Color of Roses

Surprise Reunion

Chapter 27

A week had passed since I started living in Stein. Byron would call for me occasionally to discuss wedding plans and each time I'd return to room an empty shell of my former self. Nico would visit from time to time to give me information on Byron and the man with the glasses who I learned was named Albert. I was told our engagement ball was to be held tonight and let myself be fitted with another dress, this time a pale green. Layers of soft fabric cascade down my waistline. White flowers are stitched down in a pattern down the skirt. My hair is pinned up and out of my face and my bare shoulders is accented with a pearl necklace tightly wrapped around my neck.

Nico escorts me to the ballroom where I follow routine. I sit beside Byron while he watches people gossip and eat below us. He looks rather bored but I can never tell with his blank staring. I decide to do endure tonight and lean over. "Would you like to dance?" I whisper loudly over the orchestra. He looks at me with raised brows. "Okay," he says plainly. I rise from my seat and he does the same. We join the group of people populating the dance floor and I grab hold of Byron's hand. I rehearse what Leo had taught me that day when I learned to dance. Byron follows my every move without missing a step. We dance to a few songs until I feel myself growing thirsty. He leads me to the champagne table and offers me a glass and I happily scarf it down in one gulp.

"It's so warm," I say fanning myself.

"Follow me," he says and gently takes hold of my hand. He leads me out of the ballroom and down a side hallway and a set of doors that exit into the gardens. Gravel crunches beneath our feet and he stops me in front of a large fountain surrounded by rose bushes. I sit beside him on the cool concrete and I gaze up at the stars above. The moon shines bright and dark clouds float across the indigo sky.

"Do you like it?" He asks.

"Do I like the parties? They're growing on me. Do I like living here as though I'm a help prisoner? Nor so much," I say honestly.

"That's not my intention," he says flatly.

"Then tell me how I'm supposed to feel because that's how I'm being treated. I can't leave my room unless you call for me and even then I'm not allowed to speak my mind. I'm forced to join your silly balls when all you do is sit there and watch. I had to do something tonight. Don't think I was doing it for you," I say bluntly.

"You still danced regardless," he says. "If there's something you'd like, tell me. I'll make your stay here as comfortable as possible."

"Let me go home then and live my life the way I want to," I demand. He gazes at me and brushes a strand of hair behind his ear. "That's not an option. I want you as my bride to unite our kingdoms."

"I don't see how me being in Wysteria falters that?"

"There's nothing more to discuss."

I stare at his back more frustrated than ever. He takes me back to the party and I force his release on my hand. "I'm going to my room," I say turning away and leaving the ballroom. I ascend the stairs when a I see a shadow move out of the corner of my eye. I look around to see if anyone is there but only the flickering of a candle lines the wall. I enter my room and shut and lock my door. I take off my dress and replace it with my nightgown. I collapse on my bed and stare at my ceiling. The chandelier sparkles in the moonlight and I stare at it before falling asleep.

I stir in my sleep when I hear a light tapping coming from my balcony doors. I rub my eyes as I try to focus. A dark figure plays with the knob and I realize someone's breaking into my room. I quietly step out of bed and walk slowly towards the doors. They fling open and I stumble backward and trip over a chair.

"Who are you?" I say staggering to my feet. The figure steps closer and I back away until my legs touch the edge of my bed. "I'll call a guard if you don't answer me!" I threaten. I inhale to yell but my voice is muffled by soft lips pressing against mine. Firm hands grasp the sides of my face and a familiar scent envelops me. I let myself melt in the kiss.

The figure releases their lips and I blink in surprise. The moonlight illuminates half of the figure's face and I now by the color of his eyes that I'm face to face with Alyn.