Page 35 of A Rose Among Snakes

Returning upright, he said, “Welcome to the royal castle, Lord and Lady…” he paused, waiting for Velian to provide his name.

“Velian Blaise.”

“Ah, yes,” the man said, sounding as disinterested as he looked. “Forgive my presumption. I did not realize our more humble guests would be arriving yet. Please allow me to escort you to your rooms.” He turned on his heel, rather deftly, and before they stepped forward, Kezara shot me a grin over her shoulder, clearly not bothered by the snub.

Knots tightened in my stomach as I stepped over the threshold, my heels clicking on the white marble floor. Charcoal-colored veins streaked their way through the stone, peeking out beneath the forest-green carpet running down the center of the hallway. The walls were the same dark gray stone as the exterior; a perfect match with the veins coloring the marble. A sense of wonder tingled up my spine as we walked past gilt-framed paintings depicting gruesome battles juxtaposed beside softer visions of the royal families that had inhabited the castle over the years. Between each frame, candles flickered from iron candelabras, casting warm, wavering light across the scenes.

My breath caught in my throat as I took in the largest painting. It was of a man with shoulder-length black hair peppered with gray and slicked back to reveal a square face with heavy black brows, and a thick mustache sitting above a tense mouth. Solely on resemblance alone, I knew it was King Leoro. He wore a fierce scowl, and I resisted shivering as I passed, feeling his black eyes following me. I wondered how such a forgiving reputation followed such an uncharitable appearance.

We were not given any time to gawk, however, as the dog-like footman ushered us down a never-ending hallway. We reached the end only to be met with a wooden staircase and began to climb, the creaking steps beneath our feet the only sound echoing off the stone walls. After three flights, I started to lag behind, as I did not have Kezara’s benefit of someone helping me along. I tried to conceal my puffing for fear of drawing unwanted attention.

We hit level ground just as I was one moment away from asking for a break. Sweat dripped down my back as we faced yet another long hallway, but the footman stopped at the first door and said,

“Mr. Blaise, this will be your room. Miss, your room is the one directly next door.”

I peered down the hallway and located a door several feet beyond what I would calldirectlynext door. I shook my head, unable to fathom living in a place like this.

“Your maid,” the footman continued, “may follow me downstairs to the servants’ quarters.”

My chest tightened at his words, intimidated by the thought of spending time with the royal servants.

“No, thank you,” Kezara said, her tone breezy. “She will be staying in my room with me.”

The footman raised one eyebrow and pursed his lips. “Very well. Your belongings will be delivered to your rooms shortly. Please feel free to roam the grounds, however, it is requested no one enter the ballroom until preparations are complete for tomorrow’s festivities. Your supper will be served in each bedroom this evening. My name is Fingley; please let me know if there is anything else you desire.” He bowed and turned on his heel, marching away without giving us the opportunity to express any desires.

Kezara dropped Velian’s arm and grabbed mine instead, whisking us down the hallway. As we passed Velian, he raised his brows as if to say,‘Good luck.’

The door opened silently and Kezara squealed in delight. The same forest-green carpet covered the floors, complimenting the floral-patterned wallpaper adorning the walls. A fire crackled in a cavernous hearth, opposite the biggest bed I had ever seen, piled high with decorative pillows in varying shades of pink. Kezara ran and jumped on the bed, while I made my way to the white sofa by the fireplace. I sat on the plush cushions and found myself swallowed up within seconds. Instead of fighting, though, I embraced the luxury. My bones ached and my muscles groaned, but my blood thrummed with excitement.

Kezara’s deep sighs and light giggling floated to me from where she lay submerged under pillows. With a grunt, she sat up and looked at me.

“We’re never leaving this room. This place is a maze, but I’ve never seen such luxury either. Isn’t it marvelous?” A rosy flush had settled on her olive skin.

“I couldn’t agree more. I think I’ll sleep quite well on this sofa.”

“No, there’s plenty of room in the bed!”

“Really, I’ll be fine here, Kezara.”

She shook her head. “We’ll discuss it later.”

A whisper of sound caught both of our attention as a note slipped under the door. We exchanged a suspicious glance before I squirmed my way off the sofa to grab the note. I opened the door and peeked out, looking up and down the hallway, but I didn’t see anyone. I shrugged, closing the door and picking up the note. It was addressed to Kezara so I handed it over.

She didn’t waste any time ripping the wax seal off and unfolding the paper. Her eyes quickly scanned the page, then she beamed, held the note to her chest, and flopped back on the bed.

“What does it say?” I asked.

“Well, I won’t share all of it,” she giggled, “but he’s excited to see me and wants to meet me after supper.”

“Where are we meeting him?”

“He said to meet in the hallway next to the library and to come alone. It will be less suspicious if I am wandering around than if you are with me.”

“How is that less suspicious?” I leaned against the massive bedpost and crossed my arms.

Kezara bit her lower lip and scowled. “I’m not sure, but he’s the one who lives here, not us.” Her tone held more of the bite usually reserved for Velian.

Not wanting to upset her, I forced a smile to my face and said, “Very well. We should get you cleaned up then. Let me draw you a bath.” Kezara didn’t object as I walked over to the door I correctly assumed was a bathing chamber.

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