Page 48 of House of Blood and Roses: Vol. 1

"Why don't we sit somewhere different?" Linc asks.

I raise an eyebrow.

"I'm not trying to avoid the conversation," he says hastily.

"You can if you want. I'm not going to force you to talk about it," I say. I want to hear his answer, but not enough that I want him to be uncomfortable while giving it. I know it can't be an easy thing for him to talk about.

"I know. But you're clearly uncomfortable. If I'm going to regale you with my problems, then the least I can do is make sure you're not in a bad chair." The smile he gives me seems genuine, and I have no reason to think that Linc might be lying.

"It's normally fine," I murmur.

"You're not normally wearing a ball gown." He gets up and holds out his hand.

I slip mine into it and let him help me up. "That's a fair point. It's a beautiful dress, but it isn't exactly meant for sitting."

He chuckles. "It does look a bit uncomfortable."

"It's fine when I'm standing up."

"Even with..." He waves vaguely at my waist.

"You mean the stays?" I ask, guessing it's what he's getting at. "They're pretty comfortable, actually. They're made to fit me, so they're mostly just supportive. It's all the fabric in the skirt that makes sitting more of an issue." I move some of it with my free hand, enjoying the fact that my other is still in Linc's.

"Ah. I won't pretend to understand fashion."

"I don't think you need to," I assure him.

He leads me away from our table and around a corner. I've seen him disappear this way when he goes to fetch things before, but have never explored down here myself.

He pauses by a stoic-looking man.

"Are you hungry?" Linc asks me.

I'm about to say no, when I realise that isn't true. "A little bit."

He nods. "Would you ask one of the servants to bring us some food, Eric? We'll be in my normal room."

I look at the man, wondering what he thinks of the situation.

Linc pulls me away before the bodyguard responds. He pushes open a door and gestures for me to make my way inside. Torches burn low in the sconces, almost as if they're about to go out, but I don't think that's going to happen. There's a load of cushions on the floor that look haphazardly scattered, as well as a low table currently covered in books, and an armchair that looks as if I could fall asleep in it. If I wasn't wearing a ball gown. Given my current attire, I'm much more likely to end up on the floor if I try to sit in the chair.

"What is this place?" I ask.

"Oh, this is the room I normally use when I come to the library," Linc says. "I like to have lots of different options for when I'm reading. I thought the cushions might be better for your dress."

"Thank you, that's very thoughtful. And I'm honoured you're showing me this place."

"How do you know I don't just show anyone it?"

I raise an eyebrow. "Because this is the first time you've even mentioned it and we've been spending time here almost every day since I arrived."

"Good point."

I take a seat on the cushions, leaning back against a particularly comfortable-looking one.

There's a knock on the door and Linc heads over to open it, coming back with a tray that's even bigger than the ones we normally get. He puts it on the low table.

"What would you like? Tea? Wine? Blood?"