Alea
"Before I begin a quick tour of the manor, Lord Talbot, a visitor will be arriving shortly. Lord Butren wanted to meet his new trade partner right away." Cole's assistant Holms said as we walked into the large manor.
"Prepare the sitting room and a few drinking choices, and keep Jade in her room for dinner." Cole gives his orders.
The tour began as we walked down the many halls, passing guest rooms, including mine, the sitting room, and a small ballroom. Heading up the stairs, we see a few more bedrooms that were slightly larger than the ones on the first floor. The library and study rooms neared closer to the two large master bedrooms where Cole and Elfrea would be staying.
The tour was then over, and the three of us split up with our attendants to our rooms. I tried my best not to pout when I realized how far my room was from Elfrea's. At least the room I received was in a back corner, closer to the kitchen.
Beth walked with me into my room and disappeared into the connecting washroom. The door left open, I hear the light switch turn on before her heels tapped across the floor. The sound of flowing water then hits my ears, and I realize she was drawing me a bath.
I looked around as I walked through the room; the tour was quick, so I didn't get a good look inside. As you enter the room, I see a large canopy bed with huge arch windows on each side of the bed. The curtains were drawn back, and I had a view of the large garden outside.
There was a large dark brown wooden wardrobe between the door that led into the washroom and another door, which I assumed was the walk-in closet. I open the closed door to find I was right. Flicking on the light inside, I am met with the walls covered in different shoes and hung dresses. There was even a spot dedicated to showing off many jewelry pieces similar to what I was already wearing.
"I keep your nightgowns in the wardrobe if you would like to pick something out yourself. Most of the time, your outfits will be picked out for you, dear." Beth says as she walks behind me into the closet.
Beth gently grips my elbow and guides me out to the wardrobe before opening its doors. Hangers inside held long to short night gowns in a variety of colors. I reach out and lightly touch a few of them, feeling a range of cool silks and warmer cotton and wool. I then stop on something sheer and light, I pull the bottom to get a better view of the garment, and realize how scandalous the ranges on the nightgowns were as well.
I drop the garment as if it were on fire and go for something that came past my knees and had long sleeves. The one I had chosen was a dark purple velvet that would keep me much warmer and covered. I knew my face had gone red from the thought that any of this could have been on Hendrik's orders. He was more of a father figure than anything else in my mind.
"Hopefully you won't have to wear any of that nonsense, though the pageants could always have a bathing suit category. Those are kept in a drawer in the closet. Now grab a pair of fresh undies and enjoy a bath while I grab you something to eat." Beth said, giving a small smile as she opened one of the wardrobes' lower drawers.
Just like every other clothing item I had seen, the drawer was filled with different styles, some giving more coverage than others. So I grabbed the most normal-looking pair and headed into the washroom with my clothes in hand. I walk into a bright room with white walls lined with gold along the middle of the wall. I was surprised to find the washroom the same size as the bedroom.
The large tub sat in the middle of the room with the toilet off to one wall, and two sinks, a wall lined with marble countertops. Large mirrors hung from the walls, casting back my reflection as I walked farther into the room. Another large arch window sat on the same side as the others, but the curtains hung, blocking any view from the outside. Large cabinets stood tall next to the door I entered from; the doors contained glass, so I could see bright white towels and washcloths inside.
A small wooden table sat near the tub with a towel and washcloth already nearby for me when I got out. Near them are small glass bottles with liquid inside them. Beth grabs the clothes from my arms and neatly folds the garments before placing them on the table.
"Now, dear, let me help you get out of that dress, and I will let you have your privacy." Beth's heels clapped on the hard, polished floor as she walked back over to me.
"That's ok, I.." I start to wave her off, knowing I could do it myself.
But she cuts me off firmly, " Dear, this is the life you are living now, and I do not mind as long as you continue being your sweet self. I, however, need to help you heal, and I must be touching your body to do so." My eyes widen as she says this.
Beth was a witch who could heal, which was a very rare ability among our kind. I wanted to talk and ask questions, but I knew I couldn't, so I would let Beth do her job. Beth walked behind me and began helping me unclasp the collar and accessory chain from around my neck. Beth gathers them before slipping from the washroom, then quickly returning to unzip the back of the dress.
I saw her frown when her eyes fell to the large bruise covering my side.
"I'm a fighter," I say, not wanting to worry her.
"I will have you feeling as fit as ever," Beth walks out of the room with the dress.
When she returns, she grabs a bottle from the table and pours a bit of the liquid into her hands. The smell of mint hits my nose as she gently rests her hand on my wound. Beth whispers an incantation I have never heard, and suddenly my body feels light and warm. Beth moved her calloused hand over my wound, finishing up her incantation.
"Now don't sit in the bath too long and shrivel up." Beth laughs as she moves to loosen my corset and leaves the washroom, closing the door behind her.
I look down at my side and I gasp in shock at the sight of my body. The wound was practically gone, with only a light hue of yellow appearing on my skin. My joints still felt sore, but the corset hadn't helped with any healing. I peeled the corset off and my underwear, letting them fall to the floor, and started by dipping a toe into the steamy water.
I quickly removed my toe at the feel of the high temperature, but once I started moving slowly, I adjusted quickly to the warmth. I slip down into the large tub, letting the water cover me up to my neck. I lean my head back and close my eyes. The warmth relaxes me and washes the whole day away.
I let out a sigh as I sat up, not wanting to fall asleep and drown. I had dinner waiting for me, and I didn't want to waste anything. I didn't like the idea of ordering others around while I sat about. I could at least make sure I showed the staff my appreciation by cleaning my plates and not leaving unnecessary messes.
I grabbed the bottles up one by one, checking to see what each bottle held. Each bottle was made of thick glass and was designed slightly differently, with the contents' names scrawled pretty in black. I used the shampoo bottle first and placed the lather into my hair. I enjoyed the sweet berry smell as I lathered until I saw bubbles. I did worry when I noticed the water had turned a bit darker in color. While at the cabin, I had washed, but not with any real soap, so my hair still had some dirt on the strands.
So with that, I grabbed the washcloth and lathered it up with the soap bottle that had the same smell of berry as the shampoo. I scrubbed my body, trying to remove any dirt that could still linger on my skin. I reached my legs, and I paused at the puncture marks that still showed on my thigh.
The memory of the feeling it had given me and the things Elfrea had done before the bite had me biting my lip. It was kind of scary how a vampire's bite could influence how the bitten could feel. It must be connected to the compulsion they all had. Since Elfrea seemed much stronger than the average vampire, the feeling was even stronger.
At least I was able to choose who bit me. A luxury that not many get, being a human.
I heard a knock at the washroom door signaling my food had arrived. I had spent enough time, and this wouldn't be my last. I quickly rinsed and stepped out of the tub onto the small, fluffy rug below. I wrap the soft towel around me and unplug the water to drain.
I slip on my night clothes and walk to the closed door. I then notice that a light black robe hung from a hook. I grabbed it down from the hook. I slide it over me and tie a loose knot at my waist with the sash.
When I step out to my room, I make sure to turn the light off and shut the door. Over on the vanity, I see a meal laid out on a tray. A tall glass of milk, along with a chicken leg and some toast. I sat down grinning from ear to ear. My role wasn't what I would choose, but getting to eat a hot chef-made meal was something I hadn't had since I was a small child.
I wipe my face of any grease I might have smeared from tearing into the chicken. Setting everything as neatly as possible, I set the meal outside my door. Curiosity piqued inside me when I opened the door and heard voices being carried down the hallway. The sitting room wasn't close to my room, but it was still in the same hallway. The speaker was also speaking loudly, the conversation not being one to keep secret. I kept the door ajar enough to lean my ear out to listen.
"I am so happy for our visit and hope to see that pet of yours soon, Talbot. Mark a dinner at my home in the coming month." The loud voice boomed down the hall. I then hear their steps as they move away to the front door.
I slip back into my room and go to draw the curtains of my room but they had already been drawn. So I lift the many covers on the bed and place my robe on the bedside table. I flick the light off and crawl into the large bed. Settling into the many pillows and blankets, I let the warmth lull me into sleep. My last thought is that Elfrea will be able to sneak inside and curl up next to me.