Whispers of the Sea (The Compulsion Bride Series) Book II (Unedited)

Chapter Thirty Five

What was wrong with her?

Gabrielle averted her gaze from the handsome man sitting across the table, she lifted the remaining liquor in the mug and finished it with one gulp. Her fingers were trembling, despite the dark cloak that covered her entire body and the whiskey that slid down her throat only moments ago. Was it not strong enough to stop this shiver? Gabrielle had never felt this cold before, the night had never felt this intimidating. An arising enemy. She had enough to handle at the moment, her father's troubles have become her own. Again. Two nights ago, she had another vision, revealing items her father seeks, Oh how she wished she could forget it all. But wishes never come true, hers never did, if they did her father wouldn't have still been alive.

"Gabrielle? Are you alright?" Alejandro had notice her distressed mood days ago and never got the opportunity to inquire. They had been eradicating the small groups that were secretly forming against the king for the past weeks. Night and day they travelled England with only a moments rest. Thompson Myers, or whom Alejandro preferred to call 'Mr. Gold-lace' was a true godsend. Not that he would ever admit that to the man since he seems to be his competition at the moment. Sir Frank Mildwood's life was indeed in danger and it was indeed the man with the gold lace, the potential murderer. Everything had gone exactly as Gabrielle had said, except the part where she knew the mysterious Killer, which left Alejandro bewildered and suspicious at the same time. Apparently, Gabrielle and this man had done some business together years ago, not the sort one should mention and Alejandro had made a vow to forget all her past endeavors.

Thompson was a trusted Killer, his trustworthiness was what makes him a perfect criminal, a lot of vile people hire him to get rid of their problems and that, unfortunately, was humans. He was so smitten with Gabrielle, that he was willing to help them with the locations of the underground rebellion groups that was smuggling in French soldiers and weapons. Alejandro and Gabrielle along with some of his soldiers fought them to the death, it was a battle that would have been avoided only if they had surrendered.

He gaze into green orbs that always took his breath away, noticing they don't sparkle as before, something was wrong and he fear it was all the fights and sleepless nights finally having a strain on her.

"I'm Just....thinking" Gabrielle whispered, staring into the empty mug. She can't tell him what was really bothering her for she didn't know either because these feelings she was experiencing were more than her father's worries. Was it Alejandro? She took another glimpse of him, noticing the crease at his forehead. His concern for her was overwhelming, She never had anyone care for her this much, since her mother was alive. The past weeks, she had been under his scrutiny, he never left her side and they shared pleasant conversations around campfires. At times she felt nervous around him and she vividly remembered when he had sat closer to her and covered her body with a blanket. She felt an odd sensation in her heart and the incident when he had thought her to be asleep and just stare at her for hours. To others, it would have been weird or rude but it was comforting.

"Tonight is not the time for thinking but enjoyments!" Gabrielle smiled at the dark-haired man beside Alejandro as his mug collided with the other guard besides her. Enrique Gomez was more than a guard, Alejandro had told her that he was his confidant, friend and his father's eyes and ears in London. He had the power to command the Spanish soldiers to retreat back to Spain if things get out of control. Gabrielle didn't understand why the King would give a man who wasn't even royal such authority. Didn't he trust his own son?

"H-He's right Miss Gabrielle!" Slurred Carlos, having drunk too much whiskey, he slung an arm over Gabrielle and whispered in her ears. "Dance!"

Someone cleared their throat and Carlos immediately removed his arm, Gabrielle turned just in time to catch a glimpse of Alejandro's stern gaze. Carlos didn't stop his chanting that she should dance and she found herself laughing when the rest of the solider in the tavern join him. It was so unfair that she was outnumbered. Not many persons were present besides the soldiers and few drunkards. The staff comprised of two young ladies, the old bartender and a man who was really terrible at the piano. Since the people started to lost hope in there King, the streets and taverns have been empty. Families kept indoors, some men who still have faith in there King join the army. All this arising from a rumour that the French had already taken control of England.