Free The Rose Master by Valentina Cano Page A

inside.”
    Wrapping my cloak around my still shivering body, I passed by Lord Grey. I could feel his eyes inhaling my every move, and I shivered.
    “Tell Ms. Simple to give you something strong. Otherwise, I’ll have one less maid, and as I’m sure you’ve noticed, I can ill afford it.”
    “Yes, sir.”
    He gave a dry chuckle.
    I did not turn around, but kept my feet on the path to the front door. I could hear no steps behind me. I looked, just once, before I opened the door, but did not see Lord Grey.
    Ms. Simple was crossing the main hall as I entered, and her eyes stretched as she took in my seaweed hair, my paleness, my shaking.
    “Whatever happened to you, Anne?” she asked.
    What could I say? No one would tell me the truth, anyway. When I spoke, my voice was quivering more than I’d have preferred. “I had an accident. Lord Grey assisted me.”
    Ms. Simple’s lips tightened. “Yes, well, come on, child. Let’s get something to warm you up.”

    No one, not even I, spoke of what had happened to me. There was a forced lightness to our supper, the conversation ringing with laughter that petered out as soon as it left our tight mouths. Dora kept eyeing me as if I were about to disintegrate before her very eyes, while Ms. Simple served me slice after slice of tasteless beef roast. My hands continued to shake with the shock, but I gripped my utensils tighter and did my best to pretend the last couple of hours hadn’t occurred.
    As soon as I could manage it, I excused myself and left their company.
    It was still too early to retire for the day, but I needed a bit of solitude to examine what had happened at the black fountain’s foot.
    I went from room to room, my eyes checking for traces of dust or dirt as my thoughts churned through my head. I was sure of what I’d experienced. I could still feel the weight that had forced itself on my body, the imprint of hands burned into my scalp and neck. I rubbed the sore spots as I entered the dining room.
    I caught sight of the mirror. Perhaps there were actual marks on my skin, evidence I could turn to when belief sagged. The room was dressed in shadows, since no one had bothered to light lamps or even candles. The curtains were not drawn, however, so thin hairs of moonlight dangled in the air. I felt them brush me with softness as I reached the strange mirror. I gazed in and gasped.
    The moonlight had revealed what the sun had not, a layer of symbols swimming under the glass’s surface. The same type of writing I’d seen on the stone tiles in the main hall. But how was it possible? They were etched under the glass, or maybe into the thin skin of mirror itself. I lifted a hand, all thoughts of the marks on my body forgotten, and almost brushed the smooth surface.
    “It appears we have not learnt our lesson today.”
    Through the mirror, I could see Lord Grey’s figure half melted in shadow. I turned around and clasped my hands behind me.
    “I’m sorry, sir.” I looked down at the floor, thankful the moon could not reveal my burning cheeks. There was a long moment of silence.
    “Is the floor very interesting, Anne?”
    I flinched. “No, sir.” I lifted my gaze, heavy and hot.
    Lord Grey walked to the table, where his plate was lying, covered and waiting.
    “If you don’t mind, Anne, I’m going to have dinner. Or is it lunch? I can’t remember when I last ate.” His voice was like the sea at night, the waves coming in and out of darkness. Some words were brushed by light, some cool with black.
    “Of course, sir. I’ll go.” I curtsied before remembering how he’d taken my last clumsy attempt. He did not laugh this time.
    “That’s not what I meant. If you don’t have pressing engagements, I’d like a few words with you.”
    Hmm. Only a few days and I’d already earned a reprimand. “Of course, sir.”
    “Will you please take a seat?” He motioned to the table. I blinked.
    “Sir, do you mean, in a chair?”
    “No, I mean in mid-air. In a