He Strikes at the Hotel

Chapter Twenty Two

Nerissa and I returned to the hotel feeling accomplished. We had managed to decide on our dresses for the ball, try them on, get them fitted and ordered, all within a couple hours. We have them being delivered to the hotel the evening before the ball, so we don't have to worry about storing them until then.

We still had some of our day left, so we decided to spend some more quality time together over a pot of tea, like we did regularly before this week. We entered the hotel talking and giggling like schoolgirls. The trip out definitely did us both the world of good. Pierre was at reception as we walked through, and I gave him a small wave and smile, whilst Nerissa beamed in his direction, with her cheeks beginning to blush.

"Pierre, you are going to love the dresses we picked out today. I can't quite believe it! I can't wait to show you." Nerissa chirped out, with her cheeks still flaming. Pierre's face seemed to follow suit, with the redness seeping down his neck as he was most likely envisioning what gown Nerissa would be wearing. They are both so loved up with each other, but still so reserved around each other. It is like watching a drama unfold before my very eyes, with every sentence they say to each other making me stand on edge anticipating the others' response.

Pierre was looking Nerissa in the eyes intently as he said "Nerissa, my darling, you look beautiful in everything you wear, but I am sure the gown is exquisite, and I cannot wait to see you in it." He then broke out of his trance and turned towards me as he said "Audrey Rose, you will also look amazing in whatever you have decided on." Pierre is always so polite and kind, even when he didn't need to be. I was quite happy listening to him compliment Nerissa, yet he made it so I wasn't left out. He was so perfect for Nerissa, a true gentleman.

I walked into the kitchen and began to get the tea ready as Nerissa set the table up for us. We had been happily talking about random events and guests that have been in and out of the hotel, the daily news, our regular conversations which never felt forced. Whilst making the tea, it was the first time that we had been silent. Which is why Nerissa felt it the appropriate time to say something which had obviously been brewing in her mind for a while.

"So... Audrey Rose... How is Zachery?" She spoke so innocently that is was almost comical. Her eyebrows were raised to the point that it was like they were ready to leap up off of her forehead, and she hadn't moved her gaze away from the crockery she way laying out, slowly and delicately. I knew this moment would have to arrive at some point, especially with the unsubtle glances Zachery has given me in front of her, along with how he casually came down to our quarters and invited us both to the grand ball. Nerissa was very good at reading people and situations, so I was lucky I had gotten away without the questioning up until now.

"And why would I know how Zachery is? I'm sure he is well - we haven't been informed of anything being needed in his room, have we?" I said knowingly, hearing the patience being tested within Nerissa.

She raised her head as I sat down with the pot of tea, and smiled in a warm way which a mother would do when she knows you are lying, but she accepts your answer anyway. "My dear, I am no fool. There is definitely something going on between you two, but I am willing to wait until you wish you speak to me about it." Nerissa let out with a long breath, aware of how this would make me feel painfully guilty, with the idea that I didn't wish to speak to her about something.

"He and I are simply friends, if you could even call it that. We have had a few chats here and there, and it turns out he is an interesting man, with us sharing many common interests. There is no juicy gossip or scandal that I can tell you of I am afraid." I felt as if I was lying through my teeth, but I wasn't. I simply left out a few minor details, such as how I have been caught up in some royal politics and we are planning to uncover a criminal within the royal circle. I still felt like I was betraying Nerissa, but she seemed to accept my answer comfortably, looking at me with hopeful eyes before countering me.

"Yet. Nothing to tell, yet." She looked down at the table before leaning over to pour us both some tea, but she was still smiling to herself smugly. I cracked up laughing at her presumptions before focusing back on to my cup of tea steaming away. Nerissa was like the nosey older sibling who had suspicions over just about everything. Right now, her suspicions were doing me no favours, other than making me think more about Zachery, which is something I don't want to make a habit of.

The thing is, although Nerissa is very good at her detective work, it wouldn't surprise me if others had gained the same questions that she had over me and Zachery with how often we are seen speaking or silently talking through a single look. "Does that mean I'm being used as bait before the ball..?" I asked myself. Zachery could not possibly be orchestrating all of these encounters we have with the sole purpose of putting me in the lime light for whoever is causing people to go missing. That is what the ball was for, when he was there to make sure I had back up. Isn't it?