Prince of Darkness

Chapter 10

That evening, Rose once again found herself walking towards the dining room, her heart thudding. She wasn't sure why she had agreed to have dinner with the prince, and was regretting doing so.

Taking a deep breath, the young woman stood before the dining room door. She knew what awaited her on the other side. I can't believe I'm doing this. Touching the doorknob felt as though she was touching a hot coal. Nervous, the woman abruptly removed her hand from the doorknob. Glancing at her ball gown, she muttered, "This is so uncomfortable." However, she had decided to wear it just in case Adam chose to be fussy about what she wore to dinner.

Stepping inside the room, her breath quickened at the sight of the werewolf. Once again, he was standing in front of the fireplace, his hands behind his back. Walking slowly closer, Rose softly asked, "Is everything alright?"

Turning, the prince sat at the table, folding his hands in front of him. "Of course it is," he gestured to her chair, "Are you going to sit?"

Nodding, Rose sat in the chair opposite him. Why was he being such a gentleman? Anger formed inside her at the possible explanation. Standing sharply, the psychic snapped, "Is the reason you're being so kind all of a sudden just because I'm wearing what you wanted?"

Adam shook his head, "No. I'm just glad that, when I asked about this, you agreed without an argument."

Rose sunk back down in her seat. Embarrassed, she muttered with a blush, "Oh."

The werewolf laughed lightly. "There's no need for you to be uncomfortable. You just jumped to conclusions."

The young woman smiled, "Thank you," she answered.

Adam paused for a moment, before questioning. "The day...you attacked me. I saw a man with a group of werewolf hunters. Who was he?"

Sensing the jealousy in his voice, Rose hesitated before responding carefully. "He's...he's the man I'm engaged to. It's an arranged marriage."

The werewolf prince snarled, "You don't love him, do you?"

She wrinkled her nose, "No! He's rude, arrogant, and terrible!"

"Then why are you marrying him?" Adam asked.

Rose answered with a heavy sigh, "Because I have to. It's the only way I can help my father's situation. Robert is wealthy, and his money will help my father. He's getting sick because he doesn't have enough money to get taken care of."

The werewolf replied gently, "But...but I got him help. That should have helped him."

She gave a sad smile. "It did...but not enough."

The prince growled. It wasn't fair! He wanted Rose more! That was when an idea struck him. He inquired softly, "Why don't you live with me instead?"

"What?" the young woman asked, shocked.

"Live with me instead. It'll be better, I promise," Adam repeated. He stood and walked over to her, smiling lightly. "Please Rose."

She shook her head, getting up from her seat. "No. I...I'm sorry. I have to honour my commitment," she replied. Without another word, the young woman ran from the room.

***************

Racing down the hall, Rose quickly found her room. I need to be alone. I can't face him. When she turned her back and tried to slam the door, the sound of the slam did not come. Adam's voice came from behind her, "You know, it's very impolite to close the door on someone."

Whirling around, the woman asked, "Why are you in here?"

He was in the doorway, one hand on the door. Stepping inside he shut it, before answering, "You were upset, so I did what any gentleman would do and came to comfort you."

Not wanting to look at him directly, the young woman's eyes moved to his hands. She blinked a few times, taken aback. They were gloved.

Seeing her expression, Adam explained, "I...I didn't want to risk scaring you again."

Rose responded, "You wouldn't have."

"I do scare you though. I can sense it," he argued.

The young woman replied. "Well...you don't anymore."

Adam sighed, "Really? Prove it."

Rose nodded, approaching him. Taking his right hand in hers, she carefully slid off the white glove with her left. Dropping it on the ground, she placed both her hands on his.

Adam smiled as, for the first time since they met, Rose did not even shudder as he closed his hand, the claws resembling a cage. He asked quietly, "What changed your mind?"

She answered, "Just before. You cared enough to come after me when I was upset. I know now that you won't hurt me."

Adam nodded and answered firmly, "I won't. I promise you that."