The Taste

A/N: Well, I can't sleep. Nothing new there. Hope y'all enjoy it. I was going to work on Cover Me, but the inspiration isn't there for it yet.

Sandy's breath left her as she looked through the notebook more, noticing small notes next to certain drawings. Some didn't have notes at all. She just admired Shadow's skill. He drew her with such. . .care. She turned the page, seeing the page filled with landscapes from Italy and even more sketches of her.

Most of them had her turned away from the viewer, looking out at the landscape depicted. A few had her making eye contact, her depiction a vast contrast to the real thing. She sighed, closing the notebook, and setting it aside. She had sent him away.

Sandy fidgeted with the cover in her hands, wondering if she could find Shadow. If he hadn't gotten too far and could send Amina after him. She wondered how Randy was faring in her absence; if he was alright and would hopefully make it tomorrow.

She laid down, holding the notebook in her arms and falling asleep like that. She hoped he found a way inside the manor tomorrow.


Randy read the invitation to Valen's get-together aloud, frowning at the mention of his sister and their upcoming wedding. "I can bring you along," he said, turning to look at Shadow.

Shadow huffed, shifting in his seat. "She sent me away yesterday, she didn't even know it was me." He replied, nursing the drink he poured himself.

Randy moved to stand in front of him. "She had no choice. . .I couldn't protect her, but you can. Please, Shadow," he said. "She's all I have left. I don't want to see her suffer."

"I don't either, but what can I do against Valen?" Shadow countered, draining his drink and putting the glass on the table. "He has influences I don't have, I'm just some painter."

"And a patron of our household still,"

Shadow shifted, wondering if things would have been different if he hadn't taken this job in the first place. If they still would've met under different circumstances. He shook his head at the thought, letting out a dismissive laugh.

"I'll make sure to keep Valen busy tomorrow, so you can see her," Randy said after a moment. After all, Randy had things to discuss with Valen, make sure the family doctor was still visiting his sister.

Anything. He'd do anything to make sure Sandy was alright and kept away from an asylum, even if it meant death.


Sandy stood against the wall as people entered the manor. The few she knew from the tavern, she greeted, but nonetheless stood by herself until Valen came over, putting an arm on the small of her back and leading her towards a group.

Her leg protested, beginning to ache as the men around her smiled and congratulated them on their upcoming wedding. She watched the door, ignoring Valen squeezing her shoulder as Randy walked in.

She went over to him, tossing her arms around her brother, and fought off tears. "Randy," she started, looking over him.

He actually looked healthy for once, his cheeks full and a smile on his lips as he looked at his sister. "How's your leg?" he asked, intertwining his arm with hers.

"Aching," she simply answered, swallowing as Valen's gaze followed the pair. "I would retire to my room, but—."

"Then you should, Mistress," Amina said, balancing a tray in her hand.

Sandy looked from her to Randy finding him gone over to Valen, keeping the man's attention. She headed for her room, closing the door behind her and using her cane to reach the bed.

She jumped as someone cleared their throat near the vanity, looking over.

"Shadow?"