Doom Upon All The World

Chapter 16: Olive

"What am I to do?  

"Where am I to go?  How am I to choose?  She cried into her palms, leaving tears in her wake and an ache in heart.  Kraven was so kind to me.  And how do I repay his kindness?  But with this betrayal?"  Torrance's voice was heavy and tired as he read to her.  They'd been up reading all afternoon, ever since Keiran let them loose from his lessons.  He expected them to be through chapter ten by tomorrow but Olive knew that if Torrance kept reading to her the way that he is, she'll only fall asleep and miss most of it. 

"It is then that the object of her misfortune stepped into her quarters.  The first time she laid her eyes on Lionel she thought he was beautiful, perhaps the most beautiful man she'd ever seen.  Then he spoke and her heart melted.  But it is her soul that melts now, disintegrating into ash and dust, rubble and debris, destruction and havoc, as her eyes meet his."  Olive yawns making him pause as she leans against him, resting her head on his shoulder.  

"You're not falling asleep on me, are you?"  He teases.  They'd come up here to study but she wanted him to read to her.  She detested reading aloud and reading alone made her sad.  Torrance jumped at the opportunity.  They had never been anything more than friends, though his feelings never lurked too far beneath the surface.  He was surprised she hadn't figured it out yet.  

She chuckles and sits up.  "Give that here."  She demands, snatching the book from him and forcing herself to sit up against the head board.  "Perhaps taking a turn will keep me awake."  She grins and he settles into her side anxiously. 

"Why do you come, Lionel?  And tell me not that it is you cannot stay away.  For if you do, it is sure to break my strength, as small as it is.  Certainly, I will fall to your feet should you declare what I have held in. Ophelia mutters to him in desperate whispers.  Lionel only smiles at her, taking long strides in her direction, watching her watch every one of them."  Torrance squirms, trying to find the right position.  The bed is too lumpy.  She looks down at him with wide eyes. 

"Well go on.  Get comfortable."  She orders with a smirk as he scoots down, putting his head on the pillow and rolling onto his side to look at her.  "Better?" She questions.  He nods and her eyes return to the scripture. 

"But, my lady Ophelia, you must believe my intentions pure!  I come to declare that you mustn't be my brother's wife. Nay, you must be mine and mine alone.  I declare I cannot give you to my brother knowing you hold my heart in your frail, lovely hands.  He is closer to her now than ever before and it takes her breath away.  Ophelia slips into the daze that Lionel has always thrust upon her."  Olive stops, feeling a slight pressure at her hip, not entirely sure of its origin. 

Then she continues, taking a steadying breath, "Nay, I must! I must marry your brother, the prince!  He is my love.  He is so kind.  So dear to me.  Dare you take him from me?  She asks with pleading eyes.  She can feel the warmth seething off him as if her nearness made him hot."  Torrance shifts uncomfortably again and once more the pressure at Olive's side returns.  She ignores it and goes on. 

"Dare I, if it meant I might have you all to myself. His voice is deep, low and husky as he says this, getting on his knees before her."  Olive clears her throat, uncertain of the book's turn of events.  "And have you I shall. His eyes meet hers as he lifts the silken skirt of her dress to-"  Olive stops, swallowing the realization of the presence beside her.  "What's wrong?"  Torrance lifts his head but Olive doesn't turn her gaze from the pages. "Nothing."  She goes on.  

"The silken skirt of her dress to caress the tender skin around her bare ankle.  Ophelia does not flinch at his touch.  His hand moves up her pale leg, the other one joining it as he lifts the appendage.  She backs herself gently against the bed post, taking him with her as his lips meet the inside of her knee, taking in her smell, the taste of her skin.  But then his mouth isn't on her leg anymore.  Rather on her,"  Olive stops again, suddenly regretting taking the book from Torrance.