Basilisk (Dark Ominis Gaunt x OC gothic romance)

Chapter 106: Kent

~~Ariadne~~

Dinner went as usual, besides the abnormal dish Laura served them. It was actually rather good, and she did enjoy it, though Ominis seemed a bit more hesitant since it was cold. She chuckled a bit at the face he'd made initially, but he'd grown to like it as well the more he ate. He was so expressive... she wondered sometimes if he knew how expressive he really was, because he seemed incapable of holding back some emotions, particularly disapproval.

After dinner Ominis seemed rather agitated, his hands sliding along her hip as they walked toward the library to resume their reading and cuddling together until bedtime. They had to discuss some things as well... the conversation they'd had with Olivia and Laura had been interesting...

Ominis sat down on the couch in the library, waving his dark wand as a layer of green magic enveloped them in a shield that hugged the walls of the library. It still amazed her just how easily he could cast such large shields.

"Now... what do you think?" He asked, holding his arms out in invitation for her to lay back against him.

She leaned her head back against his shoulder with a soft sigh, smiling when his hand started running through her hair soothingly.

"I think Olivia is kind of difficult to read, but also a bit odd in her replies." Ariadne said thoughtfully. "And Laura was much too open for someone who's supposed to have as much experience as she does... so either she'd lying about that, or she's used to talking a lot." She huffed in frustration. "Or she's manipulating us."

"Ah, see, I'm so glad I have you sweetheart. I hardly know what's 'normal' for servants in conversation. They never spoke to me at all growing up." He said gently.

"It's difficult in this particular case. Olivia is young, but seemed to react oddly when you told her about potentially having time off. That could be either because she was surprised, or because she realized she may be playing for the wrong side."

Ominis hummed thoughtfully and nodded, keeping silent so she could continue.

"Laura is very talkative. She did work for an eccentric lady before coming here so perhaps she's just used to talking that much, but usually servants are far more respectful and reserved with their employers than she was. Either she's used to that dynamic, or she's manipulating us to let our guards down."

Ominis started moving his hand along one of her hips, humming again. "Is it very common for employers to be open with their servants like that?"

"It's not unheard of, but it's..." how did she explain this... "it's not respectable. Servants are supposed to be separate from the lady of the house, and not involve themselves in their drama or anything other than their duties."

Ominis was silent for a moment, and when she looked back to him his pale eyes were calculating, his hand still running along her hip thoughtfully. "Well, I wonder if perhaps that is just a behavior she picked up. I did meet her former employer once... she was a rather talkative woman. Spoke at length about... ducks, of all things." Ominis chuckled.

"Ducks?!" Ariadne said in confusion.

"Her late husband was an avid hunter, you see. I think she fixated on things she remembered fondly." Ominis smiled at the thought, his other hand running through her hair gently.

"I suppose I can understand that." Ariadne smiled, leaning back against him with a warm smile. She would likely do the same.

Ominis sat up in alarm, making her shift with the movement as well. He was looking off in a particular direction, his pale eyes wide.

"Is it the charms?" Ariadne whispered urgently, looking toward the doorway warily as the silencing shield fell.

"No... I hear yelling." He said quietly, a hand resting protectively against her waist.