Chapter seventy-two: The Rose Castle
I woke up around mid-morning to Alora frantically rushing around. She led me to the bath, chattering the entire time about nonsense. Her hovering got annoying to the point that I kicked her out. Unfortunately, that didn’t stop her from yapping outside the door.
Why is she talking so much? I wondered, rinsing out my hair. Considering how she’d been behaving, I expected her to be drooling. I pushed the thought aside, and finished washing quickly. I slipped into a robe, expecting Alora to retrieve my clothing, but as soon as I opened the door, she told me to follow her back to my chambers.
The further we walked, the more I noticed other maids acting strange. Several of them held different items in their hands, such as bedding or cleaning rags, but none of them were working. Instead they stood in loose clusters, giggling about random things.
Why are they all acting so weird? I tore my gaze away, picking up speed. The only thing I noticed that seemed to have changed was the smell of the Casa Balanca lilies. When I had first woken up, I was too out of it to notice, but the scent had decreased drastically. Was this a result of them slowly becoming more normal?
I didn’t have long to consider the thought as we reached my door. Alora opened it and ushered me inside. The moment the door closed behind her, she lifted a soft pale violet sun dress. After I had my clothes on she twisted my hair into a low braid, adorned me with jewels around my throat and ears, and bowed.
“Please enjoy your time with Lady Mauve.” She said, a smile in her voice. “I will await for your return to care for you properly, my lady.”
I looked at her for a few minutes, before shaking my head. I wanted to tell her to not bother, but with her warped mind, she would only hear what she wanted to anyway. I brushed past her without a word, and left the room.
A few maids greeted me as I passed them, but I ignored them as I had Alora. They didn’t seem to care either way and continued talking amongst themselves after I moved past. My mind was already focused on how the meeting was going to go. I had no idea if or what would be found, but I had to hope.
The moment I stepped into the foyer, I heard the sound of movement before Martin appeared around the corner.
“Oh, good day, Lady Kyla.” He sniffled, smiling. “Are you heading out to meet friends?”
“Yes.” I tossed over my shoulder, walking toward the front doors. I wouldn’t call him a friend though. More like someone whose interests align with mine. “I won’t be long.”
“Take your time.” Martin laughed. “Lord Justin is out at a meeting and won’t return until evening.”
Meeting my ass. I pushed open the doors, starling one of the guards outside. They nodded over at me, but remained silent. By the time I reached the carriage, it felt as though several pairs of eyes were watching me. I shifted over, feeling my blood turn to ice when I saw around twenty maids, on different floors, staring down at me from the windows.
“What the hell are they doing?” I flinched back, pulling down the curtain. Even with it closed, I could still feel their eyes on me.
Thankfully, the carriage driver started pulling away a moment later. Was Justin telling them to keep a closer eye on me or something? The idea wasn’t unrealistic, but it was still unsettling. There was also a high possibility it was Matilda’s influence, based on what I could recall from the over-hearing of their conversation.
“It doesn’t matter.” I muttered, scratching my arm. I’ll deal with it later if need be.
The ride to the castle seemed to take longer than it usually did – probably on account of my anticipation. When we did finally arrive, rather than heading toward the main entrance, the driver took a left and continued on.
“Excuse me.” I rapped on the roof. “Where are you going?”
“To the Rose palace.” The driver called back, voice muffled. “Was that not where you needed to go? The butler told me it was.”
“No,” I frowned, irritated. “I am headed there.”
Did Alora tell him or did Justin? I had assumed Alora would be reporting my day-to-day to the headmaid, if the girl had enough brain power to even do that. Although, it did make sense that the headmaid would report to Martin as he was the main butler. Then why did he act like he had no idea where I was going? Was he being respectful?
“It’s strange either way.” I muttered under my breath.
A few minutes later the carriage pulled to a stop before a quaint white palace. I shifted forward, about to open the door and slip out, when it swung outward. The driver smiled, offering his hand. I hesitated for a moment, before accepting it and stepping down. I thanked him and turned to the palace, giving it a once over.
From inside it had looked quaint, but seeing it without my view being blocked, I realized it was anything but. It was three stories tall, blindingly white, and red and pink swirls lined each of the windows. Bright red roses surrounded the building, chokingly so. Why does he want to meet here?
I shrugged and walked toward the building. Well, whatever, it doesn’t matter really. I stopped before the door, wondering if I should knock or just head inside. My mind got made up for me, when the door swung open and a man a few inches taller than me appeared. His dark blonde hair stuck up in several directions and his eyes – a deep gray– looked exhausted.
“Hello, Lady Kyla.” He said, breathlessly. “My name is Jean, please come in.”
“Oh, uh, hello.” I stepped inside, waiting as he shut the doors.
“Please follow me,” he offered a small smile, heading toward a hallway. “I hope the ride here was pleasant.”
“It wasn’t entirely unpleasant.” I lamely said, following behind him.
“That’s all we can ask for.” He chuckled, glancing over at me. “I hear the flowers are beginning to bloom – the ones that aren’t made to with magic I mean.”
“I suppose.” I responded simply.
The trace of bitterness in his voice reminded me of when I was working before. I rarely had a chance to go outside to see flowers bloom or even have a day of leisure. Jean must be over-worked, underpaid, and constantly forced to work over-time. You poor, poor man. I hope you get a vacation soon.
“Anyway, here we are,” he stopped before the last door in the hall, pulling it open. “He’s running a bit late, so please feel free to relax. If you need anything, let me know and I’ll come right away.”
“Thank you, Jean.” I smiled, walking into the room. “I hope you get a chance to relax.”
“Thank you,” He smiled bitterly, closing the door.
I could have sworn I heard him mutter something about only when he was dead. Smiling, I turned from the door, and felt the smile die on my lips. Two large love seats sat in the middle of the room, a table between them. On the left seat, Tyrine sat, face stormy.
“Why the hell are you here?” I bit out, crossing to the empty sofa, and sitting across from him.
“Beats me.” He glowered, crossing his arms. “I have no reason to be here. At all.”
“Then why are you here?” I asked again, crossing my own arms. “You’re not drunk again are you?”
“Shut up.” He flushed, looking away. “We don’t have to talk while we wait.”
“Fine by me.” I turned my head toward the window, watching a butterfly float aimlessly around. What would it be like to have that much freedom?
For a while, silence stretched between us. I had no desire to talk to him, especially given the animosity he was practically oozing off. A few times, I noticed him glaring at me. This is so uncomfortable. Several minutes later, the silence was interrupted by Tyrine’s biting tone.
“So was it you? Did you make it?” He leaned forward, mouth tight.
“I thought you didn’t want to talk.” I glanced over, arching a brow. What is taking him so long to get here? “Why are you talking to me?”
“Just answer the question.” He snapped, collapsing his hands together. “I think I have a right to know.”
“I don’t have to answer anything. Especially when I have no idea what you’re even asking me.” I shot back, glaring at him. What is his problem this time?
“The damn liquid.” He bit out. “Did you create it?”
Of course he would assume it was me. This man had one single brain cell and it was honed into accusations. I had hoped after last time, he would be too embarrassed to actually speak to me. The biggest problem was why he was even included in the situation. Couldn’t Cassius have found literally anyone else to bring in?
“Why do you assume I made anything?” I leaned forward, itching to smack him upside the head.
“Why else would you have a toxic dark magic substance?” He crossed his arms, narrowing his eyes. “I can’t believe you had the gall to try and use it on Cassius.”
“Excuse me?” I growled, shocked and starting to get pissed. “Why the hell do you think I used it on the prince? What’s wrong with you?”
“It’s suspicious that someone like you would have something like that.” He shrugged. “You’re not exactly the nicest person in the world.”
Is the plot really forcing him to be an ignorant fool? I wasn’t sure if it was because of past trauma or if it was the plot forcing him to act that way. Regardless, it was unacceptable. If his stupidity influenced Cassius, my head would be at risk.
“Do you even hear how idiotic you sound?” I bit out.
“Given your track record,” he shrugged. “I wouldn’t put it past you.”
“Did Cassius tell you I was using it on him?” I bent forward, slapping my hands on the table between us. “He didn't, did he?”
“Well he didn’t outright say-”
“Then shut your mouth, Tyrine Magno.” I shifted, jabbing a finger toward him. “You don’t know a goddamn thing and you’re sitting there accusing me based on what? Oh, that’s right, your childish deep-seated hatred of me.”
“I don-”
“Grow up, you overgrown child.” I pushed off the table, glowering down at him. “You have no proof to back up your pathetic claims nor is there any logic behind it.”
“Well, I-”
“Lady Kyla is correct.” A deep voice spoke beside us – making us both freeze. Tyrine and I turned our heads at the same time to see an amused Cassius standing a few feet away. “What type of blatant dimwit falsely accuses someone of treason?”
Tyrine paled and looked away. “I wasn’t trying to accuse her of anything like that.”
“No?” Cassius walked over to reach out a hand toward Tyrine. He grabbed his collar and tugged him up. Tyrine flinched as his heels barely touched the floor. “Then tell me, cousin, what were you trying to say?”
“I’m sorry, okay?” Tyrine shot a look over at me, sweat breaking out across his brow. “I apologize, Lady Kyla.”
I looked between the two of them, shrugged, and sat down. There’s no reason for me to accept his fear induced apology.
“I didn’t call you here to fight with Lady Kyla.” Cassius released Tyrine and took a seat in one of the chairs.
Tyrine let out a strangled noise as his body bounced several times against the sofa. When he stopped moving, he skittered to the very end – putting as much distance between him and Cassius as he could.
“Now then,” Cassius grinned, turning his attention toward me. “Let’s get this meeting started, shall we?”