Lost Through Time (On Hold)

Chapter XVII

"You know it isn't proper for a lady to sit on the floor."

"Oh do shut up." Adelaide groaned. "What are you doing up this early?" The sun was just starting to break over the horizon, the orange glow of dawn breaking through the curtains.

"I've always enjoyed watching the sun rise, there's something peaceful about it." Alexander sat next to her on the floor. "I could ask you the same question."

"Seems like it's the only time I can get some peace to think." she chuckled. "Everything has been so busy since we arrived I haven't been able to enjoy my home."

Alexander looked at her, he didn't say a word but he understood the life of travel, he missed France terribly. "Where is your favorite place?"

Adelaide had to think about it for a moment, "Blackfriars bridge at dusk in London, no question. I love to watch the river flow. When we were living there I'd sneak out after curfew to read by the lamp light." Her eyes sparkled with the thought of going back, sure she missed her home something terrible but there was something about London that just kept pulling her in.

* * *

The two had sat on the library floor until the sun finally crept its way into the sky, not always speaking but just enjoying the comfortable silence. Adel couldn't help but think maybe Alexander wasn't so bad? He had his moments but he was pleasant company. A lump grew in her throat as she thought of Lucien, protective, loving, safe Lucien.

"Breakfast will be ready soon, my parents should be joining us this morning." As if on cue a bell chimed signalling everyone to the dining room. The pair stood, Alexander offering his hand to help Adelaide up, she took it graciously suprised at how cold his touch was. Together they made their way out into the hall.

Toast and jam, tea and cakes were spread out on the table. Adelaide took her seat next to a still yawning Lucien and smiled.

"Where did you disappear to?" He questioned.

"Library." She shrugged as her mother and father made their way into the room.

"I take everyone slept well?" Roman asked taking his seat. There was a mumble of yes sirs from all but Elena who was half asleep, her head resting on her hand on the table. Adelaide nudged her leg. "Oh yes." She said sheepishly.

"Excellent, now with pleasantries out of the way, I wanted to speak to you all. As you may have heard my dear Adelaide here is to choose a husband. I have my own thoughts on this matter. "Roman..." Ioana interrupted. "My decision is final." He all but spat at her.

"Father? What are you going on about?" Adelaide gave him her full attention a look of terror in her eyes.

"As I was saying, Adelaide in 2 months time you and lord DuMort will be married." He said it as if it was the most casual thing in the world. "On your twentieth birthday." Adelaide was speechless, her body still with shock. Lucien tensed next to her, Elena almost choked on her tea, staring wide eyed at her best friend. The only ones to seem calm about the situation was Roman, and Alexander the corner of his mouth twitching into a smirk.

The room was silent for only but a few moments before everything erupted into chaos. Questions were flung left and right. Adelaide sat there in a stunned silence unable to comprehend the news.

She...was...marrying...Alex?

Before she even realized, her legs took her running from the room. She should of seen this coming! It was never going to be her choice! Ignoring the calls from the others behind her she ran into the west wing of the house, the empty servants quarters and collapsed on a stone bench under a window, looking out onto the all to calm sea.

Her breaths coming out in pants, her hands clasped into bone white fists, she willed herself to cry but no tears came.

* * *

"Addy?" Luc called. He'd been looking for her for the better part of an hour before he finally came to the small tower. She was standing by the window her face set like stone.

"There you are!" He walked up behind her taking her waist in his hands and pulling her close. "Did you know?" He whispered

"No." Her voice was soft, like one wrong sound could shatter it into a million pieces. "I would rather fling myself from this tower than marry him Luc." She rested her head in the crook of his neck.

"I won't let that happen." The pair stood there in silence simply holding one another. Soon the bell for supper rang and neither of them moved. They simply sat on the bench staring off at the horizon.

What felt like hours later Katerina the family maid came rushing upstairs.

"Lady Dragos, Lord Karstairs. Please excuse my intrusion." Her words came out in huffs.

"It's fine Katerina, what is it?" Adelaide turned to look at her.

"It's your mother ma'am something has happened."

End of part one