Roses in Her Blood, Vengeance in His Veins

Teatime Bloodlust

When we arrived at the palace, a servant showed lead us over to the palace gardens. Dawn sat at a table with three other chairs. When the servant announced our presence, she bolted out of her seat and crashed into us.

"Father! Adam, Kairi!" Her arms wrapped around us. "I missed you so much. I saw so many things I thought you all would like on my travels." She started to lead us over to the table and chairs. "Is that what you feel every time you travel abroad, Father?"

He chuckled, nodding his head. "Yes, my darling. That would be why you have so many gowns and jewelry." Dawn giggled and sat down, father sitting next to her. I sat on next to father, Adam sitting between Dawn and I.

Servants came and each poor a cup of tea for us. Another wave of servants came and placed mini sandwiches on the table. I thanked them and picked my cup up. Steam flew up into my face and I blew on it.

"You should of seen all the animals I saw, Adam. I'm should you would love to be a brute and murder the lot." Adam rolled his eyes, but a smile appeared on his face. I tilted my cup and the warm liquid met my lips. I placed the cup back on the tea plate.

"Dawn, what kind of tea is this? It's delicious." Dawn looked over her own cup as she drank. She placed it down, looking at me.

"It's rose tea. I thought you like it." She flipped her hair over her shoulder. "Mother and you both love roses, and I basically jumped at the chance to buy it." I peered down the caramel coloured liquid. Rose, huh? "Still, I cannot believe that a month passed by so fast. It seems like just yesterday that I married Francis."

"How is he treating you?" Adam inquired, his eyes sharp. Dawn swirled around her tea.

"He only beats me every night, but other than that, it's a dream!" Dawn said, her voice taking on the rare tone of sarcasm. Adam rolled his eyes again.

"Really, Dawn, you better prove me wrong."

Dawn nodded, "Do not worry, Adam. Francis has been nothing but kind to me. I know he might come off as emotionless or cold or distant, but he really is kind and caring."

"That is wonderful, sweetie." Father placed his hand on her wrist. "I'm truly glad that you found someone to spend the rest of your life with." Dawn beamed at him, her smile like the stars themselves.

"Father, why don't you tell Dawn where you recently went?" Adam suggested as he took a sandwich off the plate.

"Ah, yes. I think you'd like this place. The streets are clean, not a speck of dirt in sight. Now, this I know you will love. The court's fashion is beautiful. With bejeweled gowns and gloves and shoes. Everything had at least one jewel in it. Ah, it was absolutely stunning."

"Really?" Dawn leaned towards him. "Maybe we should introduce that here. . ." she mumbled. Adam burst out laughing. Dawn shot him a look. "What?"

"The thought of everyone here coated head to toe in jewels is too much to bare, dear sister." He snickered into his palm. "I fear that the ladies would tear each other to shreds." Dawn shot her nose into the air and crossed her arms. I drank more of the tea. Though I had to agree with Adam. If they added jewels to everything it would become a competition to see who could get the most jewels.

"I think it would be a good idea. Wouldn't you, Kairi?" All three pairs of bluebell eyes flew to me. I swallowed my tea.

"Ah well, sorry Dawn, but I agree with Adam. The courtier's heads are already big enough, it's best not to let them get bigger by adding precious crystals to everything they wear." I put my cup back on the table and grabbed a sandwich. Dawn pouted, puffing out her cheek. Father patted her on the back and she drank more tea. I finished the sandwich and reached to grab for another.