Steel Rose

Chapter 37

Belle Pov

I feel my skin itch with so many eyes, so many voices. It shouldn't, since I've been attending noble feasts and parties most of my life. But this time, my body is tense and alert, as my eyes shifting over everyone.

I act like I'm listening to what Christian is saying beside me but I can't focus on him right now. My gaze drifts up to the the raised plateform where Maven, Mare, Evangeline, a pre-matured greying newblood, and two Piedmont guests are seated. Nothing could look more ridiculous.

I turn my gaze away remembering Ptolemus' whispered words from last night.

He touches his forehead to mine, breathing deeply and closing his eyes, the only thing between us right now is the air we breath. My body still tingles from only moments ago, my lips warm and slightly swollen. The room is dark and if he wasn't so close I wouldn't see him at all. The moon is our only light, our only witness.

I shift, running my fingers over his jaw noting the silver stubble beginning to grow. "What's wrong?"

When he opens his eyes again I see the moon reflected in them. My first thought is that I was wrong, they are so much different from his family's. My next is how serious, how afraid he looks.

"Isabelle," he swallows, "Tomorrow at the first shot fall to the sides. Don't panic, stay with your brothers. It will be chaotic, and I'll come see you later. You'll be safe." At his last words he sounds like he trying to convince himself more then me.

"What are you talking about?" The first shot.

"Trust me," he says searching my eyes, "I'll tell you everything when its best."

My curiosity never being my best quality I push for more. "Samos, tell me now."

Ptolemus sighs nuzzling against me, "I will, I swear it. Please Isabelle. Promise me."

I bit my lip looking into his eyes before slowing nodding. "I promise."

He nods as well turning and placing a tender kiss on my hand resting at his neck. A thrill rushes through me as his lips lead up my arm. I lay back as he smoothly settles on top, careful not to crush me. The skim of his skin, the weight of his body so wonderfully familiar.

He seals me with a purposeful kiss his tongue gliding between my lips as I close my eyes, letting everything but the feel of his body fade away. I pull him closer spreading my fingers across his strong shoulders-

I jerk from my memories remembering where I am. My thighs press together under the table and I take my water glass raising it to my red stained lips, thankful for the remaining chill to tame my blush.

"Belle?" Chris looks down at me our shared eye color boring at me. "You alright?"

No. I want to say. But I swallow and breath, deeply. "I'm fine."

Chris looks like he doesn't believe me. "Okay," Thankfully he lets it go, but not without one last long sided look.

I would have turned to him, told him that I would explain later. But I don't have the time before movement catches my eye, too quick too motivated for a feast. An Iral lord stands and I grab Chris's arm.

I can't say anything before a shot rings out followed by two more. At the first shot. I nearly freeze in realization but Chris iron tug on my arm stops me. He pushes me back to the sides and I slam into my mother who I know wouldn't let her only daughter into battle. Into chaos.

To make sure I'm not rash, she blocks my body with hers my youngest brother, Quinnton at her side. Father, Kane, Chris, and Titus are gone. Fear stricks my limbs and freezes my blood but my heart pumps adrenaline rushing through me as well.

Through there shoulders I see its only a massacre. House Haven and Laris turn against the rest of the court there eyes burning with determination. Some wear their sentinal robes, I notice, but there faces are bare of their masks.

Ptolemus voice rings in my head again, a taunt instead of a warning. The first shot. I should have known.

Terror claws at my gut I search for my brothers and father. Mother pushes back at me, pressing.

"Stay back Isabelle." Quinton growls casting a warning glance back at me. He's only a year and a month older then me but in the moment he's aged a decade.

Relief pumps through me as I eye my brother Kane his blurred body slowing enough to catch a Haven by the hair and she stumbles back into sight with a shriek.

Chris appears at his side his hands empty but a contained rage but calmness in his eyes. A streak of blood runs down his eyebrow and he wipes it away without second thought. He mumbles something to Kane as my attention is brought to the elevated platform.

Before I can get a good look to see what's happening, my mother's grip on my arm anchors me back and she pulls me out of the ballroom along with so many others following. I'm out so quick I don't even have the second to look back for my brothers or father.

TIME SKIP

I pace in my room my dress swishing around my legs. My nail has found it way between my teeth and I kick a discarded piece of clothing out of my way. I've tied my hair up into a shameful bun away from my face after I got irritated at it swinging in my face.

My father and the remaining of my brothers found their way back to the house safe and whole. All of them embracing me in a bone crushing hug.

Mother has yet to leave Father's side. I'm sure if it.

The house had been a buzz, children weeping and a few of the cousins cursing. We lost a couple today, nobody close to my immediate family, but enough to stir a commotion.

"Samos," my brother Kane had growled. "Damn Samos,"

I sat, quiet in the corner a steaming cup of tea in my hands, the words bitter on my tongue as I say them, "You don't know if they had anything to do with this Kane."

He turned to me, "Of course they do. Who else could have orcastrated all this." He steps closer to me a terrifying fury in his eyes, "Did you know?"

I feel my heart stop, "What?"

Kane gestures around him. To the chaos. "Did you know? I know that bastard likes you too much too much to not tell you. Did you know, Isabelle?" his voices raises with every word drawing the attention of everyone over here.

I stand up anger pulsing through my veins. Shame. "Of course not! How could you say that to me!"

"I don't believe you," he growls.

Tears rush to my eyes, "Kane!"

"Hey!" My father's voice booms over all of us. He steps towards us, grabbing Kane's broad shoulder pulling him away less gentle then ever. "Enough," he orders looking at me, "Both of you."

I swipe my face with the back of my hand, my makeup smearing. I sniff looking at the smugged mess on my skin.

Father pushes Kane in another direction. "Go," he says leaving no room for argument. He turns to me his gaze softening slightly, "You too Isabelle."

I turn away feeling my anger sizzle under my skin. My embarrassment. My mortification, with myself. I wrap my arms around myself almost wanting to rip myself apart, anything to stop the accusing stares from my family as I close my bedroom door behind me.