Mark of Ancients by Kay C. Rice

Author:Kay C. Rice [Rice, Kay C.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: The Good Part Publishing
Published: 2024-01-15T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 35

Ituck my hands into the pockets Sue stitched into my dress. The perfect surprise. She really did think of everything.

I flip a small knife through my fingers to keep my mind focused on the task in front of me. I stand at the bottom of the castle steps. My thighs sweat as I take each step, and the heat of the evening sun presses against my back as it tries to disappear for the day.

The night feels heavy, holding secrets just out of reach. A large door opens and a young couple stumbles out, their faces flushed as they giggle. From here, the castle is beautiful. A lot of care went into smoothing the sand stone and shaping it just so.

“You can do this,” I tell myself.

The large foyer never seems to end, until I see two men standing in front of double doors. A large staircase ascends to a second level where it splits and two hallways lead to the heart of the castle.

“Would you like us to introduce you, Miss?” An older one bows slightly, keeping his eyes to the floor. The noise from the party inside makes my stomach stir.

“I would prefer you didn’t,” I say.

A gentle nod and the doors open, laughter floats through the room like a gentle breeze. I take a deep breath. “Here we go.”

The aroma of wine sweetens the air. Sparkling chandeliers hang from the vaulted ceiling and candles give the large room an amber glow. I’ve never seen anything so grand.

A tall woman brings me a glass filled with red liquid and quickly saunters off, attending to the other guests. I lower my hood, my loose waves tickling my neck.

I focus on the swishing sound of my dress as it brushes against the marble floor. Men and women dance in a wide circle, celebrating amid a King who would just as quickly watch them starve tomorrow. How quickly things are forgotten and ignored.

“You look ravishing,” a familiar voice says. The knots in my stomach tighten. “I have to admit, I didn’t think you would come. At least, not walking through the front door.” Luca laughs.

I face him and his eyes greedily drink me in, lingering on the long slit that exposes my thigh. “Who knew you had it in you.”

His face is smooth and his dimples fully exposed. He looks like an entirely different person and I hate the way I take notice.

He runs his hands through his now short hair. “Seems I have left you speechless.”

“Not speechless, just slightly disappointed," I say in disgust.

A deep laugh escapes his chest. “Only slightly?” The dimples in his cheeks shine back at me as a hungry smile pulls at his lips. “There she is. I have missed our banter.”

He motions to the dance floor and I step back. “I would rather dance with a wild animal.”

Something dangerous flickers in his eyes. “Let’s not make a scene.”

A near silent murmur fills the room. I clench my teeth and place my hand in his, digging my nails into his skin.

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