Steel Rose

Chapter 22

Ptolemus Pov

   It didn't take long for me to realize that Belle had fallen asleep on me. Her snores are more of a purr, and she curled up into a ball. I pull her closer to me softly, so not to disturb her. I feel her steady breathing and I almost laugh at the thought that she feel asleep on me, even though I can't figure out why its so funny. As I watch her hair slid into her face, I wonder if she is dreaming. I wonder what she dreams about. I watch her sleep for a while, fighting back my own exhaustion, just for another glance. This is one fight, that doesn't last long. 

   I flinch away from the dawn sun, as I open my eyes. I can see outside, which means I must have turned over in my sleep. The sky is still blue, and few birds fly past. The city is not yet awake. My back is surprisingly warm, and it takes me a moment to recount everything from yesterday. When it does, I have the urge to sink back under my covers and wait until dusk to reappear. However, I know that cannot happen.When I rise from the bed, Belle is still there, her knees almost tucked up to her chest. Her eyes closed. I stretch my arms above my head, deciding not to bother her. 

Belle Pov

   I wake with a groan, feeling cold. The unfamiliar scent and surroundings wakes me up fully, and I sit up in bed pushing back my hair. I can tell its tangled, and I'm going to struggle with it later. I look around the room, Ptolemus. I'm still in the Samos house. I'm wearing my clothes from yesterday, and I'm not even under the covers. No wonder I was cold. The curtains let in the morning sun, the sky bright outside. 

   I'm alone. It takes me a moment to process that. I touch the spot on the bed where Ptolemus had laid beside me. The spot is cold as well. He's been gone for a while. I look around the room, looking for a way to tell what time it is. On the far wall, a clock, 8:13. I'm still in the Samos house. The information hits me hard this time and I scramble out of bed, and move to the door. Just before reaching the handle, I hesitate. What am I going to do. Walk out, in wrinkled clothing, a girl not of the house, walking out a bedroom. I step away, and walk into the bathroom instead. 

   Clicking on the light, I see a small note taped to the mirror. A new toothbrush and simple dark grey clothing. I take the note off the mirror and quickly read it. 

                   Didn't want to wake you. The clothes are yours. Shower, if you want. -PS

   I place it on the sink, turning to the pristine white shower. Clean towels hang on the towel rack, and face towel. I stand in the center of it all, debating if I should. I tune my ears, listening for any voices outside, but I hear none. A still silence. I reach past the curtain, turning on the shower. 

   My hair drips down my back, and steam fogs the mirror. My borrowed clothes are warm and soft, as I grab my towel,squeezing the ends of my hair for any extra water. I run my fingers through it quickly, undoing any larger knots that I find, leaving the small ones for later. I do my hair, in a quick messy braid. I know what awaits me back at my own residence, so I take my time doing so. A maid had come in gone, fixing the bed and avoiding my gaze. She ignored me until she left, and now I wish I had asked her for a brush. Or some food. 

   I suffer the consequence of skipping dinner and breakfast. My stomach only growling louder by the minute. Perhaps I can sneak into the kitchen back at my residence. Only if Mother, Father, or my brothers catch me first. I finish braiding my hair, and I pull on the simple jacket. Its too big, but warm and secure with the faintest smell of Ptolemus. 

   With a deep breath, I pull open his bedroom door. The hallways are empty, but I can hear faint voices in the sitting area. Deciding not to make my presence known, I turn the opposite direction. The houses are built similar, so it takes little time for me to find the backdoor. One that leads to another stone path, curving around the houses and neatly trimmed gardens. I push open the door, and am extra careful not to make the click to loud as I close it behind me. The morning air is refreshing and cool. 

   I listen to the awakening city, and savor the fresh air as I move past each noble residence one by one at an easy pace. I reach my house, and quietly push the door. I opens, its not locked. I breath a sigh of relief. I creep across the floor, listening for any signs of family. I thought I was free, I thought I wouldn't be noticed when a voice startled me.

   "Where have you been?" I turned and Titus's moss green eyes bored back at me. 

   "Somewhere," I answered turning away. He only follows, a smirk on his lips.

   "I hope that is not the answer your going to give mother." he pauses, "She was worried."

   I sigh, feeling a pang of guilt. "I feel asleep over at the Samos residence. I woke up like an hour ago,"

   He steps in front of me, so we stop his eyes shifted to my wet hair, "Right," but his voice suggested that he didn't believe me. He smiles and raises a suggestive eyebrow. "Long night?"

   I jerk in surprise, "No! I feel asleep, that's all." 

   A crap grin split across his face, and it makes me very much want to knock him right in his teeth. "Look little sister," he slung his arm around my shoulder and pointed to himself, "I believe you. I really do. But I just want you wish you luck selling that to our parents." his grin widens, "And Kane. And Chris." he patted my shoulder. 

   I pushed him off, "Where is everyone anyway?"

   "Mother and father went to the palace. Business of some sort. Chris and Quinton are somewhere here. Kane was brought along to go find the escaped rebels."

   "Wait, what?" 

   "Too busy with Ptolemus I see to watch the broadcast that has been playing all day," he jokes, "But Princess Mareena announced that the conscription age is now lowered to 15."

   "15 years old." I repeat. Seems harsh. Most would say it seems fair. "They won't makes it," 

   "I think that's the point. A warning to all reds. But she also said anyone with information regarding the rebels would get five of their family members released."

   I hum, "They'll trample each other for such a offer,"

   Titus nods, "Yes they will."

   My stomach growls loudly and Titus smirks, his playful persona making its way back. "Hungry? Didn't Ptolemus feed you over there?"  I roll my eyes at him as we walk together to the kitchen.