Steel Rose

Chapter 15

Belle Pov

   I can still feel his lips on mine. Soft, warm, amazing. I blush to myself as I put on my evening outfit. The days turned to weeks here at the palace, and I've seen Ptolemus almost every one of those days. I remember his hands on my waist. His warmth. To say things moved quickly was understood. But I knew niether of us minded. I liked him more then I thought I would. He intrigued me more then he should have, and I still didn't have an answer to why. Maybe I never will, and that doesn't bother me in slightest.

   During training, I could feel Evangeline glace at me every now and then, no doubt wondering what goes on between me and her brother. Although she can't wonder much, since I know how close they are by the way he talks about her whenever I dare to ask. Her gaze unsettled me, and I prayed she doesn't notice.

   My own siblings pester and badger me about Ptolemus after every night I go out with him. After every kiss they somehow know we shared. I roll my eyes and pretend that reciting every detail bothers me. Mother purses her lips, her condition getting worse with each passing day, and Father just sits quietly. 

   I wish I knew their true thoughts on Ptolemus. 

   "You should come inside, meet them." I told him one time over dinner.

   He froze, his fork mid stab. He raised his eyebrow. "So soon?"

   I laugh, "We've been seeing each other for nearly three months now, don't you believe its time you met my parents, officially?"

   He sets his fork with a soft clank, and leans back. His hand rests on top of the table, and I could take his hand if I wanted. "I don't know Belle. I mean," he winces, "I like our little private bubble. Just you and me."

   You and me. That makes me smile. I scoot closer, lacing his fingers with mine. My heart jumps at our touch like it always does. His grip tightens around mine, in a firm yet gentle squeeze. 

   "You and me," I repeat and he smiles. A white toothed smile that I mirror. "But my parents, and I don't even want to mention my brothers, they're so annoying always pestering me about you. And I just want them to meet you. Say hello, shake hands." 

   Ptolemus sighs dropping his shoulders in defeat. "Fine,"  he drags. "Tomorrow, on one condition,"

   "What?"

   "You meet mine,"  he grins. 

   I wince at myself. I wasn't ready for that. I should have expected it though. I suppose that's why Evangeline was staring at me today. Of course it was. I should have known, but I guess watching the two princessess loose their temper and fight it off tended to distract me from the obvious.

   I look over myself in the mirror, trying to find any mistake or imperfection. My gaze instead lands behind me, to my vanity set. On the table still sits the rose from so many weeks ago. The red turned brown, the petals brittle. If I touch it, they'll probably fall off. I can't bring myself to throw it away, although I know I should. 

   I drag my eyes back to myself. My dress falls to my knees, with scarlet fabric and lace covering, and a small flower in the front. I complete the look my mother's necklace and matching earrings. My hair is falls over my shoulder, in a lose braid. Complete with simple rose gold strapped heels, tall enough to still be appropriate, to top it all off.  I pick at my nails, nerves and possibly fear coiling in my stomach. 

   I know what the Samos family is like. I've know about their power, I know about their tendency to be, not so nice. Evangeline and Ptolemus proudly show off that, their tilted chin and natural ability to look down at you. But, when I close my eyes, I see his smile too. The happy gleam in his eye.

   A knock on the front door shatters my daydream. My fear floods back, washing down my back. I hear the door open, and my brother's voice. "Belle!" he calls. "Your boyfriend is here!"

   I take a deep breath and open my door walking into the main room. Ptolemus stands in the center, dressed in a stiff black dress jacket and pants, his hair slicked back from his face. All of my brothers stand too, oldest for youngest, all of them looking over Ptolemus with a sharp glare. He smiles as he sees me, his eyes looking over my dress. 

   "You look beautiful," he says taking my hand as I reach him. He kisses my cheek, and I hear Titus scoff. I blush, as Father walks out. He approaches quietly, clearing his throat. Ptolemus turns his head towards him. He releases my hand, extending it towards my father. They shake hands, never breaking eye contact. 

   "Father this is Ptolemus, of House Samos." He nods in greeting. "Ptolemus this is my father, Lord Darius." 

   "Your daughter is an extraordinary lady," Ptolemus says. "I am so luck to have met her." 

   I blush, stepping forward slipping my hand into his. Ptolemus squeezes lightly, and I squeeze back. Father notices of course. "You seem to make my daughter happy," he says, "And I would like to keep it that way."

   "It seems we have that in common, my Lord." Ptolemus says. 

   "Yes," Father says slowly, "it does." he steps back gesturing my brothers forward. "You of course meet my sons."

   They step up one my one, Ptolemus shaking hands with all four. Kane, Christian, Titus, then Quinton. None of them bother to even attempt a false smile, my brothers presenting themselves. Only Kane and Chris match up to Ptolemus' height, none of them his build. Swifts are quick, we have no need for extra muscle. But they all match the intense look, the ferocity, the protective barrier. I almost roll my eyes. 

   "We must be heading out," I say before I stop myself. Alarm goes off in my head, stupid. "I still have to meet his family," I smile trying to hide my nerve. 

   Ptolemus steps back with a nod, "Yes, we must not be late. First impressions are important."

   "They are," Christian agrees. 

   "You must join us for diner another night. A shame you could not meet my wife, she must rest." 

   "It would be my honor," he says. "I'll have her back by 10 tonight,"

   Father nods in approval, his gaze sliding to mine. "I'll see you then, not a moment later." he smiles, "or sending your brothers after you."

   I nod, sharing a smile with him. "Of course."