After Laina returned to the palace, she continued to try and contact Dante. Holding the pendant in her hand, she looked listlessly at the blood rose he had given her. She had placed it in its own vase and left it on her dressing table.
She admired its dark red petals, mesmerized by how deep the color was. Much to her surprise, the flower had remained relatively intact. It did not require water or sunlight to maintain its beautiful form.
"I wonder what's keeping you alive, rose," Laina muttered to the blood rose as she leaned her chin on the back of her arm.
Moments later, Margaret knocked and entered the room. With Kol's help, she brought in a silver tray and had it set up on the dining table in the small living room that was attached to Laina's bedroom.
Once everything was set up properly, Margaret walked over to get Laina. As soon as she noticed the princess at the dressing table, mopping; she could not help but sigh as she shook her head.
