Steel Rose

Chapter 56

Belle Pov

I know it doesn't last long when an alarm blares through the house, jerking me from my sleep. But it's not the only thing, as another dull uncomfortable pain spreads across my stomach. My head pounds with a headache as I sit up messaging my abdomen. I reach over to touch Ptolemus when my mind realizes he isn't there the same time my hand lands on cold flat sheets. 
   
With a groan I push back the covers stepping out of bed. I stumble through the dark, feeling slightly my stomach twist with hunger before it growls. I ignore it and make way to my door, turning the knob and pulling it open. I wince at the sudden light as I peek out. 
   
Monfort escorts rush by without glancing at me, their faces ranging from stoic to focused or something in between. The alarm is louder out here making my headache worse and I wince closing the door. I turn on the light, stripping off my nightgown. 
   
I throw on a simple shirt and soft pants, tying my hair back into a messy bun a top my head. The alarm had stopped by the time I’m finished. I bit my lip as I step out my room. The hallways are empty now, not a soul in sight. Curious, I close my door and take a quick right following the hallways. I rub my arms trying to rid them off my goosebumps. It's not cold, but I wish I’d brought a jacket. 
   
I admire the decor as I walk running my fingers over the wallpaper noting the differences between a Red palace and Silver one. 
   
I turn ahead and see a figure walking away from me and an easy pace, his hands swinging at his sides. Perhaps he has answers. 
   
Usually I would make my way quickly, no use in wasting time but I don't want to startle him. So I set an easy pace jog. “Excuse me?” I call quietly so my voice doesn't echo. 
   
He turns as I reach a few feet away stopping to walk the rest of the way. The first thing I notice is the red undertone of his skin, and I smile softly to end a problem before one starts. 
   
It doesn't seem to work much as his eyes widen and he clearly sees my own silver complexion. 
  
“Me?” he stutters pointing a finger to his chest. 
 
I pause, “You’re the only other person in this hallway, so yes, you.” I smirk. 
   
His features drop, suspension glistening in his green eyes. He’s Red, but I have no hint of knowing if that is all he is. He could be a newblood, with a odd ability. He stands a good 6 inches taller, he could overpower me if I’m not careful. 
   
“Do you know what's happening?” I ask crossing my arms over my chest. 
   
He hesitates for a moment glancing me over before coming to a conclusion. “No, that is what I was trying to figure out.” he finally says glancing behind him. 
   
“Oh,” I take a step back pursing my lips. “Do you think we’re in immediate danger?” 
   
He shakes his head, “No, I’m sure they would’ve made more a commotion if we were.” 
   
They. “You're not from here are you?” I ask although I know the answer. “You came with the convoy. With Barrow.” 
   
He takes a step back too at the mention of the name. “As did you,” he says back narrowing his eyes at me. 
   
I can understand. Back home, we wouldn't have been caught dead speaking to each other. Back home, Silver and Red have no equal ground. He is cautious of me respectively. Back home, in the eyes of my kind, he belong under my boot.
   
I nod wanting to ease away the tension. “I don't care that you’re Red.” I say gesturing openly. “I just want to know what happened. Come with?” I ask careful to phrase it as a question and not a demand. 
   
His eyebrows furrow and a muscle in his jaw ripples. I half expect him to knock me away. But instead he sucks in a breath a stands straighter, “Okay.” 

   
We walk at an acceptable pace. His legs longer than mine, but I have little trouble keeping up since all my brothers never seemed to slow down for me. His eyes search back and forth sharply. He makes sure to keep a certain distance from me too, eyes flicking back to me every couple moments. 
   
It does him little good seeing if I wanted to I could slit his throat in a good second flat. But I let him feel safe. We don't talk to each other, moving silently. 
  
“This way,” he says as we turn a corner. 
   
My feet come to a quick stop a heartbeat before his as we nearly collide with someone else. And to my great surprise I see the man’s arm drop from my chest, in a would be safety precaution. It's useless, but I feel myself smile slightly.  
   
The man looks equally stunned before his features turn into an easy smile. He has midnight skin and a bald head. Soft eyes and a sincere kind smile. 
   
“Where’s the fire?” he jokes lightly. His eyes dance between us. “I apologize if the alarms startled you, I assure you it’s nothing to concern with. Please return to your rooms.” 
  
 I nearly scoff, “What's going on?” I ask folding my arms over my stomach as I feel it twist with hunger again. 
   
He takes it in stride almost looking annoyed. “Raiders,” he sighs, “But I assure you we deal with this all the time, nothing to stress yourselves over, I promise.” 
   
“Where’s Mare?” the boy asks beside me. 
   
“Her and a group of soldiers went to handle to situation a few moments ago.” 
   
“I should go with,” the boy says panic in his bottle green eyes. 
   
The man holds up a hand stopping him, “I’m afraid they left minutes ago. No way to catch up now. Best if you stay and wait here.” 
   
The boy’s eyes drop and I half expect him to stomp his foot in disappointment. I open my mouth to say something when my stomach roars loudly. I blush as they both turn their heads to me. The Red eyebrow raised and smirking with amusement the other simply laughs outright. 
   
“Looks like someone missed dinner,” he says. He steps between us and turns hooking our arms in his at the same time. He begins to walk, leading us both away. “Luckily that's my specialty.”