The Wailing Woman

55. Lurking Spirits

After I finished putting my earrings and heels on, I turned to ask the old woman for her name again but she was gone. I hadn't noticed her leaving at all. Her presence bothered me and yet, I wanted her near. I marched toward the door and opened it. Stylists—souls—stopped their movements as their eyes landed on me, then they lowered their gaze to the ground. 

I raised a brow but I didn't have the time to concern myself with their strange attitude. My mind was too busy thinking about the old woman. She was hiding something. If not, why didn't she tell me her name?

My eyes roamed until Beth appeared in my view, smiling brightly. "You look gorgeous. The King will not be able to take his eyes off you tonight. The King has arrived and is currently waiting for you downstairs." My heart slightly raced at the mention of Grimm's name but I did my best not to show his effect on me. I couldn't look like a hopeless crushing girl.

You look like a queen, the old woman said. I thought it was an awful joke but had she meant it? Who cares? I didn't care for her opinion of my appearance, I cared about where I had seen her. I definitely met her before, I just couldn't place her somewhere.

I straighten my posture and compliment Beth. "You deserve all the praise." She opens her mouth to protest, "Thank you. I don't like to look at myself often but you made it bearable." She blushes.

Before I leave I tell her, "Go rest and be reunited with your sister. You deserve that as well."

Beth nodded her head with glossy eyes, she looked as if she wanted to say more but I understood. She clears her throat, "Your friend is almost done. She is getting dressed." Her voice rasped.

I gave her a quick nod as I noticed that the old woman was no longer in this room either. She still had to be here. She couldn't leave without Grimm's permission. The souls were to be picked up after they performed their duties. By the looks of it, most were picking after themselves already.

"Tell her, I'll meet her downstairs." I needed to find that old woman quickly.

Beth sputtered out, "But—but the King has arrived. He is waiting for you!"

I gave her a dismissal wave as I headed out. "He can wait a little longer." As if he would leave without me.

The moment I stepped out of the room I found the rabbit my father gifted me waiting outside like an impatient man. He tapped his little soft paw on the hardwood floor. I still haven't decided what to name him. It will come to me one of these days.

I placed my hands on my hips. "Well, how do I look?" The rabbit hopped away as if he was unsatisfied with it. I never thought I could get annoyed with an animal.

I trailed after him. We both walked down the hall and checked each room for the old woman. She was nowhere to be found on the upper floor of the castle. She could be downstairs and if she was, I was interested in where I would find her. I didn't care if she was trying to deceive me but she looked to have a fair share of secrets and I wanted to know them. I kept going until I heard arguing coming from downstairs. I slowed my steps and tread carefully without making too much noise.

I peeked my head out slightly from the top corner before going down the spiraling stairs. They left a perfect opening view of the foyer. The rabbit pressed itself against my heel. From here I could see Grimm and Hans perfectly. They were both dressed in classic tuxedos, except Grimm wore an elegant white bow and vest. His thick silky hair was part in the middle yet, effortlessly pushed back. His sweet crimson lips stood out against the white and black. I've tasted those lips, I thought greedily. I'll taste them again tonight.

However, Grimm looked displeased. His eyes were narrow and his hands were inside the pockets of his pants, and his jaw tightened.

"How did this happen?" He said quietly, and yet there was an edge in voice.