Basilisk (Dark Ominis Gaunt x OC gothic romance)

Chapter 14: Sisters

~~Ariadne~~

Ariadne was nervous as she walked ahead of Marie, knowing she was going to be so angry with her for telling someone the intimate family secret. She'd trusted Ominis though, because he trusted her. The chemistry between them was unmistakable, and undeniable. If they wanted to try this for real, they would have to build the foundations of their relationship before they went any further... even though they were already married. A bit of a backwards way to do things, but they would make it work.

If anything she knew how gentle and kind he could be now... and how rough he could be when he was teasing. Merlin, she loved that though.

Once they were in the parlor, Marie rounded on her with a glare. "Ari, I know you weren't in the damn kitchen that whole time. I'm not stupid." She said harshly in a hushed tone.

"I know, I know!" Ari whispered back, knowing the other servants might hear them talking much more casually than a lady and maid should speak. "It's... I can't say where we were, but it was fine."

"You can't say?" Marie huffed, putting her hands on her hips. "Why not?"

"It's... it's a secret." Ariadne blushed a bit, remembering the feeling she'd had walking down those steps into a secret passageway. It had been so enchanting.

"A secret." Marie said flatly in frustration. "Ari, you know you can't trust anyone here! They could be planning things! I know you like to think the best of people, but-"

Ariadne shook her head emphatically. "This is different, Marie. I spoke with Ominis. He's not bad, he's just frustrated and angry. Trust me, he's actually..." she blushed a bit, glancing away from her sister. "He's actually very nice once you get to know him."

Marie stared at her in shock, her mouth agape. "You're blushing." She said accusingly.

Ariadne glared at her a bit. "So?" She snapped defensively.

"You've never blushed about a guy before. What's going on? I know he went out to get you and got hurt, but Ari you ran off because he scared you." Marie huffed.

"I know that! It's complicated, Marie, but he told me things that were very private. I made a promise to keep it between us."

"You're keeping secrets with him, now?" Marie scoffed in disbelief.

"Well he is my husband." Ari crossed her arms, not liking to be judged like this.

"Barely! You've known each other only a few days, and those first days you spent yelling at each other!" Marie said in a harsh whisper of frustration.

Ariadne sighed, knowing it was fast, but... this strange connection between them was hard to argue with. She really liked that he insisted they take it slow, though. She would easily be swept up in the moment, yet he was the one who showed control. It was... so chivalrous and sincere.

She remembered the pain in his voice when he said he wanted their relationship to be real, his warm hand against her cheek as he spoke. He wanted this, so desperately... and she wanted to make sure it was sincere as well. What was building between them was powerful, intense and beautiful. She didn't want to mess it up, either.

"There's something happening." Ariadne said softly, looking up to Marie with pleading eyes. "Something between us. It's... I've never felt it before, and I want to see where it goes."

Marie's eyes widened, and she tilted her head thoughtfully with a soft noise. "Alright." She sighed, shaking her head. "I think you're being foolish to trust him, but fine."

Ariadne smiled happily, taking Marie's hand gently. "Thank you, Marie." She said sincerely.

Marie huffed a bit. "You've been there for me for so long... the least I can do is be here for you, too." She mumbled, looking a bit embarrassed.