Heart of Darkness

Lazarus showed Roxana how she should walk, greet, smile, eat and curtsy, and other small actions that would matter. Roxana imitated him perfectly and he was impressed.

“Well, I lived impersonating others and I have pretended to be a wealthy lady many times,” Roxana said. “Do you want me to be timid or haughty?”

He chuckled and Angelica smiled.

Roxana pretended to be a lady of extreme wealth who thought that everyone was below her. She walked with a scornful look while fanning herself. “Oh, Lord Quintus. You missed my party last night. Did I not send an invitation?”

“I am afraid you did not my lady,” Lazarus played along.

“Oh, my mistake. I must have missed it. There were sooo many guests. It was exhausting. So sad you missed it.” She said with a dramatic tone. “Maybe next time. I will show you the vineyard my husband bought.”

Angelica chuckled.

“I could be shy too,” Roxana said enjoying being an actor.

She tried to look like her most innocent self and walked in a manner that made her look humble and get as little attention as possible.

“Many men would like this,” Lazarus said.

Yes. She did know that. This was her act whenever she wanted to get away with something.

“Or I could be flirtatious,” Roxana said.

“Let’s not try that for the sake of the living.” Lazarus chuckled.

After the lesson ended, Angelica took them to another quarter of the mansion where they got a visit by two females who called themselves stylists. They came with dresses, shoes, and accessories to choose from. Roxana just blinked surprised. So this was how wealthy people lived? Stores delivered to your home?

The clothes and jewelry were lavish. “I ordered the latest fashion. As the future queen, you need to look exceptional.” She said.

Roxana looked astonished at all the beautiful dresses. The two female stylists, Mona and Ali helped her choose what would match her skin tone and body type the most. She got to try out the chosen ones and they gave their opinions on them.

“This is just our opinion. The most important thing is that you feel beautiful, comfortable, and confident in the dress.” Mona explained.

Roxana became suddenly nervous. With these large lavish dresses, that would draw everyone’s attention she would make a fool of herself. What if she stumbled and fell? Or what if she forgot the steps to a dance?

Swallowing the nerves she picked a beautiful light blue dress. “Good choice.” Ali smiled. “You look stunning in it.”

Angelica nodded in agreement.

“Now, let’s pick jewelry,” Mona said.

Roxana had fun trying out the jewelry with Angelica. There was so much to choose from that she gave up trying.

“Well, you could buy all of it. I am sure your future husband can afford it.” Angelica smiled when she saw her confusion.

“Oh no. It would be a waste. Which one do you think match my dress the most?”

“The diamonds.” Angelica pointed at the diamond set. “Without the necklace.” She added.

Roxana agreed and picked the diamond set.

“Don’t show anything to Skender. He should see at the ball with all of this for the first time.” Angelica suggested.

Roxana nodded with a smile.

After they were done with her, it was Angelica’s turn. She seemed sure of what she wanted to wear. She picked a light yellow gown and gold jewelry to match.

Roxana was exhausted mentally after this whole learning and choosing and trying out period. She refilled her plate at the dinner table thinking of Fanny and Uncle Ben. She had wanted to visit them but wondered now if it would be a good idea. How would she explain that she needed to leave again? She had left with the lie that she would travel with Alexander as his guard.

After refilling her stomach and returning to their room, she asked Alexander what to do about it.

“I have sent an invitation to uncle Ben and Fanny and I sent them some clothes as well. Maybe it is better if you just meet them there.”

Roxana nodded. As happy as she was about having uncle Ben and Fanny with her, it reminded her of her father. She would have loved for him to give her away to her future husband. She would have loved it if her mother and sister had been there. Could she find them before she got married?

God, she was being greedy again.

***

Meanwhile, Vitale sat on one of the benches in his local church. He liked to come here at night when no one was there but lately, he kept seeing a golden-haired female sitting at the front. She sat in the exact same place every night and she sat very still. What was fascinating to him was also that she prayed the whole time.

For every night that passed, he began to wonder what she looked like. Who was she? He was never curious about people but he almost never came across someone who prayed so deeply from their hearts. The mind often wandered away, like his right now. Thinking of a female instead of praying.

Distractions were clearly everywhere and although he would satisfy his needs when needed he didn’t indulge in them. He didn’t even seek it unless he really needed to and it was rare that he had such needs. Ironic with him being a demon but he had always been disciplined.

This time he stayed until the woman decided to leave so he could see her face. She stood up at last to leave. As she turned around, he was struck by her face. She was young and beautiful but… it was the resemblance that threw him off balance. The resemblance to Roxana.

As she walked down the aisle, she took notice of him. Her eyes, a teal blue just like Roxana’s settled on him. She gave a gentle smile and a nod to greet him as she passed by.

Vitale only stared at her and once she was out of sight he had to turn around to watch her leave.

Could it be? He knew Roxana had been looking for her family.