Marienne's life was completely undone when her village went up in flames. Badly burned and her eyesight lost, she awakes in a strange place, with no knowledge of how she arrived there. Her savior was the enigmatic and alluring Victor, the Lord of Az...
Author's Note: Chapter Ten is officially here, and it's a pretty big one! I can't wait to hear what everyone thinks about this one. This chapter represents a major turning point in the story, and man, am I excited for what's to come. I hope you all are too. I'm mainly here today to reiterate my content warning. There is both mention of blood in this chapter and some intimate romantic interactions. If you are uncomfortable with either, consider yourself fairly warned!
P.S.: Victor speaks a short Italian phrase as well in this chapter, which translates to "You are the moon over Venice."
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My heart pumped rapidly, fluttering against my ribcage as I walked up the stairs leading to Victor's chambers on Amelia's arm. I was a little unsure of where to step on each stair, so we made unsteady and slow progress. I ran my hand along the banister, fearful of tripping and toppling us down the stairs. I clutched the pearls in the hand wrapped around Amelia's arm, not entirely sure why I brought them now. In a plain homespun dress, they looked ridiculous around my neck, but I still wanted to show him I appreciated the gift. Now, I worried he might think otherwise when seeing them in my hand.
Amelia must have sensed my growing anxiety, because she stopped us at the top of the stairs and refused to let me walk on further. "You know, we could turn back now, and pretend you didn't come up here, if you're uncomfortable." She whispered into my ear. With the silence in the hall around us, even her hushed voice seemed to carry. I thought for a moment to take her up on the offer, to go downstairs to the Great Hall, and sit with her and eat breakfast, maybe get something to drink to soothe my dry and scratchy throat. However, I knew if I turned back now, there was no guarantee that I would find the courage I needed to walk up the stairs again.
"No, Amelia. There will be no need for that. Now, please, take me to Victor." I swallowed down my misgivings, and walked beside her, my strides bigger, quicker, more eager. This was only going to take a few moments, just a few words of thanks, and then I could be on my way yet again. Even though, deep down, I knew what accepting this gift would mean. The promise of a courtship loomed large in my mind, and I still couldn't quite let go that my suitor was a creature of myth and legend.
