Inside Liliana's mind . . .
Don't ask me why I did it—all I know is that now I'm full of regret and shame.
I could've cried my heart out and called him a malicious dog, but I'm as equally guilty as he is. Instead, I locked myself in my room as soon as I returned, and I admit that I did cry a little, especially because he just left me there in that cave without saying a word. What worries me now with all my heart is someone finding out about what we did . . . and the possible consequences of our meaningless passion.
"Oh, what I would do to you if you weren't my cousin! Do you realize what you've done?!" Katherine screeched at Cain, whose cold-hearted demeanor was making her more and more angry.
The Earl was standing at the window with his arms folded across his chest, staring out at the blood red sunset. He felt like the sun was bleeding in pain just like he had so long ago . . .
"Cain, are you listening to me? You need to get Lily to come out of that room and talk to me! She might be thinking of killing herself for God's sake!"
She stormed over to her cousin and made him face her.
"I might be the last person she wants to see—did you ever think about that, Katherine?"
"That doesn't matter! You created this mess and I want you to fix it!"
"There's no reason to be jealous, so stop yelling at me."
Katherine almost pulled her hair out. "Who said I was jealous?!"
"No one needed to—it's obvious that you're furious with me because I did what you could not."
The outraged girl stood speechless, with her mouth as wide open as possible. When her voice returned, she uttered in a trembling whisper.
"Is that why you slept with her? To throw it in my face?" A single tear slid down her cheek.
"I would NEVER do something that cruel unless the person deserved it, and you, my dear cousin, deserve nothing but the best for your loving heart." He sincerely stated as he picked up her hand and kissed it.
"Stop it, Cain," she cried, turning her back to him with her hand over her mouth. Her tears now flowed freely.
They both stood motionless and silent for a few moments, each wallowing in their own thoughts.
The Earl finally spoke up. "If you would like, I will give her to you, tonight."
"What are you saying? Do you have no feelings for her?" Katherine asked in astonishment.
"I'd be lying if I said yes or no. But what matters here are YOUR affections, not what you assume to be mine. Lily's shame and regret will drive her to eventually go to you for support, and this may be to your advantage if you know what I mean."
Katherine was still perplexed as she sat down to process this information. "Are you implying that you did all this on purpose then? To help me?"
Cain leaned against the wall with his arms crossed. "To be quite honest, I still don't know why I set this course of events into motion. But I'm willing to correct it as much as possible if you are."
"You already have a plan in your head, don't you? Tell me—how can I win her over?!"
Desperation crept into his cousin's voice as she rose in a flurry and threw herself at him.
"Katherine, get a hold of yourself!" he yelled as he tried to restrain her.
"But Cain, you don't understand! If I can't have her love . . . then I'll be all alone again."
The distraught girl fell onto her knees, and Cain released his grip on her wrists. She cried openly for a few moments as her cousin looked on with what could be called a tender look.
"Come," he finally beckoned. "I will bring her to my room. She will know I am there, but once the lights go out, then you can take over."
"Really?! You would do all this for me?"
"I cannot guarantee what will happen. I can only hope that it's the right place at the right time."
"Oh God—you don't know what this means to me! To have Lily finally return my love . . ."
"Just remember that I never made you a promise, my dear cousin."
"Don't worry! I know the odds will be in my favor tonight! I can feel it!"
Katherine locked the Earl in a tight embrace. With his face buried in her dark curls, Cain felt almost happy that his relative was slowly returning to her normal self, but he could only wonder about what further peril lay ahead.
So . . . does anyone want a full on description in the next chapter or what? Feedback will definitely determine the layout of the next chap. R&R!