by Emily Sharp
Chapter Fifteen
The happiness running through Adara was so much, she wondered if she was going to burst out of her dress. Well that and the way the blue fabric clung to her. She shook her head slightly as she observed herself in the mirror. To say the sleeveless dress was tight was an understatement, it might as well have been painted on. Her breasts were so dangerously close to freeing themselves from the top that was cut extremely low, she made a small mental note to be careful as she walked. Her hair had been stylishly set on the top of her head, a thick curl hung down the side of her face.
Letting out a sigh, she smiled at the card that had been waiting for her when she returned from the game room earlier in the day. Grabbing the red card she reread it.
Beauty,
Tonight is a night of celebration in your honor. I look forward to dinner with you at seven.
Your friend,
Louise.
Setting the card down, Adara felt the emotions go through her, a mix of happiness, but also confusion. She genuinely cared for Louise and wanted to see her come out of her shell more, and Adara took pride in being the one to help her. But Adara also was starting to have feelings toward her. Sometimes it was her laugh or her kindness, like earlier that morning when she allowed Adara to call her father. And though she was attracted to those things, she had to admit, though it pained her, that she did not consider Louise beautiful. At least not in the conventional sense, and that bothered her. She believed that beauty was inside a person, a belief she had held for a long time. But Louise's words when she first arrived still haunted her. Did Adara think and say things that she did not truly believe?
Over the last week, Adara had pondered the thought of staying past June, residing here in the castle with Louise, even though she had already told her no. Though she enjoyed her friendship with Louise, she could not see anything past that.
Letting out a sigh, she glanced at the small clock on the wall. It was ten minutes to seven and time to head down for dinner. Taking her small black clutch purse, her heels clicking against the stone floor the only sound in the eerily quiet castle as she made her way to the top of the stairs. Heading down the stairs and into the hallway, she smiled when she saw Thomas standing outside the dining room doors, looking as rigid as ever.
“Thomas, how are you this evening?”
“Very well, thank you,” he said, opening the door for her.
Thanking him, Adara stepped into the room, a smile on her face. The dining table was set and a large silver candelabra holding six candles sat in the middle, the candles’ lights flickering. The sounds of an orchestra came by way of hidden speakers, and the fireplace was lit.
Louise stood by the fire, wearing the same dress as Adara, though hers was white. Her long blond hair was stylishly done, waves running through it. And next to her was an easel covered by a white sheet.
“Glad you could make it,” Louise said, causing Adara to laugh.
“Traffic was horrible,” she replied, placing her purse on the table and heading over to Louise. Adara watched as Louise grabbed two wine glasses, both full of what Adara suspected was a Merlot.
“Thank you,” Adara said, taking the offered glass in her hand.
“To friendship,” Louise said, raising her glass.
“Friendship,” Adara repeated, then took a sip of the wine.
“So, this dinner tonight is to celebrate our friendship?” Adara asked, glancing over at the fire and watching the flames.
“It is. I cherish what we have become, a business arrangement turning into something better, far sweeter than this wine.”
Adara nodded. “What is this?” she asked, motioning toward the easel.
“I’m glad you asked,” Louise said, walking past her and going to the easel. “A present of sorts for this castle.” Adara watched as the sheet fell to reveal a blank canvas.
“I don't understand.”
“The fine art in this castle has been painted by some of the world’s greatest masters, each one telling a different story, the paintings calling out to those who view them.”
Adara smiled, then took a sip of her wine, but said nothing.
“So, I asked myself, what would be the greatest painting to own? The answer was simple. I would own Beauty,” Louise said. Her hand came to Adara's shoulder, her words continuing to flow. “So, my beautiful princess, I ask one thing. Will you allow an artist to capture you, to attempt to transfer you onto this blank canvas, so your beauty can be seen by all?”
Louise's hand ran down her arm, the fingertips lightly grazing, sending a warm sensation through Adara. And then it was gone.
“Yes, I will do that for you.”
Louise had been more than kind, and doing this for her would show Adara's appreciation. And the thought of having her own portrait hanging in the castle was pretty exciting.
“Excellent. Come now, let us dine, my princess. Tonight is going to be full of wonderful surprises,” Louise said, walking past Adara and taking a seat. Usually Louise would walk her down to Adara's chair and then sit beside her. But this time she didn't, leaving Adara to sit at the only other setting at the other end of the table. Adara felt alone, and a little let down for some reason she could not place.
Going back to her seat, she placed her wine glass down and looked down the long expanse of the table, seeing Louise at the other end, the fire raging behind her.
“You are not going to sit next to me?”
It was silent for a moment, then Louise stood up.
“As you wish, my princess,” she said.
Adara smiled as Louise came back over, taking the seat next to her.
Reaching over, Adara grabbed Louise's hand.
“Thank you for this evening. It is truly special.”
Louise smiled. “And it’s just beginning.”
***
“So, then my sister, Jewel, steps up and smacks Amber on the arm, and they both start arguing in front of the guy,” Adara said with a laugh. They had finished dinner over an hour ago, and had been engaged in conversation, with Adara now sharing stories about her sisters.
“That is funny. So, what did he do?” Louise asked, taking the bottle and refilling Adara's glass up with the red liquid.
“I should probably stop drinking, I am feeling a bit giddy,” Adara said with a laugh.
“Nonsense. I will call you a taxi if need be,” Louise said, handing her the glass.
Laughing out loud again, Adara took the glass, took a sip, and then set it back down.
“Where was I? Oh yes, the poor guy. He looked so confused as they fought over him. Then with a sigh he simply walked out of the house. They fought for so long, he had been gone an hour before they realized it,” Adara said, a shake to her head as she relived the memory.
“You truly are a beauty,” Louise said. As she placed her hand on top of Adara’s, the feeling was warm and comforting, causing Adara to smile.
“And why is that?”
“Because you told me how they treated you, yet you share stories about them with a smile,” Louise said, her fingertips running up Adara's forearms. When she pulled her hand back, Adara missed the touch. “But enough about the past, the present is far better, is it not?”
“I believe it is,” Adara said.
“Oh, my other surprise for you,” Louise said, standing up.
Adara smiled as she watched Louise walk over to a small cabinet, bringing back a long black box one would find in a jeweler’s. The alcohol must be getting to her. Adara felt her cheeks go red as she watched Louise's breasts jiggle as she came toward her. Placing the box in front of Adara, Louise moved behind her.
“This present is for you, something I thought about for a while to be sure it was the perfect gift,” Louise said, her hands moving to Adara's shoulders.
“Louise, you shouldn't have,” Adara said finding the woman’s kindness too much.
“Please, open it. I have been waiting all day,” Louise said, her voice smooth as her hands g
ently rubbed Adara's shoulders.
Adara nodded, excited to see what was in it. Her hands opened the hinged box, a smile coming to her face. She gasped as she looked at the piece within it. A golden key, enamored with red rubies and white diamonds, hung from a long gold chain.
“It is a key to this castle. Know that at any time, you are welcome here, my beautiful princess,” Louise whispered in her ear.
Adara smiled, sensations running though her body, her breath becoming short as she took the necklace out of the box and held it in her hands.
“It is so beautiful,” Adara whispered.
“Yes, it is,” Louise whispered in her ear. Adara let the warm shiver run through her. “Allow me,” Louise said, her arms moving over Adara as she took the necklace in her hands.
Adara felt more heat rush through her body, the wine heightening her senses as Louise's fingers pressed softly against her neck. Looking down, the key fell down into the valley between her breasts, twisted to the side.
“Let’s fix that,” Louise whispered, her fingertips on the top of Adara's breasts. A finger from each hand traced lightly across the swell of her breasts, and Adara's breath caught in her throat. Then the fingers pressed into her breasts to straighten the key out. Adara pushed her legs together, fire raging throughout her body hotter than the flames that flickered in front of her.
“Do you like it?” Louise whispered, her lips gently brushing Adara’s ear while her hands returned to rest on Adara's shoulders.
Adara leaned her head back, smiling at Louise. The fingertips on her breasts, be by accident or deliberate, felt wonderful either way, and she wished they would continue to explore further.
“I do, it is beautiful, thank you,” she said, her breathing heavy. Inside she was conflicted, she wanted to be kissed, to be touched. But she did not love Louise and was not one to give in to such desires outside of love. But the hands on her shoulders, the fingers that had pressed into her breasts had ignited a fire in her. She would not be able to say no if Louise were to ask.
“You are welcome, my princess,” Louise said.
Then her hands were gone, leaving Adara cold as if water had been thrown to extinguish that fire that had sparked within her.
Taking her seat again, Louise took a drink from her wine, and Adara did the same, feeling a little frustrated that the heightened feelings just moments ago were gone.
“So many nights I stare at you, Beauty. Thank you for allowing that.”
Adara smiled. What used to irritate her now brought her pleasure for some reason. Knowing it made Louise happy made her happy as well. “But of course.” Glancing up at the clock on the wall, it was well past nine and Louise had not yet proposed.
“Well, I have something else I would like to show you, another secret in this castle,” Louise said, standing up.
“Wait,” Adara said, rising, feeling a little panicked.
“What is it?”
“You propose every night to me at nine. It’s past nine, did you forget?”
“No, I did not forget. I have been thinking about it for some time, and I will not do it anymore,” Louise said, looking down.
Adara bit at her lip when she felt Louise’s sadness, and her heart sank. “But why?” This was something that meant the world to Louise, and Adara was confused as to why she would suddenly stop it. And for some reason it was bothering Adara.
“It is because I know it makes you uncomfortable, and I don't want to do that to my friend,” Louise said, her voice sad.
Adara felt a single teardrop roll down her cheek. How could she be so mean to the woman in front of her, taking away a simple pleasure, when she had been doing so much for her. Taking her own advice, she reached out and took Louise's hand. “I would like to hear it. It would make me happy.” She watched as Louise lifted her head, a smile on her face.
“Really?”
“Yes. Please, my princess,” Adara said, then giggled. She had never called Louise that before, and seeing the smile on her face, she was glad she did.
Louise reached over into her purse, taking out the engagement ring, the diamond on it large. Taking Adara's hand in hers, Adara felt her heart soar when she heard the words. And for the first time, it brought pleasure hearing them. For what reason, she was not sure.
“My precious Beauty, will you marry me?”
Adara bit down on her lip as Louise’s thumb gently stroked her hand. If she had had another glass of wine, she might have blurted out ‘yes’. But, though she had come to love Louise as a friend, that was as far as that love went.
“I cannot accept your proposal, my friend. But I am honored you have asked me.”
Louise smiled as she placed the ring on the table. “Thank you for allowing me to do this. Now, my friend, more secrets await,” Louise said, taking Adara's hand in hers. Their heels clicked across the floor, the sounds echoing. Heading into the hallway, Adara could not help but smile. A wonderful dinner, a gift of jewelry, and holding the hand of her friend. Once they reached the stairs, they went along the side and ended up behind it, Adara gazing up then looking back at the wooden panel in front of her.
“Now, watch this,” Louise said, raising her hand and twisting a diamond on the ring. The panel slid open to reveal a small room.
“Oh, a secret room! I love it!”
“Go inside,” Louise said.
Adara stepped into the room, the space so small she had to stand with her back against the wall. Louise stepped in, her breasts pushing into Adara's chest as the panel closed beside them. Though it was tight, Adara loved the sensation of being pressed against her.
“Sorry it’s so tight in here,” Louise said in the darkness. “I just need to move this ring.”
Adara bit down on her lip, as the soft skin of Louise's forearm rested on the top of her breasts, the feeling causing the heat from earlier to resurface.
“There we go,” Louise said. Her hands came to Adara's waist and she found herself trembling slightly against the wall. For a moment she thought of Louise's hands exploring her body. The thoughts left her a moment later when Louise's hands left her, a new panel beside her opening up to reveal a much larger area, a hallway from what she could see.
“Come on,” Louise said, turning around and extending her hand. Adara shook her head, trying to clear the lustful thoughts from her mind. Taking the hand in her own she allowed Louise to pull her toward her.
“What is this?” Adara asked as they walked down the hallway, small lights above them on the ceiling, their glow faint, but enough to allow them to see.
“It is a secret passageway, giving access to every room in this castle. In an instant you can disappear out of sight. I use these a lot when workers are here, like those who remodeled the game room.”
Adara smiled and then they both came to a stop. Louise opened a door, then turned to Adara. “There are stairs, I'm afraid.”
“It’s OK,” Adara said, stepping though the door. The stairs were made of metal, far simpler than the grand staircase in the entryway, and it went up in a spiral. Heading up the stairs, they went through another door, which led to a small hallway similar to the one below. A minute later, another panel opened, and they stepped through.
“The castle has so many secrets,” Adara said, her breathing heavy, as Louise was once again pressed into her. Thoughts of allowing Louise to run her hands over Adara came over her again. She imagined Louise kissing her neck, removing her dress, her lips exploring.
“It does, and there are so many more secrets to be discovered over time, if you want,” Louise whispered, leaning into Adara, her lips brushing her ear. Adara bit down on her lip, knowing if the hands resting on her hips were to move just a little lower, she would explode in ecstasy.
“I want that,” Adara said, finding it hard to catch her breath.
“I know you do my princess,” Louise whispered, then the panel to the side opened up.
Adara took a moment, trying to regain her senses, to let the feelings in her
body subside. A few moments later she stepped through the open panel, her smile wide. “Your room! Amazing.”
Louise walked past her, went to a small cart, and she poured two glasses of wine. Picking them up, she walked over to her fireplace, the fire going strong.
“Will you come join me?”
“Of course,” Adara said, feeling silly for just standing there. Going to her, she took the wine glass and then took a sip.
“I hope this evening has been acceptable?”
“Yes! More than acceptable. It has been wonderful, and thank you again for this necklace,” Adara said, a smile on her face. She watched as Louise's eyes went to her breasts, lingering for a moment, the appreciation from another woman making her feel happy.
“I am glad. You will be leaving me in a few weeks, and I thought we should do something special…together.”
“It was special, and I look forward to hurrying back here,” Adara said, the words bringing on a wave of confusion. Why had she said that?
“Good. A princess belongs in a castle, does she not?” Louise asked, stepping forward so she was standing merely inches away from Adara, who nodded, not knowing what to say.
Louise's hand came to her face, her thumb moving back and forth across her cheek. “Beauty, I have had a most wonderful night. But I am afraid I need to go to bed.”
“Oh, OK,” Adara said, missing the hand once it left her cheek. It was too early and she did not want to be alone. And secretly inside, she wanted to feel Louise touch her again.
“See you tomorrow then?” Louise said.
Taking a sip of her wine, Adara then smiled. “Yes. Goodnight, Louise.” She walked over to the door and turned around before stepping through. Louise stood by the fire and gazed into it. She watched her for a few moments and then headed back to her room.
Once there, she headed inside, closed the door, and smiled when she saw the fireplace already lit up. Sofia, ever the diligent help, made sure Adara was always comfortable. Going to the vanity table, she set her glass down, admiring herself in the mirror. The dress was beautiful, complimenting her own body, the body that craved to be touched, and more importantly, to be loved.
