Steel Rose

Chapter 34

Evangeline Pov

   Dread hangs over my brother like a dull grey cloud. A cloud that follows him wherever he goes. Effects everyone and everything in his path. Dark circles under his eyes, and a frown etched into his lips. His fight with the Nornus girl has taken its toll on his appearance, mind, and attitude. Which has turned sour towards everyone.

   He doesn't even celebrate the capture of Mare the way he would. He puts on a front, the day in the field. The day Maven dragged her triumphantly to the waiting convoy. Not even as he flashed her in front of the county, with promises to give her want she deserves. He doesn't react when she launched at him teeth snapping. Amused slightly, but that's all.

   The only good thing about all of this is that Ptolemus's chambers were moved into the palace. And he was more focused on his task. It wasn't hard to find something for him to do. I knew eventually he would come from under this dark cloud and move on. He had to. I needed him to. 

   And then one day, it was like a snap of fingers. Ptolemus's mood brightened and he spoke openly. He seemed like himself again, and it was all I could really ask for. I thought that he had let go of the Nornus girl, he had moved on. He was over it. All of it. That is, until a cousin brought up his mood. Questioning what made him change. 

   "I'm going to apologize to her," Ptolemus stated.

    And like that, I felt any hope of having my brother back  shatter. 

Belle Pov

  A couple days go by, and again I find myself staring at the scarlet and gold wrapped box. I chew on my lip trying my hardest not to go over to, not to tear it apart piece by piece. I eye the small torn piece of paper on the side, exposing a white box, where the temptation had once become too much to ignore. I pick at my nails, as I drag my eyes away from the gift. 

   Its late in the afternoon and I feel tired from my trip to the palace. It seems so routine, that it just begins to weigh one me. I feel so physically and emotionally drained I don't know what to do with myself. I find myself accommpanying my brothers, or my parents. And as much as I hate to admit, without Ptolemus, my life has become dull. 

   That was until Father opened my door, "Isabelle, someone is here for you." 

Unable to contain my curiosity I arise from my seat and follow him out.  And as I do, I can't help but notice the sag in my father's shoulders, and my mind races with who could be calling for me. Although, I know who it is. 

   When we turn the corner I'm surprised to see a palace guard there. I have the urge to tell the guard he has wasted his time, and turn around and march right back to my isolation. 

   "Lady Nornus, I request has been made for you. I must accompany you to the palace." he says with a lazy blink. 

   "At who's request?" I ask stepping forward, again my interests sparking. 

   The only time I've been asked personally to the palace was when Evangeline called and I ended up wanted to strangle her in the end. 

   "Lady Samos," he says and I can't hold in my annoyed sigh. "She requests you come immediately." 

   I glance around the room, wishing very much that I had something more to do. That I had more purpose. But I don't. So I nod and follow the guard out. 

Time Skip

   I figure out what is really going on when the guard leads me in a different direction then Evangeline's chambers. There are more guards around this area. But the knowledge that I'm going to see Ptolemus instead makes my head spin and my gut twist with dread.

   "Did he say what he wanted?" I ask the mute guard. I realize it's a dumb question as soon as it leaves my mouth. Of course not. And as I thought, the guard doesn't glance at me let alone answer.

   "Here we are," he says gesturing to the door. I stare at the wood, biting my lip.

   "Do I have to go in?" I ask to no one.

   He simply opens the door and nudges me inside. Taking a large breath I step in the room. And I hear the door click closed behind me. 

   The curtains are wide open exposing the sunset and the stunning view of the city. I move deeper into the room with caution, like a mouse trying not to draw any attention to itself. The room smells crisp and everything I notice has its place. The room is fairly simple and to the side is a door. It must lead to his bedroom. 

   I don't hear anything. Ptolemus must not be here yet. My mother would say its rude to make a lady wait. I, on the other hand am glad for the extra time. With a sigh, I sit down on one of the cushioned couches, letting myself sink into it. I pull my legs up into the seat and rest my head on the side. I let it swallow me. 

   Sometime later I feel a soft nudge on my shoulder. I hum squinting at the sudden burst of sunlight. 

   "Isabelle," I hear followed by a soft chuckle. "Wake up."

   I groan and pull myself out of the chair. I look up and see Ptolemus looking down at me with an amused smirk. And like that, my sleepy daze falls away and I bolt out of the chair. "Ptolemus?" I say wiping my eyes. I notice the sun is still setting, I couldn't have been asleep too long. 

   "I apologize for making you wait," he swallows his adam's apple bobbing. "I didn't think Eve would send for you so soon."

   I adjust my clothes and push back my hair. "Right," I say. "Why did you have her call me here anyways?"

   He tilts his head to the side, "You wouldn't have come if I had called for you." 

   I reply before I can even think about it, "And you think using your sister's name was a better idea. You would have been better off using your own." I scoff. 

   His brows furrows and his eyes drop to the floor. He is actually surprised at my words. I would at least like to think he knows what kind of person his sister is. Towards me at least. But looking at him now, I guess not. 

   "I don't want to fight with you," he starts dismissing my snap and stepping closer to me. "I just want to talk."

   I cross my arms as if that can protect me from my emotions, "I thought I made myself very clear." 

   And he has the nerve to chuckle, rubbing his neck with his hand and looking up at me from under his eyelashes, "Yes, yes you did." 

   "Then what more is there to say?" I ask raising an eyebrow. 

   "I just want to explain what happened," he says stepping closer.

    In return I step back, although I long to move closer. "Your engaged," I answer, "I know what happened."

   "Please, Isabelle." he says firmly, the muscle in his jaw clenching. 

   I drop my eyes to the floor unable to meet his eye. "Okay."