Color of Roses

Bittersweet Escape

Chapter 30

(Wow! I can't believe I've written 30 chapters so far! I've been working hard on this story and I love how it's turning out! Thank you all for keeping up with it and for all the reviews. I really appreciate your feedback and I can't wait to write more! I have so much in store for Aria and Alyn!)

I was running out of canvases at this point. I've managed to spend every hour inside the room Byron had given me for my hobby. I had a different view of the garden and morning sunrise that it was easy to paint something different. Byron would come and inspect the paintings each afternoon before dinner. I did, however, paint a portrait of Byron with his silver eyes gleaming in the candlelight of his office. He had it framed and hung it up behind his desk. He was strange but he gave the impression he was trying to make me happy despite holding me captive.

I've washed up and changed clothes just in time for Nico to announce dinner was ready. I follow the usual routine of descending the stairs and into the large dining room. Byron sits in his usual spot at the head of the table and I sit adjacent to him. His chin rests on the back of his knit hands and I feel myself blushing as his gray eyes follow me to my seat. He was rather handsome and I couldn't help but feel flattered he was interested in me.

"I have something I want to share with you," he says unfolding his fingers. My eyes shift to his and he smiles softly. "It's been nearly a month since you've been here now. I think you're free to do as you please without supervision."

My eyes broaden at his words. "You mean it?" I ask ensuring he's not joking.

"I mean it. You've been very trustworthy and I feel you shouldn't feel like a prisoner. I want you to be happy."

I shift my eyes down and stare at my plate at the word 'happy'. He was trying to make the most of my staying here but I was anything but happy. The servants enter the room with a roasted pig and an assortment of vegetables and fruits trays. Nico and Albert join us at the table and the three of them discuss various things. I'm chewing my food quietly when something Albert says catches my attention.

"One of the guards says they saw someone suspicious near the south wall. They took off before he was able to confront the figure. I've ordered the guards to survey the castle grounds as well as the wall and gates more often and to report any more strange activity."

Alyn! He's still trying to sneak in but he's risking too much. I quickly finish my meal and excuse myself. I return to my room and stare out at the wall from my balcony. An hour passes and I've watched the movement of guards walking across the yard a dozen times at least. Any chances of me getting out of here are growing ever so slim.

                                                                                                               *

Byron greets me as I enter the dining hall for breakfast. "Good morning, Aria."

"Good morning," I say taking a seat.

"I have some news for you," he says reaching for my hand. I stare at him as he holds it in both of his gloved ones. "I've decided on a wedding date." My stomach drops and any emotion has left my face. He smiles at me and I don't reflect it in return. "We'll have our wedding in winter."

I pull my hands away and place them in my lap. It was nearing the end of fall now and winter was just around the corner. "I don't know what to say," I mutter.

"I bet you'll look beautiful in white beside the snow." He looks at me longingly and I force myself to smile. I eat in silence, if you call picking at your food eating. Byron leaves to attend to a military meeting and kisses my cheek. I find myself wandering to my painting room where I let myself go and color the last remaining canvas.

Hours pass and I'm sitting in a chair while my head rests on the wooden desk. I stare at the women crying in a wedding dress displayed on my canvas. I hear a commotion in the hall and I stagger over to the door and peek outside. Albert is talking to one of the guards a couple feet away. His eyes meet mine and he narrows his brow. "Come with me," he orders. The guard takes off and Albert leads me into Byron's office. I stand there confused and covered in paint.

"What's going on?" I ask anxiously.

Byron swipes a quick glance at me and then addresses Albert. "Did you get him?"

Him? Who were they talking about?

"Yes, he's in the holding ward for the time being. Our men are leading interrogations as we speak."

"Good," Byron says and rises from his chair. He faces me and I hold my breath. "There's something you need to see."

I follow Byron outside to a large building with guards at every corner. I feel my heart collapse into my stomach as guards stand at every corner. This must be their holding for prisoners. The worse thought crosses my mind and I pray that it's not what I think it is. One of the guards salutes Byron and opens the door to a large, damn hallway. The lighting is horrible save for small candles placed every few feet. The smell of mold and rotting flesh fills my nose and I cover my mouth to keep from vomiting. Byron walks ahead and Albert shortly behind him. I force myself to follow them while my eyes water from the stench.

"He's down there," one of the guards say and Byron continues on. Another door is opened and a cobblestone room waits at the other side. I hear the sound of a whip and a male voice cry out in agony. We step into the room and I nearly fall to my knees. The whip cracks again and the voice cries out again and I nearly scream when I see the pained expression on his face. His hands are chained to the floor and his shirt is nothing but strips of fabric holding on by nearly a thread. His dark hair hangs in his face and blood trickles down the side of his jaw.

"You've got a visitor," Albert says and steps aside allowing him to get a good look at me. His head lifts up and his eyes, those gorgeous red eyes, stare up at me. I cover my mouth to stifle a cry. His face is swollen and his lip, the lips I was so used to kissing, were cut and blackened with bruises.

Byron takes a step towards Alyn and grabs his jaw firmly in his hand. "Kill him."