Overwhelmed, I shut the scrapbook and placed it back into the wardrobe. If this was all that remained of my life back home, I’d protect these treasures at all cost.My gaze travelled across my wardrobe to an array of my own clothes hanging before me.Reaching out, I touched fabrics in colours rivalling a night sky. Below, an array of sandals and shoes peeked out with a display of bows, ribbons and embellishments.
After a moment of musing, I withdrew a stunning dark blue and plum chiffon gown, with an embellished snood that felt no heavier than butterfly wings when I held it in my hands. It was the dress that Donte had bought me when we visited Edinburgh. I ran my fingers along the sweetheart neckline, marveling at the intricate detail and workmanship. I remembered the way he’d pressed the parcel into my hands, his grin boyish, his voice low as he whispered that I deserved something beautiful. That memory stung now, because it reminded me of everything I stood to lose.
My gaze fell to a pair of strappy blue sandals decorated by a delightful heart charm fastening at the ankle. I took them into the bathroom while I got ready. For a while, at least, the simple tasks of bathing and brushing my hair soothed me and gave me a sense of routine.
But even as I pinned back my hair with a matching rose clasp, I told myself not to forget, this was comfort, not safety. It was perfect if I wanted to avoid their sneers. I could always cover my head with the silk snood.
Somewhere beyond the door came the shuffle of boots and a low murmur. I thought back to the masked guards I’d glimpsed when I first arrived, their faceless silence still clung to me. Maybe it was them. Maybe it was only the servants. Either way, it was a reminder that I was never truly alone.
Just then Torin’s voice shattered my focus.
“Tilly? Tilly?” he called out, far too close for comfort.
Anger suffused me. I was suddenly very tired of feeling like my room was situated on the concourse of Waterloo Station. Frustrated, I responded sharply,
“What now, Torin? Ever heard of knocking?”
His ensuing laughter enraged me even further. I opened the bathroom door with such force that I almost pulled it off the hinges. My angry glare was lost to the shocked expression on Torin’s face and the slow journey his eyes took down my body. With dismay I saw his surprise stare transform to the ravenous look of a rutting animal. My heart sank. This was the last reaction I wanted from him. Now there would be no stopping him.
“Tilly, if you were a cake on a plate I’d have devoured you by now.”
“I’m not a dessert, thank you! This dress was a gift from Donte, so respect the fact that it was a present from him.”
He looked at me with a rapt expression that compelled me to slap his face. Though I knew that the more angrily I reacted, the more enamoured of me he became, I couldn’t control my emotions and didn’t know how to rebuff him.
“That’s enough, Torin!” I said, now feeling a little frightened by his actions and angry at myself for the colour I felt rising to my face.
He smiled. “Am I making you uncomfortable?”
“Stop!” I interrupted before he had a chance to describe his lurid fantasy. “I’m not an object! I'm not anyone's property and yes, you do make me feel quite uncomfortable. Do you always act like a weirdo?”
He finally backed away and with an elaborate courtly gesture, motioned me toward the door. “I abide, milady’s command, for now.” he said with a mocking smile.
“Where are we going, Torin? You said I was free to explore.”
“You want so much to be free. I’m merely granting your request. Seraphina’s spell ensures your freedom, within the confines of Sterwacht.”
I brushed past him and walked to the door, but he trotted ahead of me and danced into the hallway like a demented jester. I rolled my eyes and walked quickly to catch up.
I suddenly felt uneasy at the thought of being left behind. “Who’s going to be here with me while you’re gone?”
“Is the little mortal going to miss us? Don’t fret, we won’t be gone long. Everything you need is here.”
I didn’t believe him for a second. Everything I needed wasn’t here, it was out there, beyond their walls, beyond their spells. The guards, the servants, even the Manor itself might watch me, but none of them could stop me forever. I’d already started mapping the exits.
Before I could ask anything else, he raced down the spiral stairs and out the door so quickly I could barely keep up. I wondered where he was going in such a hurry. His matter-of-fact response stunned me. Only a few days ago the sole focus was to keep me imprisoned. I followed him out of the Manor to the grounds, my mind racing with concern and confusion.
“You snatched me from everything and everyone I knew and now you’re leaving me?”
“Good. Let them leave.”
I brushed the voice aside. Was it mine? I didn’t think so. I ignored it, for now.
“You’ll be completely safe here, Tilly. You’re free to go where you wish in the house or the grounds. You want answers and you'll have them before we leave.” He paused and cast me a peculiar look.
“Someone’s waiting to speak with you.”
He vanished into the trees. Confused, I followed him. Who’d want to speak to me?” I hesitated. The last time someone waited to speak with me, it didn’t end well.
