“Alina?” a small voice piped from the doorway. “Oh, apologies. I didn’t realize the exam was still going,” the red-haired nymph bumbled.
“No need for apologies. We are done.” Dr. Hayes plucked the stethoscope from his ears and wrapped it up, sticking it in the black medical tote. “Keep her within eyeshot. Solitude wouldn’tbe wise in case she receives any more visitors. Best have a maid sit with her.” He rose from his seat.
“No need. I will do it.” Phoebe smiled awkwardly at him as he left, closing the door behind him.
“Did you find it?” I cleared my aching throat, rubbing my face in frustration.
“Yes,” she whispered, coming up beside me and placing a small vial in my hand.
“Where are the rest?”
“I have them hidden. I figured you should keep one in here just in case.” She held my hand. “What do we do next?”
“I don’t know.”
“You don’t know? What do you mean you ‘don’t know’? I thought you had a plan?” she pressed, squeezing my hand anxiously.
“I didn’t think that far. All I know is I am going to have to use it. You’ll know when I do.” I looked from the tincture to the hand she was squeezing. “It won’t be safe for either of us. We will only have a small window of opportunity to flee. I say draw up the route. You’re the one who’s good at planning things.”
“I don’t know where to start.”
“Figure it out. If you can plan elaborate balls and galas, you can plan an escape route for us. Pick anywhere, far away from this place.”
“All right,” she said softly. That worried look on her face made me nauseous. Could I pull this off? I just hoped she could put together a good plan for when the time came.
51
THE POISONER
Being watched like a pet was worse than solitude.
We moved down the stairs, and several men and women in their finest tea dresses and informal wear were sitting at tables and lounging around the general areas. Their voices hushed when I was brought into view. As I glanced at them, their eyes looked ravenous. The men and women looked at me like I was some circus animal they’d paid handsomely to see. It took everything in me not to shout at them in my already irritated state.
The only bright side to this seemed to be that I was graciously granted clothing. They let me wear a simple white tea gown but kept the abrasive gold collar.
Before they sat me in a chair in the corner, I was already taking a mental inventory of how many wine bottles were scattered around the lounging room. I also took notice of not one but two particular creatures in my midst. They both looked surprised that I was down there, probably wondering what I did to convince them to let me out of my neat little box.
They made my skin itch. I needed something. I stared longingly at the other figures, drinking and laughing with one another in this casual gathering. Hesitantly, I slunk toward a small ornamental table that held some small bites of fruits and cheeses set out for the Hosts.
The other Hosts wore the same white dress, minus the elaborate restrictions.
I stared down at the spread of fruits, plucking an apple slice and inspecting it.
“Need something stronger?” A hand with a glass appeared before me.
I slowly took the glass and looked at the man next to me: Silas.
“Do you think my forgiveness can be bought with liquor?” I sneered. I could feel my brow twitch with the anger I harbored. I was beginning to loathe him. He was selfish and hungry above all else.
“Possibly.” His eyes trailed over me, assessing the damage from the other night.
“Oh, I am so elated that you asked! I am doing much better after the doctor stitched me up after those two animals attacked me in my own bed! It is so kind and gentlemanly of you to ask,” I said sarcastically, turning away from him to look at the happenings of the parlor.
“Alina,” he started.
“I hate you, Silas. I want you to know that for whatever comes next.” I let the fruity wine disappear down my throat before I decided that it was time to breathe again.
“I know you do.” He leaned in. “Luka was going to do as he pleased, whether I wasthere or not.”
