Consequence

Chapter 21

June 3, 1813

The light peeking through the tiniest crack, between two curtains, warms my cheek as I snuggle into the fabric of my bedsheets. I expect to feel a strong arm around my shoulder or to find myself lying on a firm chest like every morning since I've slept with Nik.

But I am alone this morning, the most special morning of the year aside from Christmas. It is my seventeenth birthday but I do not expect Nik to know that. He's way to preoccupied with the rebellion and his duties as Duke of Cambridge. No matter how much he and Sebastian loathe the king, they still must appear to be faithful servants of his majesty.

It's a grand facade that many people of high ranking in London seem to be hidden by. I'm not the least bit surprised that the king has so many enemies and fake allies. For example, Mac and the rest of the Scottish monarchy are on the rebellion's side.

Is it wrong for me to feel excited about the rebellion? It brings a thrill into my life that I can't possibly ignore. I keep wondering what will happen next, just like I'm reading a captivating storybook.

My thoughts are halted by an unpleasant grumble in the pit of my stomach. I sit up in my bed with unexpected easiness; I'm not usually a morning person but today I feel a newfound energy coursing in my veins.

My eyes quickly adjust to the morning light as they settle on a mirror on the other side of the bedroom. A strange glow seems to emit from my eyes but I'm sure it's just the grogginess getting to my better judgement.

I hop out of bed and walk closer to the mirror to inspect my irises. I gasp at a pair of golden yellow eyes, that fade into a bright red, reflecting back at me in confusion. My eyes are green not gold and red, perhaps I have some sort of infection. I begin to worry and my imagination jumps to the conclusion that my eyes will pop out of their sockets.

I realize that I'm not the only one who's eyes change color because Nik's eyes flash from red to blue in seconds. However, mine aren't flashing between two colors they are merely staying the strange yellow/red. Oh yeah and I'm not a vampire.

I wouldn't put it passed someone to drug me now that I know my husband's a secret traitor. So, I take one last glance at my reflection to reassure that this isn't a hallucination.

I need to find Vera, I assume she can figure out what's the matter with me. I pass through the halls surprised that none of the maids or guards send me odd looks. I mean my eyes are a shining gold, it's not normal!

I knock on the door of Vera's quarters and after awhile I decide to go inside, I know she won't mind. I'm a bit troubled to see that she's not in bed but I think it's best to go to the dining hall to see if she's already at breakfast.

I hurry to the dinner table only to witness an intimate display of affection between Vera and a man, who's identity remains a mystery since all I can see is his broad back. I clear my throat and slightly cough to catch their attention.

Vera pulls her hands off the man's torso and their deep kiss is broken. They breathe heavily as though they were both underwater long enough to lose brain cells. Her face turns a bright red but she sighs when she realizes it is only me.

Embarrassed yet relieved, I guess she's glad I'm not Nik. I hear a growling sound appear from behind me and Vera becomes a ghostly white. Well, I guess I was wrong...rest in peace Vera.

I turn to look at Nik, who looks at Vera, who looks at the man in front of her, who looks at me. It's just a circle of stares and glares and wait MAC?!