Page 15 of House of Crimson Hearts
“Then what?” Dahlia asks.
“Come on, Mother, put us out of our misery,” Xavier says, leaning forward to pour me and Sadie more blood-wine before passing the jug to Gabriel.
“Octavia, could I borrow the club two nights from now? I appreciate it’s last minute, but I’d rather do the announcement there. And… we’re inviting the hunters,” Cordelia says.
We all go vampire still. No one blinks, no one moves.
It’s Sadie that whisper-laughs and signs, “Why the hell would you invite them?”
“Well, that’s part of the announcement. Octavia, are you amenable?” Cordelia says.
“Sure, but I can’t close the club to humans or non-nobles at such short notice. Whatever you’re announcing will be public knowledge.”
She nods once. “Fine.”
My mind races. What the hell is she doing? Is she going to ambush them? If so, I don’t want that in my club, not when it will tarnish my reputation. But I don’t have time to work out what she’s up to as she continues talking.
“Two nights from now, I’ll require you all to be there. It’s a 9 p.m. start and I’ll reveal everything.”
Chapter4
CORDELIA
One Thousand Years Ago
Once upon a time, one thousand years ago, a fairytale was born. Two women, star-crossed lovers, destined to meet. Their fates woven through time and history.
And history is where this fairytale begins.
A chance meeting.
A fluke. A whim. A blessing.
Whatever the reason, one thing is certain, this story ends with fireworks…
* * *
“Here, darling, hurry now. As safe as you can be on that ankle, okay? We must have you ready for the next marriage ball,” Mama says, handing me a pouch of coins.
I huff at her, annoyed that I’m being made to attend another so soon, given the last one is the cause of my ankle issue.
“When is it?”
“Two nights from now.”
“And if I refuse?” I say and pull my skirts up. My swollen ankle has developed a plum sheen. The bulge is spreading up my calf.
“Let’s not start our day with an irksome attitude. You’re prime age for a proposal, Cordelia. We must ensure the right marriage for you and the family. It’s a necessary business. We all have to do our part. We are the St Clairs. You can’t just marry anyone.”
I grit my teeth. Neither interested in marriage nor doing my part particularly. Mama places a kiss on my forehead and heads back into the house.
“Where’s Poppa’s cane?” I shout after her.
Mrs Blakemore, our housekeeper, pops her head into the hallway, “In the pot there, miss, just move the dress coats.”
I shove the coats out of the way and spot the mahogany-stained cane. I pull it out, instantly relieved to lean on it as I hobble out of the door and towards the carriage. The driver aids me as I stumble up the steps and collapse onto the seat.
Of course, even with the carriage dropping me in the centre of the village, it still takes me twice as long to reach the market area. I slip and fumble on the gravelly floor of the market. A kind gentleman assists me to the other side of the stalls. Finally, I reach the street with the healers. Mama would be annoyed with me if she knew I’d come to the healers rather than the doctors.
