Just Call Her Syndre

Chapter 13 | Tomato, A Motto

Valor dipped me low on the dance floor, pulling me tighter to his body as he kissed me. Eagerly, and against all judgment, I kissed him back. His full lips were soft against mine, feather light, but determined. When he leaned backwards, letting me stand upright again, I was still clinging against him.

His steps were well practiced, purposeful, and confidently swayed me romantically to the orchestra's tune. And for those brief times were we connected on the dance floor, the world fell away. His dark eyes latched onto mine, challenging the stiffness of my back at his proximity and bringing on those cursed knee shakes.

I only left his arms for two dances, being released to his younger brother. I laughed easily with Ophir, enjoying his charm, quick wit and banter before being hurriedly encompassed by Valor's strong arms again. My heart squeezed, keeping air out of my lungs at the warm and fuzzy thoughts invading my mind.

On the way back to the estate, I shook myself. Under no circumstances would Madame allow me to marry Valor. She was probably having a coronary at the sight of me in his arms, and then, to let him kiss me and for me to kiss him back. The carriage spun, she had seen the entire thing. Sickness tugged at my stomach, grousing at the thought of being dragged back to the house before I could escape.

Sasha sat on the other bench, giddy as a school girl in love. Her wide green eyes were alive and she was smiling so widely, I was sure her cheeks would pain her in the morning. But I didn't tease her, I had felt the same energy with Valor that she felt with Ophir. 

I imagined a better world for both of us. If she married Ophir and I, Valor, we would be sisters. It would strengthen our already unbreakable bond beyond the daggered claws of Madame and her atrocious children. A shudder touched the base of my spine and climbed until my teeth shook slightly before releasing me. 

"I'm curious," I lifted my glaze to meet Sasha's. "Does this mean that technically I won the bet?"

Frowning, I shook my head, "I don't think so, Sash. You ended up with a Prince too."

"True," she nodded her head, tapping against her chin. "But the bet was for one of us to end up with the Crowned Prince and last I checked, that is Valor."

I tipped my head, letting a mischievous smile overtake my features. "I wonder how the handsome Prince Ophir would handle a little competition from a gorgeous Duke..."

"Don't even think about it!" Sasha challenged, pointing an accusing finger towards me.

"Oh, I'm doing far more than think about it, best friend."

"You wouldn't dare!" Her foot stamp on the carpeted bottom of the carriage. It slowed to creep around the edge of the curving roadway and upwards on a hill. 

"Are you challenging me?"

She shook her head, narrowing her emerald eyes into threatening slits. "Always."

I burst into laughter. "That's not..." I hooted louder, clutching my stomach. "That's not what I suspected you would say."

"I'm full of surprises." She batted her eyelashes at me, smiling with sarcasm. 

"And here I was thinking that I knew everything there is to know about you."

Sasha raised an eyebrow, grinning wildly. "Well, I don't think you know everything, Syn. That would be a bit... impertinent, wouldn't it?"

Grinning back, I leaned closer to her, lowering my voice to just above a whisper. "Only if you tell. Remember: what happens in the heat, remains between the sheets."

The carriage rolled to a stop and the footman walked to the door, he opened it, clearly not expecting a bounding Sasha to nearly fall as she shot out of the back. I followed her pace much slower, laughing gayly all the way to the dining room where the Elliot's waited. I grinned at Siobhan and Orion, watching the pride shine on their faces as I sat.

Siobhan extended her hand towards me, the other already tightly imprisoned one of Sasha's, and grasped mine firmly before turning back to offer Sasha a glittery smile. Pride shined from every pore on her lovely face. Though she was dressed in a silk robe and house slippers, she looked as fresh as dew on morning leaves with her glowing pale skin and tied back red tresses.

"I hear that I owe both you congratulations." Her laugh tinkled in the stillness of the house, "both of you grabbing the attention of a Prince. I'm so happy for the both of you."

"I'm happy too, Mother." Sasha gushed while dramatically grasping at her heart. "This night couldn't have gone better."

I caught Orion's apprising stare, "you don't look happy, Syndre-Lynn. Is something the matter?"

"No." I denied. "I'm just not sure that it will stick."

"Stick?" He tested the word. His eyebrows pulled together, making a small crease between them. Orion had never been as empathetic nor as sympathetic as Siobhan, but he always sought to understand and when he did, I appreciated his care twice as much.

"It's only the first night. Surely, he will have to dance with other women."

"I doubt that, Syndre." Sasha reasoned, "you may have been apart of the kiss, but I saw it. He didn't even attempt to look at another woman from the moment that you stepped into the room."

"All the more reason for disappointed hopes." I argued, "even if he danced with me the remaining four nights, you and I both know that Madame would never allow me to marry him."

"The Madame keep the Crowned Prince from the one he wants most?" Siobhan laughed again, "I  doubt the Royal Family will let anything or anyone in the way of their eldest son's dreams."

"I--"

"Look," Orion interrupted me, sending me an apologetic look. "It's late, how about both of you young ladies get some sleep and we'll discuss this more in the morning? I think things will look better under the rays of the sun, don't you agree, my dear?"

Siobhan nodded, a happy smile on her face as she gazed lovingly at her husband. My clenched, if I married Timotheus, I would never have that. Love would never bloom between us and I'd be locked forever in the retched house while a man I despised inherited all that my family held dear. 

Ashen, I listened to Orion's words and stood from the table wordlessly and made my way upstairs. Sasha followed, her steps echoing behind me on the floors. We met at the foyer between our rooms, an encouraging smile and nod was sent in my direction before she disappeared in her room.

I followed her example, stepping inside of my room to begin undressing. Quickly divesting myself of the dress, I made sure it was neatly hung in the closet and turned towards my bed. A breath left me, it turned white in the frigid air, but I didn't feel the cold.

Bright streaks of the satin moonlight streaked through the open balcony doors. It lit my chamber, focusing intently on the bed. I glanced towards my dress for tomorrow night, my gaze hugging the flowing dark edges of a dress I knew to be my fourth favorite. My heart longed to see it again, but I didn't dare turn on the light.

Gasping, I turned my watery gaze back to my bed. My steps halted a foot away, frowning at the single rose and crisp white envelope that lay there. My hands shook as I reached for them, careful to avoid the protruding thorns. I inhaled the heady scent of the blood red rose, and gently touched the petals. It was truly lovely and sadly, out of season. No one should have roses like these in their garden.

My name was scrawled across the front of the envelope in broad strokes of dark purple and underlined with a softly shaded pink heart. I touched it too, feeling the texture under the pads of my fingers before turning it over to slip it open. I broke the wax seal and pull the single piece of card stock paper from inside.

Dread clenched at my heart as I read the words. My fingers shook first, then my hands, followed by my arms until my whole body was a shaking mess of anger, fear and tears. Finally, I felt the cold. But it wasn't the chill of the outside winds that shook me. 

No, I wasn't quite that fortunate.

 Every color has always been your best color. I can't wait to make you my wife, not even a Prince will stop it. All dances of yours are mine tomorrow, my love. I look forward to your next dress.

-Yours Always, Timotheus