Forbidden Flames

Chapter Twenty

Heading down the stairs, I prepared for our final bridesmaids' fitting before the rehearsal this weekend. Colette's wedding was in four days, and the excitement of seeing my lifelong friend enter marriage was truly magical.

As I was about to leave, my maid stopped me. "Ma'am, this arrived last night," she said, handing me a small package.

I paused, taking it from her hands. It was small, with my name on it. I'd opened all my gifts yesterday, so I wondered what this could be.

"The carriage is ready, miss," my butler announced. I nodded, placing the package back on the table. I'd open it when I returned home.

Getting inside, the carriage began to move towards the Royal Palace. Arriving shortly, I headed inside and made my way to the sunroom. Knocking on the door, I was delighted to see Colette and the girls waiting for me.

"Good day, everyone," I smiled, taking my seat.

"What took you so long? I've been dying to see the gown," Julia asked.

"I got a package and had to set it aside," I explained.

"Okay, ladies, the time has come," Colette announced, catching our attention. The curtains opened, and my mouth fell open. She looked beautiful.

"This... it's everything, Colette," I said first, watching her turn around in the dress.

It was everything she'd dreamed of as a little girl. Tears slipped down my cheeks as I took in her radiance. Colette's mother stood by, wiping her eyes as well.

"Mama, don't cry," Colette laughed, but Miss Marie was too far gone.

"My baby is getting married," she said between sniffles. We were all over the moon for Colette.

"Okay, enough of the waterworks. You all go try on your dresses," Colette shouted, and we stood up to change.

We ended up with baby blue dresses, perfect for winter and the blue eyes that ran in both families. The reasoning was odd, but I didn't question her much.

"It's a shame their cousin August left. He was such a hottie," Jessica said as the maids helped us get into our dresses.

"I might be married, but I agree," Julia laughed.

Hearing them talk about August made my stomach churn. He'd been here no more than two weeks, yet people already talked about him.

"I heard from a friend that he was forced to leave. There's a bounty for him," Joelle whispered.

"What?" I interjected.

"Didn't take you as the gossiping type, Lilith," Jessica smirked.

"I'm just curious. What do you mean, a bounty?" I pressed.

"Well, I was out drinking with some friends and saw a paper with his face. Apparently, somebody is willing to pay a thousand dollars for his head. You have to do some pretty bad stuff to end up like that," she explained.

"My husband told me something at the New Year's party. He said August was the dark one's hidden son," Joelle whispered, and everyone froze.

"That's nonsense," I said, rolling my eyes, but my heart raced with the allegations.

"Are you all ready?" Colette shouted, snapping us back to attention. We straightened up, putting on our heels.

We walked out, and Colette jumped with joy at our dresses. "These are perfect!" she shouted. We all jumped up and down, excited for the wedding.

We wrapped up quickly, and Colette's mother led the triplets out to their carriage. I helped carry a few boxes back to Colette's room with the maids.

"Colette, can I ask you something?" I said, placing the boxes on the floor.

"Yeah, sure," she said, sitting at her vanity.

"Alone," I whispered.

She snapped her fingers, and the maids left the room. "What's going on?" she asked, turning in her chair as I sat on her bed.

"The triplets and I were talking, and they said some disturbing things about August," I began. "He has a bounty out for him," I whispered, worry laced in my voice.

"I know," she said nonchalantly, taking me aback. If she knew this, why didn't she tell me?

"If you're wondering why I never said anything, it's because I knew you'd act like this, all worried and concerned. Plus, Father insisted we keep it in-house. I don't know how the girls found out, but I'm not shocked if the whole town knows by now," she confessed, turning back to take down her bun.

Was I living under a rock? It seemed everyone knew about this ordeal but me. I wondered if he was alright... or where he went to hide.

"Lilith, don't worry about my cousin. His life has always been like this. He's used to it," she added.

"Used to it?" I asked, noticing her expression change as she realized she'd said too much.

"In terms of always being on the road. It's common to make enemies. Anyway, let's not discuss August's life story. It's not mine to share," she laughed.

I nodded, packing my things to head home. I said goodbye and walked outside to my carriage. To my surprise, Roland was standing nearby.

"Hello, Roland," I said nonchalantly.

"Do you have a moment, Lilith?" he asked, gesturing for me to take a walk with him.

I told my driver I'd be only a minute and followed him. "Is there something we should discuss?" I asked as we strolled along the front entrance.

"How have you been?" he asked.

I understood his question. The Windsor siblings might argue a lot, but they also gossiped. I expected Roland to know about my failed confession to August as they were best friends, but I didn't expect him to talk about it with me.

"Roland, if you're here to talk about August, I am fine. Whatever was told to you is in the past. I am over him," I stated firmly.

"I actually was asking about your engagement," he laughed. I went quiet, embarrassed by my outburst.

"But it's good to know you're over August. I enjoyed that monologue," he continued to laugh.

I hated talking to Roland. He was always playing with people. "My engagement is going well," I mumbled.

"That's good to hear. You should probably head home," he said as we returned to my carriage.

Roland helped me inside, and I waved goodbye. Resting my head on my arm, I felt embarrassed by what I'd said. They must think I'm crazy... to be honest, it's been hard moving on.

I thought my engagement with Alaric would help, but it only reminded me of the missing weight August left. I couldn't be surprised at myself; I've been trying to get over him since I was sixteen.

We reached my house, and I stepped out, walking to the door. Entering, all the lights were out—my parents must have been asleep. I grabbed the package and headed upstairs to my room.

Getting undressed and comfortable, I sat at my desk and opened the package. A small necklace fell out, but that was it. No card or note, just the necklace.

I lifted it against the lantern. It was a gold chain with an amber pendant, one I'd seen multiple times. Holding it tight, I opened my drawer and stuck it inside.

He thought that was funny, sending me such a sentimental necklace. Boiling with anger, I lifted the covers and fell asleep.