#Lord Hawthorne Velkan | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

marilynsweet · 3 years

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FOUR LORDS: STOLEN

Winter wrapped its fierce, sharp claws around the village. About two months had passed since Rose had become one of the Maidens of Castle Constance, and she had quickly risen to become heavily favored by the Lady.

Her explanation for this was that Rose took special care to keep her interests in mind. That was true - Rose was pleased that Lady Constance had noticed her efforts.

Rose had been taking note of what the Lady particularly liked and disliked. It kept her in a good mood, and it gave Rose something to look forward to: finding what the Lady liked.

So far, she had discovered that Lady Constance favored red wine in the glass engraved with gold vines and filigree. Her favorite lipstick shade was black. She favored the right side of her bed. She loved a medium-rare steak.

Rose woke every morning to the ringing of the bells that alerted the night shift that they were to switch. There were fewer maidens at night, simply because there was less happening. They were mostly meant to assure the day shift had done their duties, and to check for intrusions or visitors.

There was a break room for the servants. In the servants’ wing, past all of the rooms, there was a hallway under the stairs that led into it. It was a large room filled with comfy chairs. The ceiling was tall, with a glass dome on the roof. There was a large window on the opposite wall, with deep red curtains hanging upon it. One of the four walls were decorated with tall wooden bookshelves, filled with books and the occasional trinket; a vase filled with black and red flowers, for instance. There was a fireplace, lit now, with a fair few chairs gathered around it. Across from the fireplace was a small, rectangular table with a shelf, pushed against the wall. A red, plush stool was sat by the table, upon which sat a radio.

Rose sat in one of these chairs. Upon the stool was Bayley, sitting with her legs crossed and her chin in her hand, watching the radio. The other maidens had told Rose that she sat there every day, around lunch time.

“Do you like the program?” Rose asked.

“Yeah.”

That was all she said, a soft smile crossing over her face. There was only one program, really. Trying to reach farther than the village only resulted in static or dead air.

Rose was happy to see that the cut on her face hadn’t healed too viciously.

Shortly after the incident with Samantha Birch, Jada had taken Bayley to see the village doctor - Dr. Quinn-Casey. She had been at her apothecary for about a week, but afterwards, her injury was already looking much better. Now, all that remained was a scar across the bridge of her nose.

“He’s on!”

Rose was interrupted from her memory by Bayley’s delighted voice. She had noticeably straightened in her seat, a smile crossing her face.

“He’s always on!” Rose interjected, but found herself smiling at Bayley’s contagious enthusiasm.

“Shush!”

Rose rolled her eyes, sinking further into her chair and reopening the book in her lap. Bayley settled herself comfortably on the stool, her chin resting in her palm as she leaned in to listen to the radio.

Douglas Blackwood was on for his talk show almost every day. A couple years back, he’d started the program, and in doing so had gained something of an audience that looked forward to hearing it every day. Bayley was one of them, though Rose suspected something more - the amount of times Bayley had come back to the Castle flushed redder than roses and with a dreamy look on her face couldn’t be counted with both hands.

“So… You and Douglas, hm?” Rose asked, noticing - out of the corner of her eye - that Bayley visibly straightened. “Wanna tell me what’s going on there?”

“Oh-! Ah, we’re…”

Bayley’s face started to turn pink in the cheeks. She looked around the room, and then to the door. Once finding they were the only two in the room, she leaned into her palm once more.

“…Can you keep a secret?” She whispered, almost playfully. A shy smile crept across her face.

“Depends. How long are you gonna keep it quiet?” Rose replied, her own smile starting to widen. “It’s been dead obvious that you two have some kind of chemistry.”

“Oh, shush! He’s sweet, that’s all!” She said, waving her hand. “I met him on one of my delivery routes. He’s charismatic, too— always knows just what to talk about. And—“

She paused after noticing the knowing look on Rose’s face.

“Stop looking at me like that!” She said, her cheeks turning a dark shade of scarlet.

“C’moooon,” Rose said teasingly, her smile widening. “You can trust me! We’re friends!”

Bayley shifted in her seat, leaning back a little and uncrossing her legs. After a few moments’ hesitation, she said in a hushed whisper:

“I’m going to ask the Mistress if I can move in with him.”

“I KNEW IT!” Rose said, pointing an accusatory finger at her. It was hard to contain her laughter. “THERE IS SOMETHING THERE!”

“You said it was obvious!” Bayley laughed, hiding behind her palms. “Just-! Don’t go around spreading it just yet. I don’t know what she’ll say.”

“I’m sure she won’t mind. You’ve been here longer than I have, and Jada tells me the Mistress likes you because you work so hard.”

“I-I wouldn’t say that…”

“Give yourself a little more credit, Bayley! I think you’re an excellent worker.”

Bayley squirmed a little in her seat, fidgeting with her hands. Rose closed her book again, placing it on the arm of her chair before rising from her seat. She approached Bayley and rested a hand against her shoulder.

“I’m sure she’ll say yes. It’ll be alright!”

They were interrupted by the sound of the door opening. In stepped Jada, but not by much.

“Miss Atropa, the Mistress would like to see you.”

Rose perked up, swallowing.

“O-Oh! I’ll be right down!”

She briefly turned to Bayley, squeezing her shoulder reassuringly.

“When are you going to ask?”

“Later today.”

“Find me when it’s over, alright?”

“Alright.”

With a brief “goodbye,” Rose followed Jada out of the break room. Jada led the way down the hall and up a flight of stairs. Other maidens avoided looking at her, still - Rose could never quite understand why they wouldn’t. Was there something different about her?

Lady Constance was in an upstairs room. The door to it had the same crest as her bedroom - the crest of Crow’s Rest. This was the Lady’s office, where she did most of her documentation and paperwork. Rose had brought her many late night drinks when she was on the night shift.

Jada knocked on the door, and was met with a “Come in.” Afterwards, she opened it to allow Rose to enter.

The first thing Rose was met with were the Lady’s bright ruby eyes surveying her as soon as she walked in. Subconsciously, she straightened her posture. Lady Constance was sitting upright in her chair, like she was awaiting an important visitor. A phone sat on her wooden oak desk, along with a few stacks of paper. Shelves lined the wall behind the desk, full of folders and papers much too numerous to count. There was the occasional book, however, with a year written on the spine. There were two stools in front of her desk, as well as some chairs by the door.

“Ah, Miss Atropa. Come in.”

Lady Constance offered her a small smile as Rose stepped in. Jada stepped out, closing the door behind them. Rose felt her heart flutter in her chest, and she swallowed hard.

“Have a seat, dear.”

Lady Constance motioned with her hand to one of the stools, where Rose promptly sat, folding her hands in her lap and doing her best not to fidget.

“Y-You wanted to see me, my Lady?” She asked, studying Lady Constance’s face for any signs of displeasure.

“Yes, I did.”

The Lady nodded towards a pitcher of water on the table, next to which were two glasses, all sitting on a silver tray.

“Help yourself, dear, you look nervous.”

Rose nodded, taking the pitcher and filling both glasses. She placed one before Lady Constance, before taking her own. Lady Constance raised the glass to her lips, taking a long drink. Rose watched, noticing her black lipstick staining against the rim of the glass. The Lady drew her tongue over her teeth, almost seeming displeased once she noticed the stain on her glass.

“Shame,” she murmured. “Was hoping I wouldn’t have to put it on again.”

Her gaze returned to Rose, who sat frozen, glass in hand. Once her eyes fixated on her, Rose almost started, quickly taking a drink from her glass.

“I’m sure you’ve heard about the upcoming party,” Lady Constance started, setting her glass on the desk.

“Saturday evening? Y-Yes, I have— I-I’m supposed to be helping with serving food,” Rose said, her heel beginning to bounce. “I-I think— Jada told me earlier—“

“There’s been a change in plans.”

Rose perked up, biting her cheek. The Lady looked steadily at her, running her finger over the edge of her glass. A soft smile crossed her face, those deep red eyes studying Rose’s face. The candlelight reflected off her neat black hair and pale skin.

“I’d like to introduce you to some of my colleagues. You haven’t seen a few of them— I do believe that your name wasn’t mentioned at the last dinner I held. I’d like to remedy that.”

Rose swallowed.

“M-Me?”

“But of course. You’ve been quite the hard worker, even if it’s only been a few months. I haven’t had to discipline you once. You’ve excelled in your duties, going far beyond what was asked of you. I’d be pleased to introduce you to some of my friends at the party this weekend.”

Lady Constance’s smile widened, and Rose straightened her posture a little more, taking a longer drink from her water.

“I-I’d be honored,” she said, placing the glass on the desk, “b-but I don’t have anything to wear…”

“Oh, don’t worry about that. I’ll have something sent to you as soon as possible - tomorrow night, even. I still have your measurements on file from when your nightgown was replaced.”

Rose shuddered at the memory. Blood drenching the sleeve of her nightgown as she tried to stop the bleeding on Bayley’s face… the screaming…

“O-Oh… I-I thank you, my Lady.”

“Worry not about payment. Take it as a token for your good work. I’ll have a different maiden take your place for the night.”

“Thank—Thank you, my Lady.”

Lady Constance hummed, standing up. Rose, too, rose from her seat.

“I hope to see you there. I’d love to see such a pretty face having a good time.”

Rose’s face flushed deep red - almost scarlet. Lost for words, her lips parted, trying to find the words to reply.

“I—I- My— You—“

The Lady chuckled, approaching Rose and gently lifting her chin with a finger. Her skin was warm against Rose’s flesh, and a chill ran down her back.

“Yes, I do think of you as quite the pretty face. If you’d like, I’d be happy to offer you a lipstick for the night.”

She let go of Rose, who felt lightheaded. Her knees felt like they were going to give out at any moment. Luckily, the Lady walked her towards the door, a hand resting on Rose’s back.

“I’ll see you there, then,” the Lady purred, pulling open the door.

Rose stepped out, feeling Lady Constance’s hand parting from her back.

“Don’t work yourself too hard, dear.”

With that, Rose turned to retort, but the words failed. Jada was waiting outside, and before the door closed again, she noticed the Lady picking up both glasses of water off her desk.

“Nothing bad, I hope?” Jada asked, standing upright from where she leaned against the wall.

Rose shook her head, swallowing.

“S-She— she wants me a-at the party on Saturday… a-as a guest!”

“Hm.”

Jada shrugged, but offered her a smile nonetheless.

“I’ll be taking your name off the list of scheduled workers, then?”

“A-Apparently!”

Rose couldn’t shake the feeling that Jada was annoyed with her. It sent a chill down here back.

“I-I’ll help out before the party—!”

“No need. The Mistress has simply invited you to the party. You’ll have to get ready, yes? I wouldn’t dream of taking her favorite maiden away from her preparation time.”

Rose’s cheeks flushed scarlet.

“F-Favorite?” She asked incredulously, almost having to double check that she heard Jada correctly. “Me? I-I’ve only been here such a short time-!”

“And you’ve excelled in every duty you’ve been tasked. Don’t worry, Miss Atropa. I’m not upset. You can take a day to enjoy yourself.”

Rose nodded after a few moments to digest Jada’s words.

“Now run along. I’m sure you’re scheduled for something else tonight, right?”

“Y-Yes, ma’am!”

Rose turned and walked down the hall almost a little too briskly. She didn’t know why she was so unnerved by that confrontation - if she could even call it that - but it felt wrong in every sense of the word.

She passed Bayley on the way down the stairs, who was most likely on her way to speak to the Lady. Rose offered her a smile and a thumbs-up, which Bayley returned before resuming her pace up the stairs.

Rose then continued her descent, back towards the servants’ wing.

Rose hadn’t dressed up in ages, let alone been to such a formal event. The dress Lady Constance had sent up for her was a deep, wine red, backless, and tied behind her neck, as well as having a slit down the side. It fit perfectly - she must really have kept the measurements in mind. It wasn’t too tight, wasn’t too big…

Rose stood in front of her mirror, apprehensive. What on earth was she going to do tonight? She hadn’t the slightest idea how to behave around such distinguished guests— was there etiquette involved? She hadn’t taken much of Crow’s Rest to be formal, but what if they were?

Guests were starting to arrive - it was well past 8 pm, the allocated time for them to do so. She couldn’t hear them from the servants’ wing, but she did know that a great deal of the other women who hadn’t taken the night off for the party were either asleep, or would be serving drinks and hors d’oeuvres. She had helped to set up the musicians’ seats, the tables, seating, and decorations over the last day or so.

She looked alright, she supposed. Most of her finer things had been left behind at her old house, so she didn’t have much to decorate herself with. Was this enough? Maybe she should have done something with her hair, other than brush it? She was wearing her black boots underneath— she didn’t have a set of heels to accompany the dress. She’d even thought about taking her ring, just so she wouldn’t look so… bare, but quickly shrugged that thought away.

She couldn’t stand here contemplating forever. She had to leave her room at some point!

Taking a deep breath, Rose tucked a couple of stray hairs behind her ear before heading for the door. It took her a moment to finally take the handle and pull it open, but she managed to. A couple of the other maidens were walking down the hall, chatting brightly and dressed in their finest clothes. Their faces were decorated with makeup, and they wore beautiful jewels. Rose couldn’t help but feel out of place. She followed them down the steps, out of the servants’ wing, and towards the ballroom.

The ballroom was busy. People were scattered about in groups, laughing and talking amongst themselves. She recognized quite a few as co-workers, and others as people from the Village she hadn’t seen in a long time. She kept scanning their faces, worried that she might see some she would recognize all too well…

“Rose!”

Rose was interrupted in her worries by the sound of a familiar voice calling her name. She jumped, turning abruptly to face whoever it was, and was met with Bayley running towards her.

“Bayley!” Rose exclaimed when the other woman halted in front of her, a wide smile on her face. “I haven’t seen you— Where have you been?”

“Busy! Jada’s had me doing laundry the last few days, hence why I haven’t seen you! Too busy folding bedsheets,” Bayley said, rolling her eyes. “Between that, and packing my things, I’ve hardly had time to myself!”

“Packing?”

Rose tilted her head for a second, before her face lit up. Bayley’s smile widened.

“She said yes?”

“Yes ma’am! I will move my things out tomorrow night!”

“Oh, that’s wonderful! I’m so happy for you!” Rose said, and Bayley’s cheeks turned a light shade of pink.

“Aw, thanks! I-I’m glad it all worked out!”

Rose finally took a moment to examine Bayley’s dress. It was a strapless, deep forest green dress with a sash-like belt around her waist. She had long, arm-length gloves of that same forest green color. She had finally taken her hair down, the rich black curls falling elegantly over her shoulders and back.

“You look beautiful tonight,” Rose said, offering her another smile. “I’ve never seen you dressed up before!”

“Same for you!” Bayley retorted, nudging her shoulder. “I’ve never seen you all dolled up! That dress looks lovely on you!”

Rose felt her cheeks burn, and she gave something of a nervous laugh.

“O-Oh! Thank you!”

Bayley looked around the ballroom, almost excitedly swaying on the balls of her feet and examining the faces of the guests.

“Who’re you looking for?” Rose asked, also beginning to look at the guests. Not many particularly stood out - and so far, she hadn’t seen the faces of people she had been dreading coming into contact with since her disappearance.

Bayley motioned Rose to lean down, so she did.

“Douglas is supposed to be here,” she said in an excited whisper. “It’s almost impossible to miss him - he’s so tall!”

“I’ve never seen what he looks like!” Rose replied in that same hushed whisper. “What’s he—“

“I think that’s him!”

Rose sat up as Bayley darted off between a couple of people. Rose giggled, amused by Bayley’s excited demeanor. She was usually so shy - to see her so thrilled about something couldn’t stop a smile from crossing her face.

She headed after Bayley, trying a little too hard to avoid touching other people. She was almost lost in the sea of elegant fabrics and silks, leather and button-downs; occasionally, she’d see a maiden on duty, dressed up in the same uniform she’d worn every day, holding a tray with glasses of champagne, wine, or food.

Rose finally caught sight of Bayley standing with a man, finishing adjusting his tie. She rushed over to them, glancing again at the other guests.

“There she is!” Bayley said when Rose approached. “Rose, I’d like you to meet Douglas!”

He was tall. That was the first thing - Bayley only reached about his shoulder. He had medium-length, messy blonde hair tied back in a ponytail. His ears were pierced with black cuffs, and he had gray eyes. When Rose grew closer, she picked up the smell of cigarette smoke from him. He was wearing a suit and tie, the jacket of which he had one of his hands tucked into. There was a scar on his right cheek, and he had a subtle bit of stubble on his jaw.

“Oh-! I-I’m— I’m Rose!” she offered, a little taken aback at the sudden introductions. “Pleasure to m-make your acquaintance!”

Rose held out her hand, which he shook.

“Pleased to make yours! Bayley tells me only good things!”

“O-Oh-! I— I’m flattered! I-I didn’t figure she’d speak much of me!”

“Oh, don’t be modest, Rose! You’ve become quite a good friend since you came here!” Bayley interjected, playfully nudging Rose’s shoulder. “I think she’s a sweetheart.”

“I-I’m flattered!” Rose said, a bit sheepishly. Her cheeks began to burn.

“I haven’t seen the host around here,” Douglas commented, looking over the heads of the other guests. “What, she’s camera shy all of a sudden?”

“My guess is some of the other Lords showed up and she got caught up with them,” Bayley replied. “The Mistress isn’t usually camera shy.”

Rose noticed he didn’t look too thrilled about the mention of the Lady. It was like her very name left a bad taste in his mouth.

Before further questions could be raised, a set of doors on the other side of the ballroom opened - previously closed. The room fell into such quiet that it was possible to hear the clacking of heels on cold, hard tile.

Lady Constance was wearing an elegant black entourage - blouse, corset, dress pants, tailcoat. She wore a pair of black, heeled boots with gold fastenings. To top it off, there was an elegant red ruby that lay on her chest, attached around her neck by a gold chain. Her short hair was neatly combed, and her lips were decorated in that same midnight black lipstick she favored so much.

A smile crossed her face.

“Welcome! I’m delighted to see you all here tonight,” she said, in a voice loud enough for the whole room to hear, but not loud enough for it to be registered as yelling. “I thank you all for coming. I’m sure it’ll be a delightful evening for you all. Help yourself to the food and drink, and I do believe that the musicians will be starting up soon. Please, enjoy yourselves!”

There was a polite applause once she had finished. Rose glanced over to Bayley, who had Douglas’s hand wrapped tightly in her own. The displeasure was evident on his face - Rose might even say he scowled at Lady Constance. Bayley’s expression was unreadable.

Rose bit her cheek, finding herself looking away from the pair.

Lady Constance mingled amongst the other guests, thanking them for coming and making small chat. Rose swallowed, turning back to the pair once more. However, when she noticed they were whispering to each other, she held her tongue. Maybe she could find some of the food…

Rose again navigated her way through the crowd. Every brush against someone else made her throat tighten, but she continued on. She soon found herself at a long table, set with plates of food. Charcuterie boards, hors d’oeuvres, appetizers. She migrated towards a plate of sliced meats and cheeses, taking a few pieces to eat.

“Such a shame Harken couldn’t come. I don’t know what he could be up to to miss something like this!”

Rose picked up on a nearby voice. She recognized the tone, and upon turning, her suspicions were confirmed.

Dr. Quinn-Casey held a champagne flute in her left hand. In her right was the arm of a familiar, black-clad Lord. Although he had substituted the feathered cloak for a black and gold cape, there was no mistaking Lord Velkan. He, too, held a glass of champagne. In their company was Lady Constance, and an unfamiliar face.

Her skin was almost ashy, albeit pale. Her face was decorated with freckles, and she had brilliant amber eyes. She had fluffy brown hair, pulled back into a braid. Her neck was wrapped in bandages, as were her hands. The right side of her face and the bridge of her nose were scarred with cuts. She wore a forest green button-down shirt with black dress pants and vest, as well as a pair of boots and a long, black jacket draped over her shoulders. It was lined with gray fur. However, the most stand-out thing to Rose wasn’t that she was hanging around the Lords - it was that she was one of them. She had to be. No regular person had wolf ears, a wolf-like nose, a tail, and paws instead of feet.

“I was surprised to see you here, Lord Avara. You’re not usually one for parties,” Lady Constance said to the other woman.

“Oh, I am. Just not formal dressing up and pretty-two-shoes platters.”

Rose quickly averted her gaze, popping a piece of cheese into her mouth. It was rude to stare.

“Ah, Rose, dear! There you are! I was looking for you!”

Despite this, Rose was quickly drawn back to the conversation. She felt the familiar presence of a hand upon her back, and she was steered towards the group of four. Lady Constance had taken ahold of her again, a wide smile upon her face.

“You all remember Rose, yes?”

Lady Constance took something from her pocket, extending it to Rose. It was a small, black tube with a cap.

“I promised you a lipstick, didn’t I?” She purred, nodding towards it.

Rose nodded, gently taking the tube from her Lady’s hand and tucking it in her palm.

Dr. Quinn-Casey let go of her husband’s arm, holding out a hand to Rose.

“She was there for dinner last. A pleasure to formally meet you.”

Rose swallowed hard, trying to keep her free hand from shaking as she shook the good doctor’s hand. Lord Avara glanced up at Lady Constance and then back down at Rose, before she, too, shook Rose’s hand.

“Lord Jaeger Avara. A pleasure.”

Rose was not expecting fur on Lord Avara’s fingers. However, she tried to hide the anxiety that clawed her chest like razor blades and instead tried to offer them a smile.

“I-It—It’s a pleasure to m-meet you, too.”

“Rose is one of my best. In the short time I’ve known her, she’s more than stepped up to fill the shoes she’s been given. I haven’t had to discipline her at all!” Lady Constance said, pride evident in the bright smile on her face.

“Then what happened to her cheek?”

Rose felt her heart sink into the pit of her stomach faster than a stone in a well. Her throat felt tight. Was it hot in here?

She hadn’t even thought about her scar since the night she’d received it. She hadn’t thought about any of it…

“I-I have to go.”

Rose didn’t wait for a reply. She ducked under Lady Constance’s arm, quickly pushing her way through the crowd a little more forcefully than she’d have liked. She didn’t mean to be rude, but the air suddenly felt hot and suffocating, and her hands ice cold. Why was everything so hot?

She ducked out of the ballroom and down the hall. After climbing a flight of stairs and finding herself far enough away that the chatter downstairs was distinct, she slumped against the wall and sunk to the floor. She buried her face in her hands, trying to catch her breath. Her chest felt like a hand was squeezing her lungs with a fist.

There was a short period of her trying to catch her breath, tears dripping down her face. Her face burned. She covered her mouth with her hand, the other clutching at her chest. The period of alone time was broken, however, by the sound of footsteps on the tile. Not heels - at least, not the Lady’s.

“Miss Atropa?”

Rose turned to face the voice. She was met with the familiar sight of the white-haired woman - Doctor Quinn-Casey. It was brushed neatly over her shoulder, and she wore an elegant, strapless black dress with no straps and a side slit. She wore long, black, fingerless gloves, along with a small assortment of gold jewelry.

The doctor crouched down to Rose’s level, tentatively reaching a hand out.

“May I?” She asked quietly, to which Rose nodded.

Dr. Quinn-Casey gently rested a hand against Rose’s mback. She ran her hand up and down it in the best comforting manner she could give, sitting next to Rose.

“It’s alright,” she murmured. “Take a deep breath. In for five, out for five. In the nose, out the mouth.”

Rose nodded, uncovering her mouth and taking said deep breaths, rubbing her eyes. Her heart rate began to calm down after a couple of minutes of the continuous breaths.

“Are you alright?” Dr. Quinn-Casey asked in a hushed voice.

Rose nodded again.

“Y-Yeah— Yeah, I-I— I just… I don’t— I don’t like being— asked… a-about…”

She motioned toward the scars on her cheek. She struggled with a place to put her hands afterwards.

“I-It— It wasn’t— It wasn’t t-the Mistress who did—who did it.”

“Mhmm.”

“I-It— It happened t-the night I… I showed up—up here.”

They sat in silence for a little while, Rose fidgeting with the hem of her dress. Dr. Quinn-Casey continued to comfort her as best as she could - a hand resting on her back, and just letting Rose sit it out.

Rose didn’t want to talk about it. She didn’t want to speak of that night, the pain… the terror.

She picked up on the distinct sound of music downstairs.

“…A-Aren’t— Aren’t your… companions downstairs?”

“I’m not going anywhere until I’m sure you’re alright. They can handle a little while without me.”

Her tone was quiet, with that gentle tone like a mother comforting a child. It was working, though. Rose couldn’t help but feel a little bit of comfort around her.

“Do you want to stand?”

Rose shook her head.

“J-Just sitting a little… a little longer, and I’ll be alright. I-I wanna go get some water.”

“I could fetch you a glass—“

“N-No! No, I-I’ll do it, I’ll do it.”

There was another moment of silence before Rose made to stand, and Dr. Quinn-Casey helped to pull her to her feet.

“Think you’ll be okay?” She asked, and Rose nodded again.

“Yeah… t-thank you.”

“It’s my pleasure, dear. If you don’t want to go in, though, you can stay out here.”

“N-No, no, I-I can—! I can handle it!”

Rose only now noticed her empty palm. She looked around on the floor, and found what she was looking for after a few seconds.

“What is it?”

Rose crouched down, scooping up the little black tube the Mistress had given her.

“M-My Lady— s-she gave me one— one of these, I-I don’t want to lose it.”

Dr. Quinn-Casey nodded, following into step behind Rose as she headed back towards the stairs.

The party was just as lively as they had left it. Rose followed Dr. Quinn-Casey towards the drinks table - set aside for those unable to flag down a maiden, or those who simply wanted to pour for themselves. There were glasses already laid out, of course.

Rose took a drink from a glass, which she filled with ice water. It helped to soothe her pounding head and sent a cold through her body that helped the rest of her just a little.

Dr. Quinn-Casey kept her company throughout this. Rose suspected it was so she could keep an eye out if she fainted.

Music now filled the room. Rose spotted Annabelle still chatting with the other Lords, but looking around the room like a hawk surveying it’s forest.

“I-I think I’ll be alright on my own,” Rose said, turning to Dr. Quinn-Casey. “Y-You should return to— to your companions.”

“Only if you’re sure, dear,” the doctor murmured, gently squeezing Rose’s shoulder. “You’ll be alright?”

Rose nodded.

“Y-Yeah— yeah, I think— I think I’ll be alright.”

“Okay. Don’t hesitate to flag me back over if you feel off, please?”

“I-I will.”

Dr. Quinn-Casey offered her a smile, releasing her shoulder and looking her over one last time. After that, she made her way through the crowd, where Rose watched as she returned to the Lords. She took Lord Velkan by the arm once again, which made him perk up and look in her direction as if he could see her.

Rose returned to her water. However, it wasn’t long before she picked up on someone else’s voice now calling her name.

“Rose!”

Bayley ran over to the table, halting before Rose. In tow was Douglas, whose wrist she had trapped by her hand.

“There you are! I’ve been looking everywhere for you— Oh, dear, are you alright?”

Rose perked up at this.

“Me? Oh—Oh yes, I-I’m fine-!”

“Were you crying?” Bayley asked in a hushed, worried voice. “If someone hurt you—“

“No, r-really, it’s fine! I-I’m fine, just— h-had a little mishap, that’s all. I-I assure you!”

Bayley huffed, seemingly unconvinced, but dropped the matter.

Rose finished her water before setting the glass back on the table.

“How l-long do— do these parties u-usually last?”

“Sometimes they can last until dawn. Bed checks are shortly after 3 am, to make sure nobody’s sneaking men into their bedrooms. It’s only happened a couple times, but the Mistress has been… angry when it happens.”

Bayley leaned in to whisper in Rose’s ear:

“She has this strong distaste for men. I don’t even know if her father’s in the picture.”

Rose was taken aback. She had never really stopped to consider what could have happened to Lady Constance’s father - albeit the tale of what happened to her mother was a tragedy. Such a violent miscarriage of justice…

“S-So— So you— I take it D-Douglas won’t b-be getting the grand tour?” Rose said, nodding towards the man with a small attempt at a joke.

“He’s already seen a little bit! Tell me, Rose, have you ever slid down the banisters of the grand staircases?”

Rose blinked a couple times before she shook her head. Bayley’s smile widened.

“Try it sometime! It’s like a slide!”

“Bayley, you almost broke your neck.”

“I did not!”

Bayley turned to Douglas, who still gave her a smile when he looked down at her. The two continued to play and bicker for a few moments, in which Rose couldn’t help but laugh at their antics. They were adorable - Bayley was lucky to have him.

Rose glanced over the crowded room once more. An area near the musicians had turned to a large, open dance floor, wherein couples were paired up to dance.

“Are you two— Will you two g-get to dance, tonight?” Rose asked, turning back to the pair.

Bayley straightened up.

“Most likely! I just wanted to find you—“

Bayley’s face fell. If it weren’t for her makeup, the color would have drained from her face. She looked up, changing her grip from Douglas’s wrist to his arm. Whilst Bayley looked almost… afraid, there was no hiding the sudden malicious glare that had spread across Douglas’s face, combined with a mixture of vile revulsion and disgust.

“B-before…”

Rose was taken aback, and as she opened her mouth to retort, her words were taken from her throat at the cool voice behind her.

“You must be Mr. Blackwood. I’ve heard only the best things about you.”

Rose didn’t even have to turn around to recognize the looming presence behind her. The Mistress’s voice was unmistakable.

“I do hope you’ll be treating Miss Evans well,” Lady Constance continued as Rose slowly turned to face her Mistress. “She remains one of my best maidens.”

“I wouldn’t dream of treating her otherwise,” came Douglas’s stiff reply. The restraint was evident in his voice, and the tension was so thick it could’ve been cut with a knife.

“H-He will, Mistress! I-I wouldn’t have a-asked if I wasn’t— If I wasn’t sure!” Bayley interjected, her voice almost sounding meek and desperate. “I-I trust him!”

Rose looked up to find Lady Constance’s face. Her gaze was level, those brilliant ruby eyes examining Douglas’s face with the same cruel calculations as a scientist with a new specimen. She had something of a smirk across those decadent black lips, and her eyebrows were raised with amusement.

“Rest assured, Miss Evans. If he lays so much as a finger against you, I will be the first to know about it.”

“He won’t, M-Mistress!” Bayley said, a bit too loudly. “He’s— he’s good to me!”

“As he should be.”

Lady Constance turned her gaze down to Rose.

“Miss Atropa, if you’d come with me, I would like to discuss something with you.”

“I— M-Me? I-I mean— Yes, yes— of course, m-my Lady.”

Rose turned back to the couple as Lady Constance turned away and began to walk. Bayley was holding Douglas’s arm with both of her hands, her eyes wide and her grip as tight as a vice. Douglas was staring daggers into the back of Lady Constance’s neck, and Rose could tell it took every ounce of self-control he had not to lunge at the Mistress and choke the life out of her. That, and Bayley holding him back.

It sent a chill down her spine. How could someone hold that much hatred…?

“I-I’ll see— I’ll see you guys in a bit,” Rose murmured, before quickly following after Lady Constance.

Lady Constance led Rose out of the door in which she had first entered. It led into a two-way hallway, wherein Rose followed the Mistress to the left.

“Walk with me, Miss Atropa. You needn’t be afraid, you’re not in trouble.”

Rose nodded, tucking her hands behind her back and swallowing hard. She fidgeted with the lipstick tube in her hands.

“I-Is there— Is there something wrong, m-my Lady?”

“Hm? Oh, no, dear. Not at all.”

Once they were far enough from the ballroom, Lady Constance paused and turned to face her. Rose halted, subconsciously stiffening.

“I am, however, a little worried. You ran off so abruptly!”

A cold flush spread over Rose like she had been showered in ice water. She dipped her head, her gaze stuck to the ground.

“I-I apologize, m-my Lady,” she said. “I-I shouldn’t have— shouldn’t have disgraced you in the presence of such i-important company.”

Lady Constance hummed, and Rose shut her eyes tightly, bracing as if she were about to be struck. However, it didn’t last long, for Rose felt her head gently being lifted by the Lady’s finger. Her eyes opened, and she found Lady Constance looking down upon her with a soft expression.

“You didn’t disgrace me, dear,” she murmured. “I was simply concerned for your well-being. Doctor Quinn-Casey told me you were in the midst of a panic attack!”

Rose swallowed, biting her cheek.

“I-I’m— I’m alright, n-now, my L-Lady,” she replied. “I’m alright.”

“I didn’t know that speaking to my colleagues would have that effect on you. I apologize.”

Rose perked at Lady Constance’s apology. She raised her hands.

“N-No-! No, no, i-it wasn’t that— It wasn’t t-talking to them,” she said. “It—“

She hesitated. She didn’t want to push blame onto the Lords - the people with the most power in the entire village - nor did she want to badmouth them in front of her Mistress, their friend and colleague.

“…It’s nothing.”

“Rose.”

Lady Constance released her chin, and instead rested her hand against Rose’s shoulder. Her palm was warm against Rose’s cold flesh.

“I can tell when someone is lying to me. That includes you.”

Her voice was low, but not angry. An air of comfort was held in its tone.

Rose hesitated a little while longer, before she lowered her head towards the floor.

“…It-It was— It was what L-Lord Avara said— a-about the…”

Rose pointed to the scars on her cheek. Her cheeks were flushed with embarrassment.

“Rose,” came the Lady’s voice in that same soft, worried tone. “Do you have something you want to tell me?”

Rose shut her eyes tightly, turning to look behind her in the hall before she opened them. Her hands gripped tightly at her upper arms.

“Would you like to go somewhere more private, my dear?” Asked the Mistress, to which Rose nodded quickly.

Without another word, Lady Constance took Rose’s hand - tenderly, with care and acknowledgement of her fragile state - and led her further down the hall and up a flight of stairs. Rose recognized the route as soon as she reached the top of the steps.

The pair stepped into the Lady’s office, wherein Lady Constance shut the door behind them and offered Rose a seat. The water on the desk was gone, and there was a stack of neatly piled papers near the lamp upon it, instead. A pen sat in an inkwell, as if the Lady had been busy at work before attending the party.

Rose sat in the seat in front of the desk. To her surprise, Lady Constance took the seat beside her. She turned inward, so she would face Rose, before holding out both of her hands. After a few moments’ hesitation, Rose allowed her hands to be taken. Lady Constance gently squeezed her hands.

“Now that we’re alone,” she said in a quiet murmur, “What is it that you want to tell me?”

Rose couldn’t find the words. They failed her, left her sitting there with her hands held by someone else, and her stomach feeling like an empty, bottomless pit. She tried to think of exactly where to start.

“…I… I-I can’t… explain why,” she tried, hesitant. “L-Lord Avara’s comment a-about the scar, i-it… It m-made me think of—of the night I-I arrived on your doorstep.”

Lady Constance said nothing at first, simply nodding. Rose was grateful for the grip on her hands - a measure of comfort. It made her feel a little better.

“I remember,” the Mistress said, allowing Rose a moment, “you were bleeding. Profusely. You were scared… desperate to get away from whatever was chasing you.”

Rose nodded, and felt herself beginning to shake. She knew the question was coming, but that wouldn’t make it any easier to answer. It hurt - like her chest was being ripped apart by gnashing teeth and claws.

“Was it one of Lord Avara’s servants?” Lady Constance asked. “Should I bring this up with her?”

“No! No, p-please don’t, it’s… I-It’s not…”

Rose swallowed, though it felt nearly impossible to do so. Her chest felt tight.

“If you don’t want to say—“

“No— I-I want to— I feel… I feel like you-you should know, a-at least, b-because I… I ran…”

Rose felt the Mistress entwine their fingers, a manner of reassurance she was grateful for.

“You don’t have to tell me. It can wait, dear, if it makes you unwell. We can still go back downstairs and enjoy the rest of the party—“

Rose shook her head.

“I-I can’t… Not say something. I-I’ve— I’ve been trying to b-block it out, but I can’t… I-I want to tell someone, e-explain— I want to explain to someone…”

Rose swallowed, sitting up straight and shutting her eyes tightly. Her heart threatened to leap from her throat, and she took a deep breath.

“You asked— You want to-to know how I-I ended up here?” She asked, as steadily as she could.

She felt the Lady’s gaze upon her, hanging onto her words like an attentive hawk.

“Yes, I do. I’ve been curious about it ever since you showed up with such an injury to your beautiful face.”

Usually, Rose would have blushed. Now, it took all of her strength just to open her eyes and to say the two words. Two words that would answer it, two words that might just help weeks of sleepless nights, pain every time she looked in the mirror, and every time she glanced at that damned ring she had locked away in her drawer. Two words to solve it all:

“My fiancée.”

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