If he was waiting for me to protest, then he was sadly mistaken. I had a strong enough sense of self-preservation to not push my luck, especially with a vampire.
After I’d taken a few bites of my food, Blackthorn broke the silence.
“Do you find your room to your liking?”
I arched a brow. Was he really doing this? Making small talk?
When he simply waited for me to answer, I realized he was actually serious. I contemplated how to answer. He’d kidnapped me and now wanted to know if I was comfortable with my prison. The irony was not lost on me.
“It’s lovely,” I clipped, focusing on my meal.
“And your clothing?” Blackthorn continued. “I hope you were able to find a few acceptable things in your size.” His dark gaze felt like it was stripping me naked where I sat. “You are much smaller than I anticipated, though I’m sure, with enough time, you will fill out more.”
My face heated as I avoided his gaze. “They’re fine,” I mumbled.
Blackthorn hummed, his finger tracing the lip of his cup.
The silence became thick, and unease ran down my spine. I wasn’t used to eating alone. Or without anyone to talk to. The factory rarely was ever quiet. Everyone was either banging around or talking all at once.
Unable to handle it any longer, I said the first thing that came to mind. “Why don’t you bite them?” I sank down in my chair, unable to believe I’d asked such a thing.
Blackthorn’s brow lifted. “Bite who?”
Seeing as he wasn’t going to reprimand me for asking, I kept going. “The servants. You cut her... Elise’s wrist. Aren’t you supposed to...?” I mimicked biting into someone, feeling quite ridiculous as I did it.
The edge of his lip twitched, his eyes sparkling with amusement. “Would it make you feel better if I bit them? Would that help you keep seeing me as the villain?”
I shrank away from his prodding gaze as I shrugged. “No. It’s just... everyone talks about vampires drinking someone dry. Most assumed you’d bite them not cut their wrists.”
Blackthorn leaned back in his chair, one hand on the table as he tapped his fingers. “Biting someone is an intimate moment and usually reserved for those we hold dear. I would not find it appropriate to bite my servants, would you?”
His words sank into me, and his meaning became clear. I shook my head, hoping he couldn’t see how red my face had gotten from his side of the table.
I tried to think of something else to talk about that would fill the silence. Unfortunately, the only things I wanted to know had to do with leaving this place. I had a feeling if I brought it up, he would become angry, and I wanted to stay on his good side for the time being.
Fortunately, Blackthorn kept the conversation moving for me. “How long have you lived in Candiopolis? You are quite young to have already found your way bound to that poor excuse for a sorcerer.”
I snorted. “I’m hardly the youngest. Many of the workers were traded to Rumple at a young age as payment for a deal he made with their parents.”
“And you?” Blackthorn sipped from his chalice. “Were you traded?”
Shaking my head, I picked up my own glass to give me a chance to think about my answer. “I wish I could say I didn’t have a choice in the matter. That I could blame horrible parents for my lot in life. Except I can’t.” I shrugged. “I made the deal, and now I have to live with it.”
“Not anymore you don’t,” Blackthorn stated. I didn’t bother to argue with him. “I truly do believe you will be happier here. Trust me.”
Blackthorn seemed to honestly believe what he was saying. However, if he wouldn’t let me leave by my own wishes, what made me think he would listen to me about the magical bond pulling me to find a way out of the castle and back to the factory where I belonged.
If my life had been different, I would have loved to stay here in the castle. While it was a bit cold and empty, the comradery of the servants made me think I would be very happy here.
But, even if I didn’t have Rumple’s spell urging me back to the factory, I’d feel guilty about leaving all those behind under Rumple’s care.
Who would keep Rumple from punishing the younger ones when they messed up? Sure, there were a few who might help out, but many of them were only looking out for themselves, and the young ones would suffer the most.
No, even if Rumple’s magic didn’t make me go back, I’d go anyway. Even if it was simply to save everyone else from that horrible place.
Feeling Blackthorn’s gaze still on me, I stabbed a piece of meat on my plate and nodded.
“I’m sure you’re right,” I agreed out loud, while inside, I was counting down the hours to when I could make my way out of this place and back to where I belonged.
