The Finding

Part 5 Dinner

You could cut the tension at dinner with knife, and Tomas did.  He was butchering the steak like it was his sworn enemy, and every second shot menacing glances at Eli, who just smirked.   After Tomas led me to my own bedchambers, a maid arrived to help prepare me in a more suitable manner.

                 "Excuse me miss, I am your maid, Darcy.  I was sent here by master Tomas to help you dress."  Darcy was a petite woman who looked to be around the age of forty.  Her brown hair was tied back in a bun secure at the top of her head.  The Darcy's angular jawline was set in a permanent scowl that, despite being fairly modest, Kath didn't protest as Darcy began to strip off her now ripped clothing.

She rushed Kath over the closest washroom and turned the faucet, pulling Kath into the tub.  The water was lukewarm but it felt oddly cold against her skin.  She tried to keep her modest by tucking her legs beneath her folded arms, but her limbs were abruptly yanked as Darcy furiously scrubbed her skin with a rag.   She was to scared to say anything.  Darcy was so distant and gave off an aura of jealousy as she pulled Katherine out of the tub and into a soft, woolen towel.

                  If you thought bathing was awkward then dressing was even more torturous.  There was a corset-like item that was being fastened around her chest.  Katherine flushed, embarrassed at the thought of someone was seeing her so exposed, but Darcy didn't seem to care. She tied the laces swiftly, then slipped a gown over her.  It looked like something she read about in history books. It was very old fashioned and was like something an ancient princess would wear.  The gown was a beautiful light blue with a silver trim.  It was very slender around the breast and waist, then it flared out at the hips.  It was beautiful and fit perfectly.

                 The walk back down the stairs made Kath feeling anxious.  The men were already seated, each at opposite ends of the table.  They looked over at her astonished,  it was as if she were the only thing that mattered in the room.  Eli's eyes, which were once a vibrant green turned completely black. Tomas gapped as he ran a hand through his hair.  "You look beautiful Katerina," Tomas exclaimed.  Both men stood up from their seats.  Eli rushed over and pulled out the chair next to him.  Katherine gracefully sat down in the seat as food was served.

She could feel both of their eyes on her as she ate.  Eli smirked at her as he wrapped his arm around the back of her chair.  Tomas glared.  "Brother, remove your hand."

              "Relax Tomas, nothing bad happening here." Eli began to caress Katherine's bare neck and shoulder, leaving his fingertips to rest on her collarbone.  "Besides, she doesn't seem to be complaining.  In fact i'd say she seem quite content." His eyes were still black, as were Tomas's now.  Tomas clenched his fists.  

             "Eliza, stop."

             "Stop what?" He began fiddling with the dress strap, pushing it down over her shoulder. Kath gasped and  held her dress in place with her crossed arms.  Eli tried to un cross them.

            "That's it!"  Tomas threw down the napkin on the table and strode over to them, ripping Eli's hand away.  They had a stare down at the table. Suddenly she was hoisted up  and out of the chair as Tomas grabbed her hand and began walking towards a hallway but she was yanked back when Eli grabbed her the hand and tugged her into his chest.

           "Leave her alone."

           "Actually, I don't think I will.  I have constantly followed your rules but not anymore.  You had Alice, you don't get Katherine too."

            "That wasn't my fault.  Katherine is mine. Now give her to me."

            "No. Because I am don't listening to you.  Katherine is mine now."  Suddenly, Katherine was hoisted up and thrown over Eli's broad shoulders.  Wind whipped through her hair and in a flash she was in a dark room.  It was dimly lit by candles.  It was very simple.  The walls were red.  There was mahogany furniture and a large bed in the corner with white bed curtains and silk white sheets.  She felt an arm wrap around her waist and a warm breath on her neck.

            "My sweet, sweet Katherine.  All mine, despite what my brother may think."

            "Why am I here?"

           "Because I have been waiting for you for centuries.  You are here to save me. To save us all."

There was a loud banging on the door followed by yells and threats from Tomas.  Kath looked over, pondering the idea of running over and opening it. She extended her arm, but it was quickly snatched away and brought into Eliza's chest.

               "Don't even think about it.  Despite what I feel, I need my  brother to know and for this I am sorry." About to ask for what, he ripped the side of her dress open. She gasped in shock. The banging got louder. Quickly, Eli grabbed his bed sheet and began to rub it over her arms and neck, his hand skimming her waist.  She was so confused by these actions.  Then he looked down at his wrist watch and began to count down from five.  By the time he hit one, Tomas broke down the door and ran into the room, pulling Katherine away from him.  Tomas was livid.

               "What did you do to her?"

               "Why nothing at all sweet brother."

              "Eliza, I am not screwing around here.  I can smell. WHAT DID YOU DO?"

              "Absolutely  nothing."  Tomas clenched his teeth when he saw the tare in her gown as he stalked towards his brother.

Suddenly, a hand pulled her back form the room.  It was Darcy.  "It's best we get you away from them right now."

"Will they be alright."

"Of course.  Just let them hash it out.

"Darcy!" Tomas called.  "Make sure to lock her door before you retire to bed and make sure she gets that could scent off of her."

"Will do sir."

There was so many unanswered questions she still had in her mind.  So many thoughts that provoked her.  What smells? And why were the brothers so hostile towards each other and her?  Katherine was so confused and only wanted answers.

As she lay in bed, she began to drift off to sleep, but not before she heard a quiet nock on her bedchamber door.