𝐒𝐔𝐂𝐊𝐄𝐑 𝐏𝐔𝐍𝐂𝐇

XLI

— RORI —

Silvia appears at just the right moment. Or maybe the wrong one, though she certainly saved us from any type of altercation after Seamus's decision to play the blame game.

She asks Lorenzo if he wishes for her to now escort us to the bedrooms, as he has a prior commitment. And for the time being, he is saved by his housekeeper.

It is not just Silvia that escorts us though. With so many siblings to accommodate, she wisely brings along her staff.

I am shown to my room by a lady in her twenties, who appears rather diligent, though she is not nearly as eager to meet me as her boss had been.

She offers to help me unpack my items, as Silvia had 'warned her i was injured', but i decline, eager to settle in and hopefully catch up on some sleep before evening comes around. Though part of me wishes to stretch my legs more after such a long journey.

She also offers to wake me, which i also decline.

After all, i am not the Queen. That is what i tell her. She seems neither amused nor impressed by this, but answers with, "Of course."

And so i tour my new bedroom. Though i am tired, i am still as curious as ever — but though i am curious, i also feel rather overwhelmed by the glamour that surrounds me.

The room is a little larger than mine. The furniture is not as dated as in other parts of the house, though still doesn't seem out of place.

It is beautiful, of course — a Queen sized canopy bed that is draped in ivory fabric embroidered with flowers, a brocade throw resting at the foot. An antique dressing table stands across the room, topped with delicate glass perfume bottles and a porcelain dish for earrings. Below the window sits a plush couch — and beneath that, a Persian rug — beside which a side table holds a vase of freshly-cut flowers, a striking contrast to the timelessness of the space.

In fact, there are bouquets carefully placed throughout the room — even in the walk-in closet. Botanical prints decorate the walls.

There is a floor lamp with a silk shade beside the couch. I already plan to use it when i read in the evening. Conveniently, there is a fireplace and book shelves adjacent.

French doors lead onto a private terrace like my own, though i have yet to step out there. The soft curtains are tied, so i am able to see a table and chair set on the other side.

The walk-in closet is certainly wider than mine, though not as deep, and the bathroom is larger too. Actually, i am envious of the bath. If i wish to have a bath at home, i have to use one in one of the shared bathrooms. This one is claw-footed and ornate, with brass fixtures. What i love most is that it is the most gorgeous blush pink, coordinating beautifully with the other accents in the room.

I just know if Annalise were here, she would flip. If she knew i were here, i can't imagine how jealous she would be.

Being that she is an only child born into wealth, her parents have allowed their darling girl plenty of space. So, in fact, her bedroom is bigger than this one — but not even half as extravagant. This isn't just wealth. It is old money. The kind that is incomprehensible to those in LA who have money to throw around.

Part of me almost wishes she knew i was here — that she would tell Lindsay and the girls at school.

It's a bad way of thinking. I know it is. It's the first time in my life that i have wanted the people i usually wish would mind their own business to do the opposite.