I just noticed this is an incredibly short chapter!
Thanks again to all those who have read and reviewed!
Chapter 29: What Bargain?
Beaux's eyes were riveted on the two forms, stark against the brilliant whiteness of the snow. The figures were motionless as the trees behind them, yet Beaux could sense the mounting intensity between the two as their soft invisible gestures pounded against one another.
"Liar?" the man asked amusedly. His voice was silky and deceptively innocuous. "What do you mean by that? I don't ever recall lying."
Cecilia's face was distorted with anger. She twisted her mouth into an odd smile, and despite himself, the man winced uncomfortably.
"You have no idea," Cecilia breathed, "how much I wish to hurt you right now!"
She hid her face between the gloved palms of her hands and wept drily, bitterly. The man made an awkward step toward her but then backed away, allowing Beaux and Meliah to get a clear view of his thin, somewhat angular features.
Meliah and Beaux gasped simultaneously.
"Lord Eas!" Meliah exclaimed. Beaux was too surprised to admonish Meliah for her sudden outburst. What had Cecilia conspired with Lord Eas? He pondered excitedly.
"Cecilia," Lord Eas consoled, "You are too pessimistic. I promised you my help, did I not?"
"Oh, don't toy with me!" Cecilia cried - her face slick with tears, "This is not help! This is a death wish! And you knew it from the beginning you sick ba-"
Lord Eas placed a cold finger on the tip of Cecilia's scarlet mouth. She looked as though she could spit upon his alabaster skin. "A young lady mustn't use such vulgar language."
"Shut up! Shut up!" Cecilia snapped madly. She turned on her heel and sprayed an angry storm of snow into the air. "We're leaving this Godda-"
"Shhh," crooned Lord Eas. "I will not let you slip away so easily. I have offered you a way to spare your precious cousin. And I will adhere to it. You as well, have given me your word."
An unexpected burst of laughter quickly evaporated Lord Eas's smug smile. Cecilia laughed until the air rung with her strange, perverse glee.
"You still expect me to believe you? No vampire can stop himself from killing. And you, Yvan, are no exception!"
"Cecilia," Lord Eas murmured as though scolding a child, "Cecilia, Cecilia, Cecilia." He clicked his tongue between each pause. He moved very close to her, and for a brief moment, Cecilia was afraid of his calm, composed manner. "You know how much our bargain means to me. And if I must crush my jaw to stop myself from devouring that thing completely, then yes, (yes, dear) I will."
"You are selfish," Cecilia merely responded. Her eyes glowered.
"And what will you do about it?" he whispered.
"I will deny you my heart. I can live my entire life despising you."
"Aah," Lord Eas sighed in mock wonder, "Is that so? You will find, Miss Mansart, that I'm a very persuasive individual." He pressed his arm unto hers and then proceeded to pull her reluctant hands against his pallid cheek.
"Ha! I shall dare you to attempt whatever you may!" she taunted.
"You agreed to this didn't you?" Lord Eas responded. Cecilia's mouth opened and shut wordlessly like a fish gasping for air.
Her tough façade was broken. She looked at Lord Eas pleadingly, "You promise? You shan't kill her? Please, if she does not survive, Beaux, he – he will…"
Her voice cracked and faded. She struggled to keep her eyes from forming more tears.
"I swear dearest Cecilia, that I will not kill her. And to let the two of them live what is left of their wretched lives. Meanwhile, you owe me-"
"I know!" Cecilia injected. Her eyes were squeezed tight in dread.
"Good girl," Lord Eas murmured. He kissed her hand and led her back into the Great Hall.
"What does she owe him?" Meliah asked aloud.
Beaux tore his eyes from their ebbing shadows and looked at Meliah's perplexed stare.
"I don't know," he admitted softly.
"They are talking about me." It was not a question.
"Yes."
"Am I to go to that man?"
"Of course not!" Beaux cried.
"I don't think there is another way," Meliah murmured. "I will go to Miss Mansart and ask her what she means-"
"I don't trust these vampires," Beaux spat angrily. He pulled Meliah into his arms in a warm but overly forceful embrace. "But you must believe in me. You do, don't you?"
Meliah looked at him with liquid eyes; then she pressed her head against his chest. "Yes. I trust you with my life," she answered. "I always have, Beaux."
"Promise me not to meddle in this?" Beaux begged. "Do not, under any circumstance, approach Lord Eas without me."
"Beaux-" Meliah began. She turned briefly away from his searching eyes and Beaux could feel her reluctance.
"Do I have you word Meliah?" Beaux demanded.
Meliah sighed discontentedly. "Yes."
