an's

ast to the rugged figure I encountered in the bush. Although both shared piercing blue eyes, this

Had he recently

es," I said firml

retorted, a hint of a

liar, distinct from

knees!" h

n place. Life had taught

rrowed. "Did you

chair, his gaze

y soul, as if daring me to disobey.

ed, my voice steady. "W

ed across his face, follow

he said, leaning back in his chair.

red to t

an. It's not

mething in his tone made me realize that

o my knees, my e

want from me?

orward, his blue

ou think?"

I replied, sitting down inst

y – my toes ached terribly, and I would

oticing my ch

arned, his smile stil

s gaze,

ght, my eyes locked on his

owled, his cold voice send

remaining seated, but

e darkening. His hand instincti

ng my heart. "Is that

you'll find out – probably in hel

swiftly dropped to my

spered, eyes fi

me, a mix of frustr

e said, holstering t

er, his presenc

is breath on my skin,

re if I should d

to alter Lincoln's demeanor. He p

r to where she belongs," he ord

to me. "Stand u

pulent corridors. The grandeur surrounding me was breathtakin

he maids' quarters. Rows of doors lined the hallway,

at a door marked "

he said, gesturin

wo bed space , two dresser, and a small closet comprised

eted me. "Welcome, Vivian. I'm

ponding to her warm greeting. Making friends was

upon my injured leg. She gasped and urged me to sit, offeri

ed my discomfort. After finishing,

these," she

m with distaste. But it was be

warmth of the shower. The water washed away

isp maid's uniform, Emma

ldn't shake off the feeling that there was

s true intention

I s

" Emma correc

replied. "Can you tell

lace you wouldn't wish to live. To survive, you must

, confirming the name. "He

nod

asked, curiosity get

said, her voice barely above a whisper. "We we

lmed. "This is mo

d, "Is he always weari

the room. "Yes, no one has ever seen his

igued. "Is he h

x of fear and warning. "Don't ask ques

choed outside the roo

, and a group of maids approached. E

oser, her eyes scrutiniz

odd

tter than to not greet,"

you," I replied, conf

he stepped on my recently inju

shed over. "What'

fted, and she laughed.

n my eyes. "Just playing?

turning to the maid. "Lord Lincoln want

a beat. What did