“That is not fair.” Gabriel shook his head. “Youcame to me with that proposition, remember?” He crooked his head, his green eyes boring into mine. “I was the one to hesitate, but you convinced me: were I to be your first, your Mother would cease trying to marry you off to some old duke.”
Mother hadn’t ceased her attempts even then, only the old duke that was to be my husband turned into a young monster instead. A monster that hid behind a mask of kindness, a young monster that reminded me of my impurity every chance he’d gotten.
“I am sorry for leaving you so abruptly, that was never my intention.” Gabriel’s lips stretched into a pained smile. “But I am not the only one to blame for how things turned out.” Gabriel sighed. “Please come inside, the sun will hurt you.”
I glanced at Francis, whose eyes shone with dozens of questions I was unable to answer; his hands squeezed mine, soothing my fury.
Gabriel took a step backwards, his bare feet turning red from the cold. “I have something Brian left for you,” he said, turning back towards the house. “Please come inside.”
Chapter 32. Old Secrets.
Alone, Francis and I stared at each other, without saying a word, by the pillar of the covering. The first rays of sunshine appeared from the horizon; the snow shone under its touch. I felt nature wake up as the morning enveloped it in its embrace.
Francis’ hand fell atop mine; unclenching my fist, he caressed my palm, soothing the throbbing ache. He then planted a tender kiss on my still reddened skin.
“Are you ready to come back inside?” he whispered, breaking our silence.
Annabelle sighed in reply, bringing a small smile to my face. I turned to her, making sure her reins were still tightened around the pillar; when satisfied, I offered her a small pat.
“Yes,” I faced Francis, taking his hand into mine before walking back towards the house as the rays of sunshine followed after.
The door screeched open at my push, revealing three pairs of eyes that bored into me.
I walked into the house, ignoring the stares of those within, leaving my boots—covered in dirty snow—at the threshold.
I stepped onto the rug inside the corridor that also served as a kitchenette, taking a seat on the small couch against the wall across the wooden table.
Silent eyes watched my every move until Francis dropped onto the couch beside me with a loud sigh.
“I need a drink,” Roxanne mumbled, taking a seat across Simon: at a stool by the table.
Simon took the canteen out of his cloak, offering it to her.
Gabriel leaned against the small set of stairs by the chimney, desperately avoiding my gaze.
Awkward silence fell upon the room as Roxanne chugged the contents of the canteen before returning it to Simon. Her face squirmed when she wiped her lips; her eyes watered.
Gabriel cleared his throat, willing our attention back to him. “Caleb told me you might come.” He glanced at Francis, taking a seat on the stairs.
“You saw him.” Francis’ eyes shimmered with curiosity... and concern.
“He came last week.” Gabriel nodded. “He said your cabin was destroyed and you might need a place to stay.” He walked across the room, towards a little cabinet attached to the wall. Gabriel looked through it until his hand pulled out a folded piece of parchment. “He asked me to give this to you.” He handed it to Francis.
Francis broke the red seal with a Royal stamp on it, unfolding the letter.
