18

Executive Dining

"What do you mean you can't find her Louis!" My body froze in shock as I gripped the dresser trying to stop myself from falling as I felt weak to the knees.

"I am sure it is nothing, Eleanor we must get ready as normal, the evening has to continue."

"But it's not normal. Lorna is missing, and it's all my fault." Warm tears trickled to my lip as I could taste the saltiness of them.

"We don't know that, now put this on, we have to be downstairs in less than ten minutes."

"No, not until I know she is safe."

"Eleanor, will you please stop disobeying every single order I give you god-damn it!" He threw the navy dress to the bed slamming the wardrobe door shut. "Now put this on we would rather not be late."

"Fine." I snatched the dress hating the very sight of the stupid thing, if I never see another dress it would be too soon. "Some privacy would be nice." I sneered as he turned around quickly.

"You do realise if something has happened to Lorna that it would not be your fault."

"So you do think she is in trouble." I pulled the dress around my chest as I pulled my arms through the long sleeves. "Louis, do you believe she is in trouble." I spoke softly as he turned around.

"Here let me button it up for you." I could feel his hands tremble as he hastily fiddled with each one. "There all done."

"Thank you, but you never answered my question." I took the gold earrings from the dresser and poked them through my lobes.

"My honest answer is I am not sure Eleanor, now come I will escort you to dinner."

I slid my feet into the black heels as he patiently waited for me. "You best hold me up I would rather not break my neck in these heels and become a vampire." I smirked as his eyes narrowed.

"That is not funny Eleanor."

"I was not trying to be, shall we." I brushed my hair over my shoulders and took his arm.

The walk was held in silence as my body still felt heavy from the previous night with Carlos. Something about the silence felt eerie I couldn't quite place my finger on just what was causing myself to feel this way.

"Francesca and what does the hotel owe this pleasure." Louis stepped forward as the hostile vampire who had introduced me to the master stood before us. She appeared even taller than before, her perfect silhouette body clothed in a tight dark purple dress, this time her long black hair tied back in a clip.

"The master has requested that Miss Thorn and Mr. Gray dine in the executive restaurant tonight." He stood in front of me almost protectively as he spoke.

"And why may I ask has he decided this?"

"I did not ask master Louis."

"May I speak to my father for a moment."

"That will not be possible he is occupied at present."

"Fine, Miss Thorn if you would like to follow Francesca she will show you to your seat."

"Oh no master Louis he has asked that you also accompany Miss Thorn, he has put on quite the feast." Her black eyes had a sinister sheer as she led the way her high heels clicking to the tiled floor.

"Louis what is happening?" I whispered into his ear as he placed his finger to his lips. I knew we could not speak whilst she was around, but already I was fearing for not just my life but everyone I had grown fond of in the palace hotel.

"Ah come in, I've been expecting you. Miss Thorn a perfect picture as always. I must say I much prefer you in this colour than the red, but I am guessing you were told to wear that colour." The master kissed both of my cheeks as I could feel them redden. Something was very wrong tonight.