I rose to my feet the moment the door swung open. I breathed out a sigh of relief when Sofia's lovely form stepped out of the room, a tentative smile forming on her face at the sight of me. If only out of sheer relief, I wanted to pull her into my arms and kiss her right then and there, but I fought the urge to do it in fear of scaring her. So I held back and allowed her to set the pace. I doubt she was aware of the effect she had on me when she walked toward me, grabbed my hand, her thin, dainty fingers intertwining with mine before she lifted my hand and placed a soft kiss over the back of it.
I didn't fully understand why she did it, but I took it as assurance that she still felt safe around me, that she was choosing to trust me. I was both humbled and pressured by the gesture. I stared at her for a moment, taking in the sight of the splash of freckles on her cheeks and the natural red blush on her cheekbones. I let my eyes feast on the delicateness of her facial features, adoring every bit of her as I squeezed her hands, treasuring the warmth she exuded.
My perusal of my beautiful captive was interrupted when Corrine cleared her throat. "May I speak with you in private… Prince?" She tacked on the title as if it were a taunt.
I grimaced, hating that I had to let go of Sofia's hand, but was overcome by curiosity over what the witch would have to say.
I motioned to a guard to come stand near Sofia and then turned toward her. "You're going to be alright?" I asked in a choked whisper.
She nodded. "Go."
I entered Corrine's chambers and she closed the door behind us.
Corrine began to busy herself in one area of the room, which based on the bottles and spices and little what-nots located there, seemed to be where she created her potions, or whatever it was that she did with her time. She gave me a quick glance and smiled, most likely sensing my impatience. "I must admit I didn't see what you saw in her at first. I couldn't understand what was so special about Sofia Claremont to make you so taken by her, but I get it now."
I leaned forward, interested in what she had to say.
"I'm not certain, but I believe she has a condition that I would like to look into further. I'd like to have her come to me daily… It won't take long. All I require is an hour or two a day."
I didn't fully trust the witch, but was intrigued by her sudden interest toward Sofia. "What condition?"
"It's nothing to be concerned about. It's nothing deadly or anything to worry over. If I'm right about her, however, then you've found yourself quite a catch in the young girl. There aren't many like her."
She was telling me what I already knew. I doubted that there was anyone at all like Sofia. Much as I wanted to hear more about this "condition" Sofia supposedly had, I was more concerned by the immediate matter at hand.
"Did she tell you who did it?"
"She claims not to remember."
"Do you believe her?"
Corrine shook her head. "No. She's too smart, too aware, not to remember. She's protecting something… someone."
"Why would she protect whoever did this?"
"Maybe it's not her assailant that she's protecting." Corrine shrugged and stood to her full height, giving me an expression that meant business. "I suggest that you make sure she's protected at all times. I also suggest that you not bombard her with questions about what happened. If she's ready to tell you, I'm pretty sure she will. Stop forcing her to do things just because you're the ruler of this bloody Kingdom and your word is law. Respect her by making her feel like she has a choice!"
I wanted to defend myself, tell Corrine that I never forced Sofia to do anything against her will, but I knew what Corrine was trying to say. I wasn't exactly doling out pleases and thank yous Sofia's way either. I spoke to her in orders and commands, taking advantage of her obvious fear of me to make her cooperate. I kept convincing myself that I saw humans as equal if not superior to vampires, yet I didn't exactly treat Sofia as an equal. I treated her just as everyone else in the Blood Shade did – a captive, a slave.
I gave Corrine a long look before nodding. "Thank you. She'll be back tomorrow…" I headed for the door and paused just before twisting the knob open. "That is, if she wants to."
I could sense the witch's smile – a show of approval perhaps. "Have a good day, Derek."