Heart of Darkness

Roxana sat with Diana and Vitale in a carriage that took them to Rayven’s home. Alexander had to go back to the castle for work but Vitale was on vacation.

“I am sorry we are taking your time,” Roxana told him.

“It is no problem,” he said curtly.

His tone was cold, his face always passive and his eyes distant. Roxana tried to involve him in a conversation but he always replied short and precise and he sat absolutely still although they were traveling quite the distance.

Once they arrived at Rayven’s dark castle, Diana had the same reaction she had the first time she saw the castle. It looked haunted from the outside. They went inside and Angelica was already having a chat with the stylists who would take care of them for the ball.

She stood up from her seat with a wide smile and came over. Roxana introduced her sister and Angelica. “I am so happy you found each other.” She smiled.

Then they were both excited to find a dress for Diana. Diana has the same curved body shape as her except she was a bit thinner and shorter. She picked the least extravagant one and still she wasn’t comfortable. Roxana was saddened.

When they were girls, her sister was the feminine one among them. She loved nice dresses, and beautiful hairstyles trying to mimic their mother as much as possible.

“Do you have something more simple?”

The stylists looked at each other. “It is the king’s ball.” They told her.

She nodded. “Right.” She smiled faintly.

Looking around she met her gaze and Roxana could only force a smile as to not cry. She swallowed the lump in her throat.

Turning back to the stylists, “I will take that one,” she said, pointing at a stunning rosy pink dress.

Roxana was surprised by her sudden change of choice.

“Excellent choice,” the stylist said and Diana smiled.

“You will look beautiful in it,” Angelica told her.

And so they began to have their hair done with the utmost care, while Angelica told them what the ball looked like and how the atmosphere was. They took a break for lunch while their hair was permed and then spent some time with Aiden. He had his mother’s blue eyes and his father’s dark hair. He was still too little to know who looked like the most.

Roxana felt bad for Rayven and Vitale who stayed here with them in case of danger. They were probably bored, while they kept laughing here.

Angelica gave Aiden to the nursemaid and they went back to finish off their hair and have their bodies oiled and scented. Roxana looked at her glowing arms and her hands which looked like a lady’s hands for the first time.

As soon as the dresses were on, shoes were put on, faces were painted, and jewelry was donned. Roxana became suddenly nervous. “I will forget the dance steps.” She said worried, her hands sweating. She had practiced with Alexander and it went well but they were alone then.

A hand took hers and Roxana looked at her sister who gave her an encouraging smile. “You look beautiful Roxana.” She said squeezing her hand gently. “Don’t think about anyone else. It is your night.”

Roxana’s eyes teared up. She had dreamt of this. Having her sister by her side and suddenly all of her fears disappeared. Diana was here with her and she was going to marry the man who owned her heart. There could be no better night. She would just enjoy herself.

Rayven and Vitale waited outside near the carriages, dressed elegantly. Rayven’s gaze went immediately to his stunning wife and Vitale’s gaze swept across her and fell on her sister for a brief moment before he looked away.

Without a word or a second glance, he opened the door to the carriage for them and offered his hand to help them get inside. Then he closed to door instead of stepping inside as well.

“Are you not coming with us, My Lord?” Roxana asked.

“No. It is better for you two to arrive alone.” He told them and then walked away.

“He is very quiet,” Diana said watching him leave.

They had that problem. They were all somewhat brooding. Well, except for Lord Shady. Perhaps it was their sins and punishments. She had seen the change in Alexander. Maybe one day they would all find their happiness.

“He is indeed,” Roxana replied.

“Don’t the men all somehow look the same?” Her sister asked catching the similarities between them. “I mean they do look different but…” She became thoughtful.

Roxana smiled inwardly. Her sister was catching on fast. She changed the subject. “I am looking forward to you meeting Uncle Ben and Fanny.”

“They sound fun.”

“They are. I am sure you will love them.” Roxana said.

“I already do.” She smiled.

Once they arrived, Roxana was surprised by how lively the castle looked. There were plenty of carriages outside and people were swarming inside. Her gaze fell, on the newly arrived carriage decorated in all silver but she didn’t expect Uncle Ben and Fanny to step out of it. As if she wasn’t already shocked, her jaw dropped when she saw them dressed in fancy clothes.

Fanny had cut his hair and combed it back nicely, making him look more manly and handsome. Uncle Ben was stylish and adorable. Roxana waved at them and they beamed when they took notice of her. As they walked over, “it is them.” She told Diana.

Fanny’s eyes widened the closer he came. He must have realized who the lady next to her was. “Is this Diana?” He asked.

Diana curtsied. “You must be Fanny.”

“Oh, Lord.” He said turning to Roxana and then back to Diana. “We have been looking for you.”

She smiled shyly.

“Uncle Ben, this is my sister Diana,” Roxana spoke to Uncle Ben who was quiet in his confusion.

“It is nice to finally meet your Diana,” he said taking her hand like a gentleman and kissing his own thumb. “I am glad you are safe and alive.”

“It is nice meeting you too, Uncle.”

He smiled and then leaned closer. “You two are shining stars tonight.” He compliment.

“Yes. You look absolutely beautiful.” Fanny agreed. “We were surprised when we were sent clothes and a carriage.”

“It was very thoughtful of his Majesty.” Uncle Ben said. “I can die having lived as a wealthy for a night.” He joked.

“You look handsome, Uncle Ben. I worry for the old Ladies.” She joked.

“Oh,” he waved with his hand dismissively. “Tonight the young ones should be worried too.”

They laughed.

“I am quite the dancer.” He said. “You will see. I even taught Fanny.”

Fanny shook his head in denial.

“Now, don’t waste those dance moves. Get yourself a wealthy lady.” Uncle Ben told him.

p Diana and Roxana only chuckled.

“Let’s focus on Roxana tonight. It is her night. We should look like a decent family.”

“Yes. Offer your sister, your arm and walk her in elegantly.” Uncle Ben became the arranger. “And Diana, do you mind if I escort you inside.”

“Not at all.” She smiled and he offered her his arm.

Roxana couldn’t stop herself from smiling as she took Fanny’s arm and he walked her inside. The evening just started but she was already full of joy.