Keira hesitated, contemplating Joan’s suggestion. “I doubt it. And… I’m afraid, Joan. He’s made it clear that he wants a marriage of convenience, and I don’t want to push him into something he doesn’t want.”
Joan nodded. Keira was certain that her friend could understand the difficult position she was in, but evenshecould never know the depth of her own emotions for Raphael.
“I understand your concerns, Keira,” Joan spoke tenderly. “But communication is key in any relationship. I should know. Jasper and I had so many misunderstandings before we finally opened up to each other and told each other how we truly felt. It has made everything so much easier.”
With a heavy heart, Keira sighed. “I appreciate your advice, Joan, but I’m afraid it’s too late. I’ve accepted the path we’re on, even if it’s not what I initially dreamed of. At least he’s much better than the Earl, isn’t he?” she joked bitterly.
Joan smiled. “He is. But if you change your mind at the last minute, my carriage will take you wherever you want to go. Avery would probably drive it, with me pointing everyone in the opposite direction.”
Joan’s reassuring jest and unwavering support offered a glimmer of hope in the midst of Keira’s uncertainty.
Keira smiled, her heart touched by the comfort of Joan’s presence, and said, “Thank you, Joan. Your friendship means the world to me. I don’t know what I’d do without you by my side.”
“You’ve always been there for me.” Joan smiled. “Now, it is my turn.”
Keira smiled back at her friend. Feeling the need for a moment of solitude to collect her thoughts, she excused herself with a gentle smile and said, “I think I'll retire to my chamber for a brief moment alone. I’ll rejoin everyone shortly.”
“Of course.” Joan nodded. “If anyone asks where you are, I’ll let them know.”
“Please do,” Keira replied gratefully.
With that, Keira made her way back into the castle, seeking the quiet sanctuary of her chamber. She just needed a few brief moments to herself to gather her courage to be able to stand by Raphael’s side, without allowing her inner feelings to come to the surface. She had to remain in control of herself, which was becoming more difficult with each passing moment.
As Keira ascended the grand staircase leading to her chamber, her steps were slow and contemplative. The soft flickeringof candlelight along the corridor illuminated the way, casting moving shadows on the walls. With each step, the weight of her betrothal to Raphael pressed down upon her heart.
As Keira entered her chamber, a sense of unease settled upon her. The room had an eerie air, and it wasn’t just her imagination. The window, which she was certain she had left securely shut earlier, was now slightly ajar.
Carrying a candelabra, Keira stepped further into the room, her senses on high alert. The multiple candles flickered and cast shadows on the walls, heightening the eerie atmosphere. The chamber, adorned with its elegant furnishings, felt different now, as if it held secrets she was yet to uncover.
As Keira approached the open window, her senses on edge, a sudden noise from behind the bed shattered the eerie silence. Her heart leaped in her throat as she spun around to face the source of the sound.
A man emerged from the shadows, and the fear and horror that gripped Keira was immediate and paralyzing. Her breath caught in her throat, and her limbs turned to lead as her eyes locked on the intruder. Her mind raced with a thousand fearful thoughts.
“Who are you!?” she asked, trying to show no fear.
The notion that she was alone up here, and everyone else was down in the grand hall, filled her with dread. If she screamed for help, no one would hear her.
The man, standing before the candelabra, was partially illuminated by the flickering light, yet his face didn’t seem familiar to Keira. Her terror deepened as she strained to discern his features, desperately trying to place him among her acquaintances or to find any shred of recognition.
The man was tall and imposing, possessing a commanding presence that only seemed to add to his intimidating nature. He was dressed in a dark cloak that revealed very little of his body.
That seemed to have been done purposefully, to make him unremarkable and to allow him to blend into the night and evade notice. All the while, his eyes, cold and calculating, held a chilling glint that sent shivers down Keira’s spine.
The intruder spoke in a low, chilling tone, his voice carrying a note of condescension and mockery, “The Laird should have known better than to get himself a lass such as yerself. Let alone leave ye here unprotected.”
At that moment, he lunged towards Keira. With a swift and forceful movement, he grabbed her, then pressed a damp rag to her mouth, forcing her to inhale a noxious substance. The pungent odor and the sudden loss of breathable air left her disoriented and gasping for breath.
Panic surged through Keira as her vision blurred and her senses dimmed. Her efforts to break free from the man’s grasp became futile, and the world around her dissolved into darkness.
23
Raphael had no idea how much time had passed since he had last laid eyes on Keira. Was it an hour? Less? Or maybe more? He couldn’t banish the feeling that something was amiss, his concern growing with each passing minute.
As he made discreet inquiries among the guests, it became clear that no one had seen Keira for some time. Concern etched across his face, he questioned those around him, searching for any trace of her. Yet, the responses were the same—no one had seen Keira, and her whereabouts remained a mystery.
He had then approached her mother. “Have ye seen Keira?” he asked politely. “I need to speak to her.”
“I do believe that she and Joan headed out to the garden for some fresh air,” the Duchess replied. “But that was over an hour ago. I’m sure that they have come back inside since then.”
