At the entrance to the dining hall the butler halted. He knocked two times, before pushing the seemingly heavy oak door open. "Milord, Lady Katherine Mary Balder has arrived."
With that he stepped to the side, holding the door open for her.
Waking inside, Katherine felt the temperature drop suddenly. Her eyes searched for the cause, a swelling fear in her stomach. Although the storm was ceasing outside, the clouds still lingered and created a gloomy atmosphere. Her side of the long dining table was well-lit by candles, but the other end was shrouded in darkness. A shudder went through her body as she met a pair of blood-red eyes, looming in the darkest black. They were the eyes of the god of slaughter himself: cold, murderous, detached and overflowing with a calculating evil intent. His presence filled the room up to the ceiling, freezing the air. It was hard to even breathe.
Aside from his eyes and a bight glimmer of hair, his lineaments were cast into shadows, as if the light itself feared to touch him. They were wrong, it shot through her head. He isn't a demon. He is the god of murder himself. And he is eyeing me as if trying to figure out how to eat me best.
Against all her instincts, she held his gaze, shuddering while fighting the fear inside of her. She couldn't back down this fast if she wanted him to acknowledge her. The first hurdle to revenge and she was already wavering. This couldn't be happening. She wouldn't allow it!
Her hands balled into fists, as the seconds ticked by. Cold sweat gathered at her back, but she was holding his gaze.
Three, four, five seconds. The pressure increased with time. Why doesn't he speak? Just one second longer… Just one! But with each anxious heartbeat, the air seemed to get thicker and thicker. As if drowning, her head felt dizzy. She didn't want to give in, but she couldn't hold out much longer. She didn't even realize that she was holding her breath. Six seconds, seven, eight… It was impossible!
At the very last moment, the eyes of the Earl slowly wandered off her face and to the chair by her side. Breathing hastily, Katherine tried to compose herself, but it was to no avail. Her knees wobbled, and her mental strength was completely exhausted.
Damned weakling! Useless! She was cursing herself. How should she accomplish anything with that attitude? But as his imposing aura was crushing down on her again, she gave in, and followed his unspoken order to sit.
How could a mere earl have this kind of presence? It was the presence of an emperor, suffocating his subjects. She was whining inside. How could she get someone like this to serve her? This was a man who wouldn't serve anyone. Aloof and frightening, he would most likely kill himself before submitting. What should she do? What could she do? He was her only choice!
The first plate was served. Neither of them had spoken a word. He didn't eat a thing, but at first, she was too hungry to follow suit. The meals were never good while traveling. After taking a few bites though, she registered that he was staring at her. His bloody eyes watched her every move coldly, inspecting her. The color of blood… the memory of her of her parents' execution raised its ugly head. She had never seen so much blood in her life. And she didn't want to ever again. That was sufficient to upset her stomach. She couldn't eat anymore.
'He is just an earl', she reminded herself angrily and pushed the memory to the back of her head. She took a sip of water. 'I shouldn't be this tense.'
Yet it confused her why her chamber was this big and sumptuously designed. Her hypothesis that he'd prepared it this way only for her, was refuted by his personality alone. What was it then for?
With the few hints she had, she was sure: there was more to this earl than met the eye. She hadn't forgotten that he seemed to have a good connection to the youngest prince. Her cousin, this earl and the youngest prince. Was there a conspiracy in progress?
Idiot, that's not the question, she reminded herself. Of course there was a conspiracy! It surely had to do with princess Bellatrix' death. But who was the head of all this?
Although her cousin was quite smart, he had no motive to murder the Princess. He wouldn't get much out of this, but maybe he was payed in another way. For a prince of the enemy nation the motive was completely obvious, and he had enough possibilities to make it attraktive for Ethan. What was her husband-to-be's part in this? Somehow, she didn't believe he was only the connecting bond between the two. It didn't fit her impression of him. He couldn't be just some tiny earl.
The second plate was served, a juicy steak with beans. The aroma was tickling her nose nicely, yet she was paying it no heed. She decided to stand her man. Woman. Whatever. She had to fulfill her mission and find out more about everything. First of all, about him. Additionally, she had a challenge for herself, to improve that bad attitude. Every time they were locking gazes, she had to hold out at least one second longer than the time before.
She looked up, and her mouth got dry instantly. Damn. This was going to be intense. "May I ask, what are your Lordships plans for our marriage?" Prepared for a stare-contest, she was confused when the Earl simply blinked, and looked away. She followed his gaze and saw the butler, who had been standing nearby throughout the meal. Now he walked over to the Earl and bowed down. Seconds later the butler nodded and straightened.
"Pardon Milady, but Milord isn't sure yet if Milady can fulfill his requirements. The Duke of Sleipnir mentioned about Milady's magic being unique in all kingdoms. Unfortunately, his Grace didn't give any explicit statement about the nature of Milady's magic. Would Milady care to explain?"
That was unexpected. He wasn't even sure if he wanted to marry her? That bastard of a cousin had let it sound like a settled agreement. Now that she was here, what would happen to her if the Earl rejected her? And since it was her cousin as well who claimed the earl would never let her slip though his hands, she couldn't count on that. Maybe that a***** just wanted to get her out of his country so the few connections she had were cut and he could let her rot to death somewhere. Damn, she wanted to kill someone! Well, one explicit someone.
Besides, why did the Earl use his butler to reply? Was he condemning her already? This guy wasn't only arrogant, he was ill-mannered, too! She should consider to expand her hit-list. Of course, all her plans were for naught if the Earl didn't marry her. Squeezing her lips, she really wished she had some awesome killing-magic or some other show-off. "My ability is healing. I can mend bones, heal wounds and sorts."
"His Lordship would like you to prove that claim." The answer came instantly, as if they had expected that. But didn't they say they didn't know her ability? Maybe the Earl was a collector of curiosities and didn't care what talent it was, as long as it was strange. Or, more likely, his comment before was used to minimize her self-confidence. Katherine's expression darkened. 'Is that how they want to play?'
Fury soared in her as they brought a black rabbit inside, covered in blood. They couldn't have been this fast if they didn't prepare it beforehand. Poor little rabbit. Humans were such vile creatures!
Lying on a silver plate as if about to be eaten, the rabbit trembled profusely.
Katherine balled her fists and spat: "I'll save it only if it's mine afterwards!" Otherwise it would be a waste. The little one was better off dead than in the hands of such a vicious master.
The Lord nodded silently. The hint of a smile touched his lips, as Katherine directed her gaze back to the rabbit. She settled her hands at the soft black fur, not scared by the blood. In this aspect she wasn't like the daughters of rich families, who fainted at the sight. She had seen too much of it already, even without counting the death of her family.
The rabbit was sliced open at its stomach and half of his organs were sliced through, too. No normal treatment could have saved it, but it wouldn't be magic if it could only do normal things.
Katherine closed her eyes and concentrated at the warm feeling inside of her. Raised it. It felt like sunshine was flowing through her veins and she knew that she was glimmering a bit. At times when she was emotional, the magic would spill by itself, but normally she needed to focus for it.
Opening her eyes, she watched her hands glint with a soft white light and directed it at the rabbit. Slowly, the bleeding stopped. The organs began mending themselves. After half a teacup of time, the trembling stopped too, and the rabbit raised its head curiously. Seeing her hands touching it, it wiggled, first weakly, then vehemently, until it was seated. It didn't run away. Instead, it peacefully licked her hands. The wound on its stomach was closed and only blood remained.
"So?", she said icily, her fury enabling her to meet his gaze without fear.
His lips twitched, but whatever it was, he got it under control. Then, for the first time, she heard him speak. His voice was deep and hoarse. "Marvelous." Just one word. Somehow it made her feel like a mouse in front of a cat.
She frowned, displeased. "Can I leave now? I need to wash my hands and I've lost my appetite anyway."
He nodded slowly, ignoring her attitude. She was already standing, when he added: "After you answer my questions."
If looks could kill, he would be dead. Not willing to sit down again, Katherine picked up the rabbit, wrapping it in a napkin to not sully her dress, before pulling it in her embrace. "Speak then."
"What about illnesses? Poisons?"
She shook her head. "Can't heal them. I can just cure whatever damage they have done to the body." Usually this was sufficient. She believed there wasn't many illnesses which couldn't be overcome with her help.
Poison was another matter. One case of food-poisoning was all there was to her experience with it. Of course, if she'd known about her uncle sooner, she would have tried to heal him. But prior she had thought that he was insane and after a visit to an asylum she knew that she couldn't treat mental illnesses. Now, that she thought about it, her cousin had brought her there only days prior to the outbreak of her uncles' illness. Murderous bastard.
"Are there any aftereffects?", he interrupted her dark thoughts.
"None that I know of." On the other hand, nearly all her patients didn't know about her healing them, because her cousin had knocked them out beforehand. How than should they complain about anything regarding this? Her cousin and the children in the forest at least didn't complain.
"Good… you can go now." The last part piqued her anger again, which had already been subsiding while answering this row of questions. He was shooing her away like a servant after being satisfied.
Shooting him a cold glare – which didn't affect him, naturally – she swaggered out of the dining hall.
The butler closed the door behind the last maid carrying the remains of the dinner out. With only him and the Earl left, the tension vanished as well. The Earl seemed to deflate like a balloon, sinking deeper into his chair. The red eyes looked tired, as if he was dragging on with pure willpower earlier. A hint of desperation showed, before he closed them, leaning his head of white hair back against the wooden chair. Nothing was left of the person the maids deemed a demon. Only a tired youth overpowered by his fate. Silence lingered in the corners of the big dining hall, so present, that it seemed to slow time itself. The room stilled, while the wind in front of the windows whispered of times long past. The Earl though didn't remember any better years. There was no memory of the time before struggling to live. No good times, no sweet words, no smiles. Nothing. Why did he hold on still? He didn't know. Hope is the worst demon. It makes us try and try again while all common se
The morning sun wasn't half up, yet the trampling of foots and clinking of arms awoke Katherine from her sleep. Startled, she called for Hazel, who rushed in from the room next door. "Milady, there seems to be a disorder in the mansion. They have sealed off the whole building. Should I inquire about the circumstances?" "Please do." Katherine, meanwhile, washed herself and dressed in a simple green gown. Hazel was there in time again to lace her corsage. She should request for an extra maid soon to help her out. "So?" "The whole mansion is in chaos. Someone seemed to have poisoned the food. Fortunately, the Earl wasn't affected, but two maids, the gardener, the cook, and three servants have lost consciousness. They are searching for the culprit now." "Lost consciousness?", Katherine repeated. "Are there other symptoms? What is the Earl doing to help?" "He ordered the captain of the guards to investigate and his personal doctor to tend to the affected.
The symptoms were exactly as Hazel had described them. All seven of them were unconsciousness, sweating and had black veins under their skin. What confused her though, was the location and spreading of the veins. Six people only had few black veins in the abdominal area, while the seventh… it was hard to find places were he hadn't any. Not that she'd seen their whole bodies herself, but the doctor, an old man with glasses, had described it to her and he had taken off the seventh man shirt to let her see. She blushed looking at the bare skin. It wasn't right for a proper Lady to see this. Well, she had always been a bit to wild to be a 'proper' Lady anyways. And, oh my, he was such a magnificent piece of art. Starting from his perfect face over all this smooth naked skin down to his slender hips she couldn't find any flaw. Well, maybe his upper body was a bit haggard, but that was all. Somehow the black veins, like a confusing pattern on his slightly pronounced abs, m
"Did she infect herself?", the earl asked the butler. They were inside of his study. Rows and rows of bookshelves stood to both sides of an imposing dark-brown table. The Earl was seated behind it, the back facing a big window. According to the sun's position it was shortly after Katherine had treated the patient."Luckily, no.", Sam responded, pensive. "I'm afraid you underestimated her capability, Milord.""As I underestimated her impulsiveness. She's too easily offended, although this head of hers is working quite well otherwise." The Earl sighed. "Was I still as childish as her with seventeen, Sam?""No. But, if I may say so, Milord, that is incomparable.""Oh?" The Earl lifted an eyebrow. "How so?"Seemingly feeling uncomfortable, the butler pressed his lips together but decided to speak in the end. He phrased his words carefully. "Different from Milord, she never knew hate or sorrow while growing up. She met them only recently. Pure trust in
Slowly, Katherine lowered her spoon. She didn't think her question would touch such a sore spot in Hazel. To be exact, she thought nothing about it while asking. It was just curiosity. Now, however... Had the mistreating Hazel experienced something to do with sexual harassing? Rightful outrage filled Katherine's soul. Whoever dared to bully her maid, she would squash them. But before that... "Relax, Hazel. I won't force you to talk about it. But if you need help with something or someone to talk to, tell me. I hope you can see me as a friend some day." Surprised but still wary, Hazel blinked up to her. "... Thank you, Milady." "You're welcome." Katherine started eating again. "Can you answer the other questions then? About friends and what you like to do in your free time. Are there any nice spots around here?" Relieved, Hazel nodded. "You could say I'm friends with the cook. However, all servants other than me are past their fifties, so real friendsh
Although the mansion was gigantic, most of the rooms were empty shells. Well maintained, but otherwise forgotten. The only exception was the dining room she visited the day prior. "How long does the earl live here again?", she asked her two guards, who, after longer inspection, didn't seem to be as bad as she thought. "Almost two years.", the bigger one, Pete, replied. "And he never held a ball or social gathering or whatever?" "Never." "Any visitors?" "Only two were received by him personally: prince Aston and you, milady." "If you can call that personally.", she grumbled. She'd thought about bypassing the earl and finding someone else to help her reclaim her freedom in the row of his visitors. Without social gatherings, however, he really left her with no choice. "I don't want to seduce that demon." "What did you say, milady?", Hazel asked innocently. Katherine blushed. "I said... I want to search that dungeon
"Do you know the sound of a pig being slaughtered?", Frey asked and scooped the soup into his mouth. "I think I head one tonight. Couldn't sleep because of the squealing." Some heads nodded approvingly. Frey hopefully made puppy-eyes at the girl by his side "C'mon, Lady Kathrine, let's look for the corpse. It might still be out there!" He always had the weirdest hobbies. Or maybe he just used every possible way out of boredom. Katherine raised her head, her face uneasy, but serious. "I'm sorry, it is too dangerous. I can't let you into the forest…" Into the forest… into the forest…, the leaves whispered back. There was a clearing with a creek flowing between the weed. It was a hot summer day and birds flocked in the higher branches of the trees all around, singing mourning melodies. A little girl in a white summer dress played the flute to accompany them. She sat on a stone near the water, her black hair swaying softly with the wind.
With the breakfast came the notice about the earl accepting her conditions. Katherine breathed a sigh of relieve, only to get nervous right afterwards. Her first date! What to do, what to do?!One look at Hazel, who was like a quiet, confused mouse today, made her realize that she couldn't expect any help from her side. After thinking about it for the whole night, she felt regret for her harsh words. She already wanted to apologize, but as she observed Hazel longer, she saw that the pensiveness in her maid's eyes seemed to outweigh the hurt and desolation. Could Hazel really learn from that? Hesitatingly, she decided to wait it out.Katherine was clear about how little Hazel could help her with the preparations anyway. The maid nearly fled as she tried to talk about the topic 'love'. She didn't want to scare her off even more. Once a day already seemed to be more than she could take.So, everything about how to seduce the earl was stuck on her. Because of