Bound By Blood: The Pureblood Prince

Chapter Six

I could feel my heart beating more rapidly, my cheeks flushed. He seemed to notice all of this, his eyes fixed on my lips. I pursed them nervously, and looked down. I suddenly didn't feel all that confident anymore. He could easily see right through me. I can't be the first human that has tried escaping this place. I let out a deep breath. Either way, this is my only shot at the moment. I slip my hand away from his.

"I'll just go get changed." I say, trying my best to conceal my anxiousness as I walked to my room.

I picked out one of my many silky gowns and slipped off my shoes. I reach for the laces that hold me together, and find that my fingers can't grasp them. I'm wrapped up so tightly. How was I supposed to get out of this thing? Claire is nowhere to be found, she probably didn't expect me back so early. I paced back and forth, feeling tighter and more constrained with every step.

I return to Gabriel's room. He's leaned back in his chair reading documents, his tie gone, white shirt loosened, hair slightly disheveled. I felt my heart dip at the sight of him. He looked up at me.

"I um... I was wondering if you could help me with this," I mutter, gesturing at my back. The words came out raspy, I felt so tight and out of breath. "I'm not sure where Claire is, I can't reach the laces."

He placed the documents on his desk and pursed his lips. "I can call for Claire if you like."

My ears began to ring, and I had to lean on the desk to balance myself.

"Cora," he spoke, reaching for my arm. "Are you feeling alright?"

"Just a little... out of breath... the corset..." My eyes began to flutter, and my body felt so heavy...

I felt Gabriel's hands grasp my waist, easing me to the ground. I hear a sharp tear, and suddenly my lungs expand and I let out a gasp.

"I'll make sure Claire doesn't do that again," Gabriel says softly, his breath grazing the back of my ear.

I tried to hold together my dress as Gabriel helped me up. "Thank you." I whisper, returning to my room. I watched myself in the mirror, trying to calm myself. My face felt hot, red from embarrassment. I can do this, I told myself. I can be sexy, and convincing, and... manipulative. Ugh.

I slipped into a silk gown. It was trimmed with lace, the color of roses. I pulled the pins from my hair, letting it fall wildly around my face. I brushed my teeth hastily, and examined the unlabeled products on the counter. I opened each one, sniffing. One pot was filled with a sweet-smelling cream. I rubbed a small bit on my wrist. It seemed to be body lotion, and smelled intoxicating. I rubbed it onto my legs and neck. I retrieved the lipstick Claire used on the vanity, applying a fresh coat, and blotted it. I examined my reflection. This would do just fine.

I pulled on my sheer robe, returned to Gabriel's room. He was in bed now, changed into a t-shirt. He looked up as I entered, and a strange expression flashed across his face.

I smiled meekly. "All I've got are these... things." I say, gesturing to my clothes.