"Priscilla." The Count spoke, I brought my head up to see four sets of eyes looking at me.
The Countess eyes wide, looking completely perplexed at me. I then looked at the second oldest sibling in the family, Cedric, who was also seated at the dining room table. Instead of red hair like the oldest Victor and I had, he was blond like the Countess. He looked at me with open disgust.
Then there was the guest and presumably the reason why I was allowed out of my room.
The Prince Leanders, he was seated to the left of the Count, his face just looking on, his lips downturned. But he didn't say anything either.
The Count's face was the last one I got to, he looked down right livid, glaring at me in disapproval. I rolled my eyes, what now?
Looking around me, then at the fork in my hand. Oh… noting how everyone had a knife and fork to cut their steak. I guess…
I wasn't in the mood for an etiquette lesson, sighing, I dropped my fork with the stabbed steak back on my plate. I reached for my napkin, pulling it up and cleaning around my lips.
Annoyed at all these damn rules.
'Cough, cough.'
"I am very glad the steak is to your liking Priscilla," The Countess spoke, giving me a slight smile, nodding. She still seemed perplexed at what she had just witnessed.
"So do animals' mother." Cedric contested, throwing a jab at me, disapproving of me in general.
Instead of being embarrassed, I ignored him.
"Oh mother, yes. It's just that I have missed these kinds of home cooked meals." I happily said, smiling around the table, seeing Cedric slit his eyes at me and huff in disbelief.
"I see, dear…" She lightly said, pressing her lips. She tilted her head, searching my face, after several seconds she picked her utensil and turned back to her plate. Continuing her meal as did Cedric.
I thought that was the end of it, reaching over to my water. Oh boy did I wish so.
The Count decided to speak up, his voice instantly grating on my nerves.
"Since you have forgotten proper etiquette, I think you should start your palace etiquette starting tomorrow, what do you think honey?" He commented. I slit my eyes in his direction.
If he believed I was going to back down without saying anything he sure as hell was wrong.
"Maybe some of us don't need it." I objected, tossing it back. Everyone was aware of what I was referring to.
'Oh dear' 'Priscilla', I heard the Countess say, while Cedric hissed through his teeth.
I didn't bother turning to them. I kept my chin up in defiance as we sat there, hostiling glaring once again.
"If I may, Count Haust. May I speak to Priscilla, privately?" The Prince interjected. I snapped my head at him.
"I don't want to." I scoffed at the request. Glaring at him now.
Like hell I wanted to be in the same room as the guy, let alone privately.
"Priscilla!" The Count roared, upset at my rudeness, but like hell I was going to let them choose for me.
But neither was I going to wait to be excused from the table.
"Fine" I clipped, not bothering to look at the Prince, jumping up from my seat, tossing my napkin and headed out of the dining room. Passing several servants in the hallway.
I made it to the familiar large drawing room. Stepping inside, I walked to the middle of the room. Seeing the Prince appear several seconds later.
Anger and disbelief at this bastard. If anyone asked me, he should take a hike on some mountain. Inside I was seething at his clear disregard to my wishes.
Shit I had basically announced it to the whole wide world.
He was the first one to speak.
"What seems to have you so upset Priscilla?" I clenched my teeth, following his movements. He stopped at a small bar, pouring himself something to drink, like he owned the fucking place. Not being able to take much more of the silence I spoke.
"Why the hell do you want this engagement to continue?" He sighed, only giving me a quick glance. Bringing the glass to his lips he drank. Moving towards me and the surrounding furniture.
"If it was up to me, the engagement wouldn't have lasted this long." He reciprocated.
"Well, can't you change it!" I demanded.
He pressed his lips, "Maybe…if you do as I say we may be able to act comfortable with each other for the time being." He paused, drinking more, sizing me. His eyes dissected me. " I wonder, Priscilla, why the sudden outcry?" he questioned.
Screw him.
"If you think I'm going to let this stupid engagement continue, you're out of your mind." I crossed my arms in front of me. The asshole wasn't looking at me now. He had the glass cup of liquid up, studying it, bringing it to his lips. Suddenly stopping and seeming discerned by something.
"Am I? Just so you know, nothing has really changed in people's minds. High society is waiting for you to present yourself and unhinged behavior. Even now you only have me to support you. But like I said,"
'You haven't said why asshole." I cut him off. His assumption about what I was going to encounter and as if he was my only crutch. Was he delusional or something? His face was not breaking the chill expression, as if he was talking about today's weather.
But…the way he did reminded me of…someone who was truly unhinged.
A chill went up my spine. This didn't feel at all like the person I had read on paper.
But I didn't give a damn.
He thought I was the old weak Priscilla that gave in to his whims and demands.
I'll show him.
I release my magic, my anger being the emotion to manifest it. I targeted the glass in his hand, watching as the glass and amber liquid exploded. That should give him something to think…
"Ha…" I heard, seeing as the Prince didn't even seem upset. On his face, his lips were stretched, smiling. Opening his hand, he allowed the remaining broken glass to drop onto the floor. Sharply turning to me. His smile though, was predatory.
Before I could react, he appeared in front of me. The feel of his hand curling into the expense of my neck, while an overwhelming aura froze me in place. Paralyzing me. The hand on my neck tightened and he lifted me, strangling me. I immediately went to where he clutched me, my hands scratched at his, trying to make him let go.
With no avail.
I then try to do the second best thing. To claw at him, which was useless. I couldn't reach his face.
He held me at arms length.
His blue eyes glowed, a feral expression on his face made me realize the true danger I was in. I couldn't scream and the bit of strength in my body was draining out as my head started to get light headed. Whatever this pressure was nowhere near what I assumed the magic was.
The rushing of my blood in my ear was now replaced by his voice.
"Remember Priscilla, so far I am the one allowing you to live. You are at my mercy." I couldn't drag any oxygen inside my lungs now. My tip of toes struggling to find perches on the floor. While my eyes burn from straining. "Or maybe I should do away with you now…" He cooly asked, as if we were having a conversation.
The horrible realization was dawning on me that he might just do that, the bastard was going to kill me. Pure terror pulsing throughout my blood. Whether it was mines or old Priscilla.
It was yet to be seen.
All I knew is that this was real. I've done some ridiculous things in my past life. Building jumps, Grand Canyon tightrope, buried alive, even with my last jump this feeling of dread. The feeling that I was going to truly die was never there.
And I couldn't do anything to stop it.
My eyes got heavy and I knew I was going to pass out. The slow tighten on my neck and windpipe is beyond painful.
'Knock, knock'
I found myself crumbling to my feet.
Gasping now, drawing as much air to my lungs. As much as I could, making me even more lightheaded.
'Tsk' I heard him click his tongue in disappointment.
"This is a warning, my dear Priscilla." He crouched down picking up my chin, bringing my gaze to his face. I didn't fight it as I tried to still get myself together.
"It seems we have to end our chat now. Remember what we spoke about my dear." His thumb grazed my bottom lips. I searched his face, realizing the bastard was a psychopath. His face painted of innocence but behind his colored eyes I could see the twisted person who was behind them.
What the hell did I get myself into….
He dropped his hand from my chin.
My vision was still blurry and watery, but I could see him calmly walk away from me.