Chapter 1
I stand, paralysed. Staring into the same golden eyes that have haunted me for weeks. Fear creeps up my body as I’m stuck, unable to move and incapable of looking away. My breath hitches as the tension grows, the figure grins and with a swift motion he darts to me. As I open my mouth to scream, I awaken in a clammy sweat.
The bright of the morning sun covers me as I come to terms with my surroundings. Another night of dreams terrorised by the recurring dark figure.
My mother enters the room after a brief knock. “Elizabeth?” She pauses, “I thought I heard you call for me. Come, it is time to break fast.”
I take a deep breath, settling any remaining nerves. ‘Yes mother, I will join you all in just a moment.”
Sighing she exists the room and is quickly replaced by my lady in waiting, Anna. She immediately makes her way to the closet retrieving my garments, “Good morning my lady, I hope you are feeling well rested today”.
Closing my eyes, I consider telling the truth for once, that yet again I found my sleep troubled by an intimidating creature of night, but heightening the paranoia of another was not on my to do list today. “Yes, very well Anna” I quip throwing the covers off myself, preparing for the poking and prodding that is certain to come.
Once dressed and presentable, I make my way down to the main hall. As I approach the top of the stairs my little brother Oliver sprints past me nearly sending me over the edge. “For the love of God Oliver! How many times must I warn you of knocking me off my feet?” I scold.
He continues down the stairs in a flash, “And how many times must I assure you, you have no hope of being swept off your feet!” He jests, igniting laughter amongst my two older brothers.
Reaching the main hall, I see the rest of my family have beaten me to the table. The eldest of my brothers Johnathan is seated at the head of the table. His concentrated and stern gaze returns to the stack of letters beside his plate. The lines across his forehead doubles as he reads. Since my father’s death he has taken over the estate and has found the familial burden has fallen on him.
To the right of him sits my mother, who is now engrossed with my second brother, Mark. Even though he is 3 years older than I, he is treated as though he shares age with Oliver. “You must be careful in your training Mark, the swords have been returned from the blacksmiths this morning with warning of their sharpness.”
Scoffing he looks from his plate, “Oh please mother, I’m sure I’ve dealt with sharper women in this house.” She lightly smacks the back of his hand with a cloth.
I can’t help but smile at the brazen casual tone among the family since fathers passing, it has made the whole incident easier to deal with. Sitting in my usual spot next to mother I sense something is off, she is nervous. “Well, have you no gossip or news for me this fine morning mother?” I say with a smirk.
As though I’ve read her mind, her eyes dart to mine. “Well, we have received a letter…’ but is cut off before she has the chance.
“I believe as Lord of the house, I have received the letter have I not mother?” Johnathon interjects. He slowly lifts the letter in hand waving jokingly in my direction. “We may finally be able to wed you off dear sister.” He teases with a mischievous grin. My face drops as confusion builds.
“We have been invited to the King’s annual ball my dear!” Mother squeals unable to hold the information in any longer. I release the breath that I hadn’t realised I had been holding and my mind relaxes, laying fears of a proposed engagement to rest.
Johnathan rolls his eyes as my mother begins to discuss plans of going to see the modiste, as a new gown is imperative for the ball. A part of me is excited for the prospect, a night of fun and flirtation with the other lords of the court. Yet the pit in my stomach still remains, as I reflect on the haunting eyes of the night.
