasn’t until Arabella took a deep breath that Silas loosened his grasp around her.
"I believe it is time to stand up and start the day," she smiled.
"I truly wish not to," he sighed.
"What will you be doing?"
"I need to revisit some of our contracts for the family businesses. I will also have to follow up with the preparations for the next auction that my mother started," he explained.
"If I finish early, may I join you?"
That question took Silas a little by surprise. He tilted his head to the side, "Yes, of course. I’d love that,"
"Where will I find you?" the young woman began to move in order to stand on her feet.
"I usually handle things like that in my office, but if you do not find me there, ask the head of the butlers, Carlton,"
Their hands remained connected for a good while before they finally agreed to let go.
Arabella’s first stop was her own room where a bath and an already dressed breakfast table awaited.
Well, that and a starry-eyed friend who sat ready to leap from her seat at any second.
"Morning, Miss!" she chirped before correcting herself, "I mean, Arabella!"
"Morning, Ada!" the young woman beamed, "I see you have a lot of energy today,"
"Yes, I believe I do!" the maid trailed behind her friend like a little pup in need of attention.
"What’s going on with you today, Ada?" there was still a smile painted on Arabella when her eyebrows furrowed suspiciously.
"I... Well... How are you feeling? I mean, did it go well? Are you happy?" Ada blurted all of those words at once without a breath in between.
"Woah!" Arabella put her hands up, "Take a deep breath, please,"
"I am sorry," the maid twiddled her fingers, "It seems I’ve gotten a little excited," she grinned sheepishly while refusing to look Arabella in the eyes.
"A little?" the young woman raised an eyebrow.
"Well..., So, how are you feeling?" she reverted back to her sparkly self.
"I am feeling quite alright, thank you," she placed her brooch on the edge of the bathtub before turning her attention to the necklaces around her neck.
Ada stepped up and helped her unlock the chains and then unfasten the belt of the dress behind her back.
After getting out of the dress and under garment, Arabella sank into her warm bath.
"I wanted to speak with you about what I mentioned before," Arabella sat straight, looking somewhat embarrassed.
Ada’s face fell a little, "About the singing?"
"You do not have to sing today or tonight, I just wanted you to sit with the Lady and speak with her," Arabella gripped the edge of the bathtub and peered at Ada with big, wide eyes