The Baron and his Lady

Eight: Kiss and tell

I woke up in a strange room, it was poorly lit. I saw the shadows danced as the candle flickered against the draft. My head felt heavy as I tried to sat up. Where am I?

I looked around, I saw a table where a decanter lay next to a glass. Had I been drinking? I frowned, of course not. I'm not allowed yet and I never liked a sip of any liquor Dad gave me.

My ears strained to hear any sound from my surroundings. I could hear the wind against the window, a storm may be brewing. Once the throbbing in my head subsided, I tried to stand and almost doubled over.

My foot stepped into my skirt, it was an overly long skirt. I realised I was wearing what seemed like a gown with a very low cut on my chest. It pushed my breasts up in a way they looked bigger than usual. What's going on here? I don't own something like this—its a woman's dress. A thing I would never wear unless Mom would thrashed me for hours.

I steadied myself by holding unto the piano. My foot felt awkward, guess its numb after not moving for so long. But how long actually? Did I pass out? I don't remember. Somehow the room looked familiar. I raked my brain, trying to remember where I have seen this before. My gaze fell into the piano again. Something's wrong. Isn't this the music room Tristane had showed me?

"Hello Krista.."

I stiffened. I knew that voice. It sounded like he was just behind me. Should I turn around? But my body won't move. Then it dawned to me, I was dreaming again. Of him. I closed my eyes painfully, if I keep them open he'll disappear.

"I won't disappear Krista. Not this time.." he sounded nearer now.

Oh dear lord. What am I to do?

"Face me Krista. Don't be a coward."

That spun me around, how dare he—

I caught my breath. I forgot my eyes, they're wide open now. And I can see him. My jaw dropped helplessly. I leaned against the piano, my legs wobbled beneath me. I might faint.

Oh my! He's just exactly how I imagined him to be. Tall, broad shouldered and lean. His hand combed his dark long hair, it fell very slowly—like the time had been slowed down all of a sudden with that one single movement. His face showed that fresh stubble on his finely chiseled jaw, I saw it moved. He was smiling. Goodness gracious!

I raised my gaze and met his, those blue eyes seemed to have pierced my body. I felt heat rose up to my face. Its him! The Baron Lucian!

His smile spread even more. He began to walk towards me. I remained where I was. The air felt thick, I couldn't breathe properly. I must be hyperventilating. Suddenly, he stood right next to me, those thick brows frowned, dear me! He's still beautiful even if he frowned!

"You are suprised to see me.."

"I can see you!" I said it like I was accusing him of something.

His frown faded, and the smile returned. Wait. Did I just spoke to him? I felt my eyes widened in shock. Not only I am seeing him, I spoke to him as well! But he's not fading, he's here still! Is this... the end?

"Fear not Krista.. this is a dream still.."

Why does his voice sound so distant? He's right here, it should sound louder shouldn't it? I struggled to push myself right up.

"If this is a dream, why aren't you fading? I cannot see you nor talk you before, why is it different now?"

"You are in my domain Krista. I am stronger here. My power holds longer."

Power? Does he mean the devil's power? Its true then, the devil took him?

"What.. do you want with me?"