Secrets of the Heart

Chapter 20

"Clarabelle, we have to go now," Alice informs me after about an hour of catching up. "We'll be back tonight. You'll hear three sharp raps on your garden door. To drop suspicion, go to dinner tonight to ensure no one will check up on you while you're gone."

I nod, taking in the information. I give Leonardo I peck on the cheek to say goodbye, and hug Alice tightly.

"Thank you," I murmur.

"Oh Clarabelle," she chuckles. "You needn't thank me. As your lady in waiting, it's my responsibility to make you happy. And he makes you happy. Hold tightly to that."

I nod, and then let her go.

"I guess I should get ready for dinner. Ciao," I sigh, watching as they leave.

As soon as I'm sure they're gone, I start to walk to my closet. An eerie feeling comes over me, and the hair on the back of my neck stands on end.

Though I know it sounds crazy, I can't help but feel as if- as if I'm being watched.

I brush the feeling aside, and go into my closet to pick on outfit. I feel as if I should make a statement, so I pick one of my boldest dresses that I own. It's a splendid red ball gown that is slightly off the shoulder. I slip it on, and slowly walk to the door.

For the first time in a week, I unlock the door and step into the hall. As I near the dining hall, I can hear casual chatter and light laughter.

The room silences as soon as I enter. I am sure not to smile as I look over the people in the room. Mother and Father are here, along with Pier and his parents. Alice and her mother are sitting near my mother, an empty seat at Alice's left side.

I keep my lips in a tight line as I slowly walk to her side. Taking a seat, I turn to my mother.

"I'm feeling much better now," I inform, smoothing my dress.

"That's wonderful darling. We were worried we might have to postpone the wedding if you didn't recover soon," she utters, fidgeting with the edge of the tablecloth.

"Well we couldn't have that," I chuckle.

Conversation returns to normal although I don't make eye contact with Pier throughout dinner. I'm still angry with him, and after tonight I'll have no reason to associate myself with the lying fool.

Once I've finished eating, I respectfully dismiss myself.

I get to my room, but keep my dress on instead if changing into something more practically.

The waiting is unbearable. I try to keep myself busy and awake by sewing the hem of one of my dresses which has a tear in it.

I prick my finger by accident, and hastily drop the needle and thread. I sigh, standing to my feet.

I impatiently pace across the floor, counting the minutes as I wait for Leonardo and Alice.

A glimmer catches my eye on my vanity, and I walk over to see what it is.

Just a bottle of spring water. I pour it into a crystal glass, and sip at the liquid.

Finally, I hear what I've been waiting for all along- three sharp raps at the garden door

I hurry to open it, a smile plastered to my face.

The first thing I see is Leonardo, his blue eyes boring into mine. But then I notice the fear in them, and the blade sickeningly close to his throat.

"Expecting something else Clarabelle?" Pier snarls, holding his knife dangerously close to Leonardo. Alice is lying crumpled on the ground, completely motionless.

The crystal glass falls from my hand, shattering in pieces on the floor- just like my heart.