by Emily Sharp
Louise wanted to be that one, her touches tonight relaying the feelings. Yet Adara was conflicted. She was attracted to Louise in every way but the physical, the feelings starting back when they rode the ATV, and growing stronger daily. But try as she might, she could not see herself with Louise as a couple.
Unzipping her dress, she let it fall, taking a look at her reflection. Prideful as it may have been, she was beautiful and she knew it. Her body was the envy of many women, from her hips, the shape of her legs, to her bust. Grabbing her wine glass, she headed over to the bed, the cotton sheets smooth against her skin, the blanket on top keeping her warm.
Maybe she had looked at this the wrong way. Maybe she didn't need to jump into a relationship with Louise. Perhaps they could go on a simple date and take it from there. If she kept the dates far enough apart, there would be no pressure if it didn't work.
“But aren't I dating her already?” she whispered, trying to figure the situation out. Fancy dinners every night and movies in the afternoon seemed to be dates. And she did like them. Overall the night had been a blast, though Adara had to admit, it ended far too early. A smile came over her face as her mind went back to Louise putting the necklace on her. Taking a final drink of her wine, she returned the glass to the night stand and closed her eyes, feeling more confused than ever.
Chapter sixteen
Adara sang as she brushed out her hair, looking out the window of her room this bright December morning. The day had finally arrived and she was going to visit her father for a week. Her bag had already been packed, and walking back over to the vanity mirror, she smiled at her reflection. She was wearing a blue cashmere sweater, jeans, and her new black boots, the gold chain around her neck glowing as bright as her smile.
“Adara,” Sofia said as she walked into the room. In her hand she held a card, and smiling, Adara hurried to her give her a hug.
“I am so happy, Sofia. Today I am going to see my father!”
“I am happy for you. Here, for you,” Sofia said, handing her the card. Thanking her, Adara opened the envelope, the card inside showing a picture of a Christmas tree.
‘To Adara. May your Christmas be happy and full of the cheer you bring me. Sofia.’ Adara held the card to her chest, her joy reaching new levels.
“Thank you so much, this means a lot.”
“I am sorry I could not afford to buy a nice gift,” Sofia said, her hands wringing together.
Adara set the card to the side, and she took Sofia's hands in hers. “Your friendship and the thought that went into this card is more priceless than anything money could buy,” Adara said. Seeing Sofia smile, she let go of her hands, walked over to her bed, and picked up a box wrapped in red paper. Walking back over, she handed it to Sofia, the woman’s eyes going wide.
“I cannot accept this. I feel bad,” Sofia's said.
“But you must!” Adara teased.
Sofia laughed and nodded her head. She tore at the the wrapping paper, and Adara took the scraps from her, setting them on the table.
“It is beautiful,” Sofia said, lifting out the purple scarf as Adara took the box and put it away. She watched as Sofia put it around her neck, a smile on her face.
“Do you like it?”
“I love it. Thank you,” Sofia said, giving her a hug. Then looking over at the suitcase, Sofia turned back to her. “Would you like me to carry that down for you now?”
“Oh, I can get it,” Adara said as she walked over and took it off the bed. The suitcase was not that heavy, having packed light. “I can’t believe you want to stay here for Christmas instead of visiting your family.” They walked out of the room and into the hallway.
Sofia crossed her arms over her stomach. “It would be nice, but the extra hours are needed for now. Soon though.”
“And it will be so worth it to see your mother’s face. I know I look forward to seeing my own father’s smile.” Adara smiled as they came to the top of the stairs. Looking down, her heart jumped when she saw Louise waiting for her, her white porcelain mask on her face.
“I must get back to cleaning. Goodbye, my friend,” Sofia said and then hurried off down the hallway.
Going down the stairs, Adara set the suitcase down near the landing.
“Excited to leave me, are you?” Louise said, a tease to her voice.
“No. I am excited to see my father. Why the mask?” Adara asked, hoping she was not falling back into her old ways.
Louise slipped her arm through Adara's and they began to walk toward the library.
“I plan on going with you to the gate when you leave,” Louise said.
Adara glanced over, the eyes behind the white mask looking right at her. “I look forward to that. Thank you, my friend,” she said.
Louise looked forward, not saying a word, and Adara felt a bit unnerved. Seeing her in her mask had always bothered her, but for some reason, today she felt that its presence was eerier than usual.
Heading into the library, Louise led her next to the chair with gold fabric, and removing her arm from Adara, she spoke. “Wait here a moment.”
Adara watched as Louise walked over to the fireplace, wondering what she was doing. On top of the mantle was a box wrapped in gold paper, which she brought back with her.
“Merry Christmas, my princess,” Louise said, handing her the box.
“Louise you…”
“Shouldn't have, I know. But open it for me.”
Adara nodded, unwrapping the gold paper, which Louise took and set to the side. Opening the box, there was a phone inside it, the design unlike any she had never seen before. It was rectangular, a short antenna coming from it.
“Thank you,” she said, though she was confused as she looked up at the white mask. She swallowed hard, and then Louise took the mask off, walked over and set it on an end table.
“My Beauty, there is another part to that gift, something I do not give lightly,” Louise said, turning around another box now in her hand. It was a small jewelry box, and Adara hoped she would not propose right now. She was so happy to see her father, and the thought of rejecting Louise would bring down her mood.
But her despair turned to awe as Louise stood in front of her and opened the box, revealing a ring like the one on Louise's finger.
“This ring is very special, and only a princess may wear it,” Louise said, her voice soft as she slipped the ring on Adara's wedding finger.
“It is beautiful. The diamonds, Louise, it is too much,” Adara said, not wanting to guess at the cost.
“After all this time with me, you still don't see how much I treasure you,” Louise said, her hand coming to Adara's face, moving back a strand of hair.
“It’s not that, I do. But…” Adara started to say before Louise cut her off, her low voice uttering a “Shh.”
Closing her mouth, Adara allowed Louise to lead her to the purple curtains. Taking her remote out, the curtains parted and the screens came to life with images from outside.
“This ring will allow you to see anywhere in the castle or the grounds,” Louise said. She lifted Adara's hand and brought it to the side of her breast. “Simply do this to the third and fourth diamonds,” Louise said, twisting them. Adara looked up in fascination, both her and Louise's image was now on the screens.
“That is amazing,” Adara said.
Louise nodded. “Anytime while you are gone, or even when you are here, simply turn the third and fourth diamond and it will show you wherever I am at.”
Adara turned toward Louise. “Thank you. I-I didn't know cameras were inside here as well.” The thought unnerved her, she knew cameras covered the grounds but was shocked they were inside as well. She wondered how many cameras were in the castle, and did they extend to the bedrooms?
Louise nodded, her hand still holding Adara's. “Everything that happens on this property is being recorded. Between the journalists and others who wish to harm me, I have to.”
Adara nodded, then still feeling a bit nervous s
poke up. “I have to ask. What about the cameras in the castle? Do they record…everything?”
“I think what you are asking is do I have them in your room? Or perhaps one centered near the bath?”
“Yes,” Adara said, feeling a bit foolish.
Louise smiled. “No. I am many things, but not like that. Or am I?”
Adara let out a laugh, feeling foolish for thinking such a thing, and glad Louise handled it so well.
“Now, my Beauty, place your finger on the screen.”
Adara nodded, her hand leaving Louise's, and put her finger on the phone screen. It came to life, the image showing them both in the room.
“If you miss me while at your father’s, you can see and hear me,” Louise said, her voice also coming through the speaker on the phone. Pressing it again with her finger, the screen shut off.
“This is amazing, thank you for trusting me,” Adara said.
Louise smiled as she took her mask and slipped it back on, the sun moving behind the clouds, a shadow now falling over it, a slight chill running through Adara.
“It is all about trust, it is what our friendship is built on. Merry Christmas.”
Adara smiled, taking a look at the row of diamonds on her hand, the ring seeming to belong there. Then slipping the phone in her pocket, she put her arms around Louise and hugged her.
“I have something for you,” Adara said, breaking the hug and going to her suitcase. Opening the side pouch, she came back and handed the small box to Louise.
“A memory stick?” Louise asked when she opened up the box, her voice confused.
Adara let out a small laugh, her hand moving to Louise's arm. “I have recorded an hour’s worth of songs for you. If you feel sad or upset, just play them, it may help ease any worries.”
“Your voice does that for me. Thank you, this is the greatest gift I have ever received,” Louise said, her voice sounding a bit choked.
Adara smiled as she glanced at the clock. It was now fifteen minutes until noon.
“It is time for my princess to leave the castle. Let us go out together, I have the limousine waiting.”
***
The weather had turned for the worse over the last hour. The sun had disappeared and now the skies were gray, light snow flakes falling around them at the gate. Adara waited for her father, with Louise standing beside her, holding her hand. She was trembling, but Adara knew it was not from the cold.
“Now, let’s get you warm,” Adara said, raising the hood up over Louise's head like she had done to her own. With the white mask and the fur around it, Louise looked unsettling. “Thank you for coming out here with me, I know it is something that is still hard for you.”
“It is. But I will suffer anything for time with you,” Louise said.
Adara smiled, her heartwarming at the kind words. She felt bad, the sadness in Louise's voice breaking her heart. She did not want to hurt her, but she needed time with her father, she missed him so.
“Hey, you better be here in a week waiting for me, or I am going to be mad!” Adara said with a laugh.
Louise chuckled. “I will be. Look, your father comes in his carriage, my princess.”
Adara looked over, the old truck coming over the hill, its loud exhaust bringing back memories. Turning back to Louise, Adara felt a bit of panic. Part of her wanted to stay and not leave her alone.
“Now go and have fun.”
“I will miss you,” Adara said, a tear falling down her face.
Louise’s hand came to her cheek and wiped the tear away. It was a soft and gentle gesture, and for some reason it meant the world to Adara.
“As will I. But no more of that, your father awaits.”
Adara nodded, then picked up her suitcase and walked through the open gate just as the truck pulled up. A moment later, her Father was out of the truck, his red sweater bright against the gloominess around her.
“Adara! Look at you!” her dad said as he picked her up and swung her around. “I have missed you.” He kissed her cheek before setting her back down.
“I have missed you too. You look so happy!” Adara said as feelings of happiness ran through her when she saw the familiar smile on her dad’s face.
“Come on, let’s get going. I have so much to tell you,” he said, taking the suitcase in his hand, which was collecting the heavy flakes of snow that were falling.
Adara began walking toward the truck and then stopped and turned around. The snow was falling down at a fast pace, nearly concealing the woman who wore the white mask, her bare hands gripping the rods of the iron gate. Adara felt a pain in her heart, wondering if the woman behind the mask felt as sad as she did.
Chapter Seventeen
Louise’s hands clung to the gate, the cold steel reverberating through her body, the tears beneath the mask seeming to freeze to her cheeks. Sadness and rage went through her as she watched Beauty get into the truck. The loud machine rumbled away moments later until it disappeared out of sight. She didn't want her to go. Adara belonged here in the castle with her, not with her father, or her sisters, no one expect Louise.
But she had let her go, the small voice in her heart telling her it was the right thing to do when Adara had asked. The thought of her not returning plagued Louise's mind, fear colder than the air around her running through her veins. She would not be able to continue without Adara in the castle, her sweet voice, her presence. No, Louise would die if the woman left for good. This she knew.
And it was what had made her start manipulating Adara, using light touches on her arm, or not sitting with her at dinner until Adara asked her to come sit near her. Holding the cold bars, Louise sobbed, thinking how grateful Adara was when Louise had told her she could visit her father, a thing any girl should be able to do, and to think of it as a reward, made her feel ill. Her stomach hurt and she felt like throwing up. Her manipulation ran so deep and long, it was the very thing that brought Adara to her, and now it had turned against her.
Something had happened over the last few days, something Louise had never expected. She had started to feel guilty for the acts she had done to Adara. It was a manipulation that had stemmed from wanting to posses her and own her like her artwork that had grown into truly caring for her. And she wished Adara truly felt the same.
Yet, it never would happen, for she was far too ugly for Adara. How could the woman get past her scarred face to see what was deep inside her? Louise was good deep down, she could feel it at times, and letting Adara go and not using it against her was a sign of that.
Letting out a deep sigh, the vapors of her exhale moved through the bars of the gate and disappeared into the falling snow. Turning around, she walked back to the limo, snow crunching beneath her feet, John waiting patiently to open the door for her.
“She will be back, Ms. Vandercourt,” he said before closing the door.
“Let us hope,” she whispered.
***
Louise stood in the library, the fire beside her roaring like the rage inside her. Adara had only been gone for ten hours, yet it felt like ten years. She dreaded going to sleep later, not being able to hear her voice before she closed her eyes at night, or hearing it in the morning as she lay in bed. Yes, she had the recording that Adara had given her, the thoughtful gift truly the greatest present Louise had ever received. But the recording paled in comparison to the real thing. Regret filled her once again for letting Adara go, then thoughts of doing the right thing filled her mind. Two thoughts, each battling inside her mind, the victor not yet emerging.
“Madam, your food,” Sofia said, walking in carrying a tray, and Louise turned around. Her eyes narrowed behind the mask, the purple scarf around Sofia's neck making her angry. She watched as Sofia set the tray of finger foods, including small cuts of sandwiches, down on the large coffee table.
“Anything else, Madam?”
“Yes. That scarf, take it off.”
Sofia nodded, her hands going to her neck and taking the scarf off. Louise w
alked over and set her empty wine glass on the table. She had four already but wanted more.
“Fill my glass,” she said, taking the scarf from Sofia. She watched as Sofia poured her glass of wine and then handed it to her.
“Do you like this mask?”
“Yes, Madam.”
Louise smirked, doubting she truly did. Turning around and lifting her mask, she took a long drink from the glass, then she readjusted it and turned back around. Sofia stood quietly, her hands clasped in front of her.
“This is a beautiful scarf. Adara has good taste,” Louise said, setting the glass down and walking toward the fire.
“It is. She gave it to me for Christmas. She is very kind.”
Louise snorted. “That she is. If she knew what you were, though, well she would not be so kind, would she now?”
“No, Madam,” Sofia said, her voice choked.
“Must you always cry?” Louise said, loving the feeling of the scarf. “Should I toss this in the fireplace so it can keep me warm?”
“No! Please, don't!”
“Should I be nice to you?” Louise asked, not taking her eyes off the fire, the heat from it making the mask hot, the memories of her own face that night long ago running through her mind. It was why she found herself often staring at the flames, letting the memories of that fateful night replay in her mind.
“Please. The scarf means a lot to me.”
“Come here.”
Sofia walked over and stood beside Louise, her head down. She allowed her eyes to roam over her body. The dress pants she wore were beginning to fill out, her butt bigger, the thighs thicker.
“I see you have been eating extra as I instructed. You have done well, daughter of a whore,” Louise said as Sofia began to sob.
“Now, here I am alone with you for a week. Thomas is with his family, Adara with her father, and yet I am stuck with you. What a cruel twist of fate. You realize that this week will be hell for you, don't you?”