A Dance with Death

Chapter Nine

"In here," Nicholas gently pulled her inside the dark room.

He started the fire, noticing how violently Miss Ariyna was shaking-where were her gloves?

Guiding her to a nearby chair, he rubbed her hands. Why was she so cold?

"Are you all right, Miss Ariyna?"

She stared into the fireplace. "He's gone. We can't talk anymore."

"Do you mind telling me what happened?"

"He warned me."

"He warned you?" How could Lord Wildridge have predicted his own death?

"He received threats. Lady Wildridge doesn't know."

Why would he have told Miss Ariyna? She's not family.

"Why would he tell you this?"

She glanced at him, her dark eyes reminded him of a caught doe. "I...don't know."

Did she truly not, or was she hiding something?

"When was the last time you spoke with him before tonight?"

She chewed the corner of her lip. "A few months ago. He visited us right before Christmas."

That was a lie.

He'd seen Lord Wildridge take her inside a side tavern the other day with his partner. They were obviously talking about something serious.

"Miss Ariyna, can I be frank?"

"Yes?"

"Are you-?"

Someone pounded on the door, causing Ariyna to jump.

"Arinya! Are you in there?"

Ralph Sinclaire. What the hell did he want?

Nicolas opened the door.

"King?" The man stood there, dumbstruck.

"Sinclaire."

"Is Arinya in there? I saw her heading this way and then heard a scream not long after."

"She is, but in shock. Did she come with anyone?"

He narrowed his beady eyes. "Her aunt and sisters."

"Can you take her to them?"

"Of course."

He knelt in front of her. "Arinya?"

She jolted at his touch, moving her hand away from him. "Yes?"

"I'm uh, here to take you to your family."

She stared at Sinclaire, a cryptic glint in her dark eyes. Wait, no, was that resentment?

"Fine." She rose from her seat, heading to the door.

"Thank you...for seeing to her safely." Sinclair had a hard time swallowing. Did showing gratitude really leave a bad taste in the man's mouth?

"Of course. I did what any sensible man would do."

Sinclaire looked indifferent, but Nicolas didn't care what the man thought.

Miss Arinya

~~~~~

I

"Arinya! I was worried to death! Your mother would have my head if I didn't return with you."

"I'm fine, Aunt Olga."

"Where are your gloves?" She glared at Ralph, giving him her coldest stare. "If you have anything to do with this..."

He swallowed. "Unfortunately, no, Ms Williams."