The loud thumping of her heart dulled all speech to a continuous rumble but she could make out several people calling out to Morrigan. The smell of perfume, food, and cigar smoke saturated the air and every breath she took was a play on her senses.
“If you would be so kind to have a seat, I will return with some food and drink and, hopefully, your friends in tow. I’ll only be a few moments.” Gabrielle opened her eyes to see that Morrigan had pulled out her chair and was beckoning her to sit.
Gabrielle sat alone at the small table with a vacant chair across from her keeping her company. She thought about the game she used to play with her father as she looked out at the sea of people. She noticed a young girl staring at a man across the room.
OK papa, let’s see. Her name is Lindsey…no…not period appropriate. Justine. She’s an inn keeper who has a crush on the man in room two. She keeps giving him free rolls, hoping he notices her. Gabrielle giggled at the back story she created and wished her father was there to play with her.
There were far fewer people on this side of the room and oxygen began to creep back into her lungs as she let her eyes dance across the crowd.
There was a small group of musicians serenading the festivities as people danced about. A woman off to her right was drunk off wine and hitting on a much younger man that seemed wholly disinterested. Two men across from her joked to a group of women as they drank down their pints of beer, spilling more on themselves than what made it into their mouths.
Just as she was beginning to relax, a sudden chill spun around her. Though the room was still warm, the chill whispered by her like a bird swooping past its prey. Gabrielle rubbed her bracelet and it heated up, almost burning her skin.
The room was too noisy to hear the warning sound, but she’d come to understand that when her bracelet warmed, it was trying to tell her something.
“This is quite the engagement, I must give my praise to our friend Morrigan,” a serpentine voice hissed.
Gabrielle froze as she noticed the man that had joined her at the table. Not knowing what to do or how to react to this stranger, she continued to look down at her bangle as though nothing had happened.
“It has been quite some time since I’ve seen a festival such as this. So many people, and all so blissfully happy. It could warm a person’s heart,” the man continued, though he didn’t turn to address Gabrielle directly.
Gooseflesh covered Gabrielle’s arms. She didn’t intend on meeting his eyes and hoped that either her friends would come soon, or the man would become disinterested in her and leave.
A sour smell, like that of rotting garbage, crept into Gabrielle’s nose and it wrinkled in discomfort.
“This is quite the adventure that you’re on Gabrielle.”
With that singular phrase, the world fell away. It was like someone had put the room on mute and all that remained was the man that sat beside her.
The room that was once hot from sticky body heat, was now frozen and, for a moment, she swore she could see her own breath emanating from her mouth.
To her surprise, the man that sat next to her was exceedingly well dressed, even for an event such as this. He wore a suit and hat that were such a deep black they almost seemed to absorb the light immediately around them. His hair was long, silken, and pure white.
White hair…
She knew this man. This was the dark figure with white hair that appeared in her nightmares, the white-haired figure that the girl had warned her about in the gardens. This was Arawn.
“I hope that my pets were not too frightening. They can become so excited at times. I just can't seem to contain them, especially the big one. He’s always adamant about pleasing me,” Arawn continued, now with a wicked smile stabbing across his porcelain face.
Gabrielle’s face was feverish and she thought that she may throw up. Her bracelet grew hotter, yet she didn’t know what she should do. The room continued to bustle and buzz around her, but no sound could be heard.
“How do you know my name?” Gabrielle’s voice quivered as she tried to speak.
“Who are you? Why are you trying to hurt me? What did I ever do to you?” Finding her confidence, Gabrielle let the barrage of questions seep out of her open mouth as if she couldn't stop them. The more she spoke, the more she grew infuriated — and terrified.
Arawn didn’t respond; he only turned to face her. His eyes were crimson, just like the bird, the man in the alleyway, and the dogs. Just like the little girl in the garden had warned her about.
Arawn stared at her in silence, his eyes tearing through her as if trying desperately to reach her soul. He was handsome, despite his wicked eyes and sly smile.
“You demand a lot of answers for someone in your predicament. I heard whispers of your meddling and when I saw that it was gone, I knew it had to be true. Of course, I’m not surprised to know she sent someone after me,” he rambled on, giving Gabrielle more questions than answers.
“I suppose I’ll play, I am rather bored at the moment. To your first question, it’s not how I know you, but rather how could I not. A Sentient in the world of the Lamented is not an everyday occurrence. I could smell you centuries ago, my dear. As for the hounds, I use them to get things I desire. You have something of mine and I would like it back. Didn’t your mommy and daddy ever tell you it isn’t nice to steal?”
Gabrielle’s mind was muddled with confusion. What did it all mean?
“Arawn,” Gabrielle confirmed to herself.
The man shifted in his seat at the mention of his name and his grin widened to a horrendous smile, revealing two rows of razor-like fangs.
“Splendid,” he continued, “so you did receive my message. Now that we’re acquainted, let's drop the games, shall we?” Arawn cracked his neck as if he were beginning to lift something heavy.
“I’m the keeper of the past, decider of the present, and ruler of the world that you’re meddling in. I have no intention of playing games with you. I’ve already lost several Lamented in this foolishness, so help your souls should I lose any more. This need not be your fight but, should you so choose, I will make certain that it is the most horrible experience that has ever existed in your pretty. Little. Human. Head.” Arawn punctuated his threat by tapping out each word on the wooden table with one long finger.
His statement ran like a cold dagger through Gabrielle’s heart. She didn’t know who the “Lamented” were, how he lost them, or why he thought she’d taken something from him. Alexandra said that there was no turning back, so how could she stop? What fight was he talking about? Hundreds of questions swirled around her head and she could only stare blankly at Arawn.
“I’m not sure what you’re talking about. I think there has been a misunderstanding. I think you have mistaken me for someone else.” Gabrielle chose her words wisely, as she didn't know how to handle this situation.
Alexandra had warned her to not speak about her adventure to anyone but this man, Arawn, seemed to do so without concern.
“You play me for a fool girl!” He spat, slamming his balled fist into the table. “Know that what you do will have grave consequences. I command you to stop now, or I’ll have my beasts forcefully stop you!” Arawn stood from his chair and towered over Gabrielle, making her feel like the small, helpless little girl that lived within.
She slouched into her seat. Not knowing what Arawn was going to do next, Gabrielle kept her eyes focused on the detailing in her dress.
“What seems to be the quarrel here, Gabrielle?” Morrigan demanded as he walked up to the table and put one hand on her back.
His chest was puffed up like a bird proving his dominance and his lavender eyes were burning with ferocity.
“I knew the ring leader of this mess wouldn’t be far. I won’t be played a fool, nor will I have you defiling my kingdom, taking what isn’t yours!” Arawn took a step toward Morrigan, who did not falter from his stance.
“This is my home Arawn! I won’t have you tearing about it and causing
a disturbance. You will let this girl be and leave from here, either by your own accord, or I will see to it personally!” Morrigan countered as he took a step towards Arawn, closing the distance.
Arawn looked at Morrigan blankly, as though he were absorbing him. Then, with a final warning, Arawn turned to Gabrielle.
“You have been warned. You will regret your trespasses here, girl. I will see to it. I will ensure the both of you regret what you’ve done.” Arawn smiled another toothy grin before abruptly turning and walking away.
It was in that moment that the world came screaming back to life all around Gabrielle. She jumped out of her seat as the loud noise of the gala returned. Before she could say another word to Morrigan, he gave her an apologetic look, then was off through the crowd after Arawn.
Gabrielle started to follow him when her arms were grabbed and she was spun around. Claudie and Hilde stood behind her, arms out for embrace.
“What has happened with you?” Claudie demanded, hugging her and then passing her to Hilde. “One moment you were directly behind us and the next…”
“You were gone! Where did you get this gown? This is beautiful!” Hilde interrupted, running her hands down Gabrielle’s arms and spinning her to get a better look.
“There you are! These two would not stop going on and on about you. I told them you would be all right, but they wouldn't let it rest until they set eyes on you themselves,” Brenton boomed as he thundered through the crowd.
Brenton threw his arms around Hilde and pulled her close, kissing her on the top of the head. Hilde smiled, but cast his arms aside as he threatened to disturb her perfect hair.
“Yes, it is time for some food and drink. Gabrielle, you look famished,” Hilde chimed, intertwining her arms with Gabrielle and Claudie.
Together, the foursome spent their evening dancing, eating, and laughing. The gala was contagious and Gabrielle soon found herself putting the strange event behind her.
Gabrielle couldn’t help but enjoy the evening with the others. She swayed on the dance floor with Hilde on one side and Claudie on the other. Her stomach was full of mead and Gabrielle found herself scanning the crowd, waiting for Morrigan’s return.
Although she didn’t see him again, she never stopped looking across the sea of drunken dancers for the person that saved her twice in one night.
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
Just as the party had concluded in a blur of faces, dancing and laughter; the following weeks went by in a similar fashion. A lot had been implanted in Gabrielle’s mind, but Madame Toinette was particularly rough on her since the incident in the kitchen.
Although Renée kept an eye on her daughter, Madame’s terror over Gabrielle and the others hardly seemed to quell.
She hadn’t seen Morrigan since the night of the party, and the need to have some of her questions answered was pulling at her from deep within her gut. She would even settle for another meeting with Arawn if it meant that she'd finally understand what was going on.
***
Gabrielle was, once again sitting alone on her bed thinking over the questions that taunted her. She jumped to attention as the door swung open and smacked against the stone wall.
“Oh, it's just you Claudie! You scared the life out of me. I thought you were Madame Toinette coming to scold me again.” Gabrielle lowered herself back onto the bed, her ears still ringing.
“Come on, Hilde, Brenton and I are going to go pick fruit in the back garden. You need to get out of the sleeping quarters, you’re becoming as pale as a specter cooped up all day like this!” Gabrielle let her body flop down on the little bed and let out a sigh that completely depleted her lungs of oxygen.
“You go on without me. I have some things to figure out.”
Gabrielle could see the disappointment in Claudie’s eyes. Though she was surrounded by friends, she'd never felt so alone. She wanted to tell Claudie what happened at the gala, but what would she say?
Claudie, I’m a time traveler and that guy that I met that night…he is also a time traveler and Arawn is some sort of creepy evil guy but I don't really know what his deal is. Plus, he has these awful dogs…but don't worry, my magical bracelet helps me fight them.
Gabrielle swallowed the pool of saliva that had collected in her mouth and said the only thing she could think of. “I met someone at the gala and… well… he hasn't come to see me since.”
At this Claudie threw herself on Gabrielle, grabbing her face and scrunching her lips together so they looked like a fish.
“Oh Gabrielle! I had no idea! What a bastard! When I get back tonight you need to tell me all about it!”
Gabrielle could see a small patch of freckles on Claudie's nose brought out by the French sunshine. She pushed herself up to a sitting position, assuring her friend that she was fine and that they would talk later. Before she even knew what was happening, the door to her sleeping quarters slammed shut and she was alone again with her thoughts.
Why did I say that? Now I’m going to have to deal with their inquisitions for weeks! Stupid, Gabrielle, so stupid!
As she sat in the quiet wondering how she was going to get out of this one, thoughts of that night began to, once again, claw their way back into her mind.
The world felt cold as she grew frustrated with her inability to figure out what was happening. How could Alexandra not mention the Arawn and what he meant for her and Morrigan?
She lay back on her cot and let herself be lost in the nothingness that was her ever-circulating thoughts.
***
Gabrielle took in a deep breath and used every ounce of energy to force herself to roll to her side and look around the dark room. Deep in slumber, Gabrielle could hear the light breathing of her friends as they drifted into effortless sleep. I must have fallen asleep.
Gabrielle brought her eyes to the small window that sat across the chamber. The dark navy sky sparkled with stars, like fairies glistening in the distance. For a moment, she thought that she could see a shadow circling the sky in the dead of the night. The peaceful nothingness within the room was filled with the erratic pounding of her heart, as if it were desperately warning her of what was to come. Gabrielle shook her head — nothing had happened since that night. She pushed the fear away and rubbed her eyes.
As she laid in bed willing herself not to think about the hounds, the stir of thoughts grew to be too much for Gabrielle. She threw aside her blanket and got up from bed. Her feet slapped on the cold stone, she just needed to walk. To be out of the constraints of her room and think.
She threw on a robe, put on her slippers and cautiously across the chamber to avoid waking her friends.
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
The dark was much more intense than she considered. She paused for a moment outside of the doorway and let her eyes adjust to her surroundings.
As she stood motionless, Gabrielle listened for the sounds of others nearby to be sure that she wouldn't be noticed. She was — they all were — forbidden to be out of their chambers at this hour.
As the black became grey and her vision restored to a limited but usable capacity, Gabrielle stepped out into the hall that led to the kitchen. Once there, she paused again and stood in silence, reflexively casting nervous glances around the room.
With a dramatized eye roll, intended only for herself, Gabrielle walked through the silent kitchen. She stopped at the large glass doors that lead to the entrance of the great hall.
Gabrielle's heart threatened to break out of her chest as she pushed the heavy doors open. She took a step through the opening and flattened herself against the wall.
The great hall had a table that stretched almost the length of the room. Gabrielle knew firsthand the frustrations of the people in the village below when it came to the extravagances of the royal family. Countless times she'd seen feasts that mostly ended in waste. Beautiful decorations and tapestries lined the hall to further bathe those feasting in elegance.
Confirming she was alone, Gabrielle made her w
ay across the hall, her muffled slippers echoing uncomfortably. The hall was the furthest Gabrielle was allowed to venture into the palace and she paused at the massive entrance of the foyer, unsure if she should go in.
Portraits of beautiful people and animals as large as she drew her gaze up as she stared in amazement. Gabrielle was reminded of Alexandra’s loft, with paintings scattered all about the walls, leaving little room for much else.
The moon stabbed its cool light through the massive windows, illuminating the foyer. As if someone had pointed a finger at it, Gabrielle’s eyes found themselves looking at a painting of a woman.
She forgot about being stealthy as the eyes of the painting stared through the light and into hers. The woman had porcelain skin and icy blue eyes. Her rose-tinted cheeks pulled Gabrielle’s eyes from pursed lips to her curled grey hair.
She wore a gown that was a blended blue-grey and cascaded down from her open neckline. Gabrielle reached out and ran her fingers across the painted canvas and felt the rough, cold texture of the paint at the base of the gown. She knew who this woman was, though she'd yet to see her in person — she recognized her piercing eyes from one of her father's textbooks.
A noise clattered in the distance that jarred Gabrielle from her thoughts. The light of a lamp shimmered down a hallway behind her, forcing fear into her heart. Someone was coming from the kitchen.
Panic set in as she turned on her heels and did the only thing that made sense at the time. She ran. Gabrielle pushed herself forward, not caring about the slapping sounds that her traitorous feet made on the hard ground. She took the staircase two at a time to the next floor just as the light came around the corner and spilled into the foyer.
Her night gown flew behind her as she tried her best not to stumble on the marble stairs. Now is not the time for this… she thought to herself as her knee began to give out.
As Gabrielle reached the top of the staircase, she threw herself around a corner and out of sight from the lantern and its operator. She leaned against the wall, trying to catch her breath. Gasping, Gabrielle damned herself for leaving her room in the first place. She scratched at her forearms in phantom pains, as she remembered the last severe punishment that she'd taken.
The Gabrielle Series Boxed Set Page 20
