Chapter 10. Birthday.
The soft waltz intruded upon my sleep, scaring away the last remains of my nightmare. My eyes stayed shut as I listened to the melody traveling all the way from the ballroom. Each press of the piano keys filled me with peace I had long forgotten.
I drew a careful breath, so as not to dispel the facade that horrors only haunted me in my sleep and the Moon’s realm only knew peace and freedom.
Then my eyes opened.
The reality of my being crashed down on me like an avalanche.
I closed my eyes once again, longing for the peace I was granted a mere moment ago, yet the magic was gone.
No matter the beauty of the piece, it brought me nothing but distress. My heart tore apart at the sound of the piano, my mind filled with memories of her hands over the keyboard. Whoever was playing, I wished for them to stop.
The music persisted when I got out of the bath, the music grew stronger when I braided my hair. Perhaps a ball was happening at the castle tonight, though I cared not to go investigate.
I lay on my unmade bed, my fingers playing with the flint Francis had left in my room last night; the upcoming conversation with William Barren ran through my mind stopless. Confidence left me with each passing moment.
There was only one way of successfully merging our forces: let William believe he was the one giving out orders, while pulling the strings behind closed doors, let him believe he was making the choice in favor of this alliance.
“Cordelia?” A knock on the door echoed through the room before Florence made her appearance at the threshold. “Will you join us?”
I hurried to put my ivory gloves on, sending the flint down my pocket. The burns had not bothered me anymore, yet the dark brown spots were still visible.
“I am not feeling well,” I lied, unsuccessfully it seemed, for Florence made her way into my room, her head crooked to one side.
“Come now, it’s Francis’ birthday.” She stood by the footboard of my bed. The dark blue dress sat on her with perfection, small gems reflected the candlelight, glowing as bright as her brown eyes. Dozens of long, small braids reached down her waist, the dark brown ends curled into spirals. “It’s a small gathering, he would be happy if you joined,” she added.
“I don’t have a present.” I shrugged, pulling the blanket higher.
“Oh, I’m sure he wouldn’t care,” Florence chuckled, offering me a hand. “Let’s go. You can’t stay in your room forever.”
When I didn’t move, she sat on my bed, her hand wrapping around mine. She eyed my gloves, but refrained from saying anything about my fashion choices. A sad smile stretched her lips. “I meant to apologize for lying to you then—”
“You have nothing to apologize for,” I interrupted, averting my gaze; my hand went limp in hers.
“Of course I do.” She squeezed my hand, and it took everything in me to hide the discomfort of my healing injuries. “You were right to be upset with me,” Florence’s voice broke. “I knew of Francis’ plan all along and let it happen. I am so sorry.”
“You were protecting your family. I understand.”
“You are my family too,” she whispered as tears filled her eyes. “Will you please forgive me?”
“I am not upset with you, Florence. I would do the same.”
“Tell me you forgive me,” she wouldn’t give up.
“All right.” I sighed. “I forgive you.”
Her full pink lips stretched into the sunshine smile. “Thank you, I won’t let you down again, I promise.” Florence let out a sigh. “Now let’s go, you can't hide here forever.”
“I really don’t—”
