Tales after Dusk 05

Alecta smiles and puts on a good show; only those that know her best—Aiken and Basil—know that she is acting. Thorne doesn't have a clue. When they arrive back at the manner, they are immediately greeted by the servant who showed them their rooms a few hours ago.

"Good evening my Lady, my Lords—I hope your visit to our small town was amiable?" She says softly, shutting the door behind them.

"Very much so," Basil answers as he can tell Alecta's patience at pretending is starting to wear thin, "The tailor was very accommodating. I hope we haven't missed dinner?"

"No, Sir, dinner is in one hour," she replies with reddening cheeks under Basil's keen eye.

"Wonderful, I think we shall have an aperitif in our rooms," he smiles and loops his arm into Alecta's, leading their party towards the stairs.

"There is just one more thing, Sirs, Madam," she says tentatively, as if she is afraid to be on the wrong end of their disapproval.

Alecta turns around, her smile fading, "Yes? Well, out with it," she says, somewhat snottily.

The servant clasps her hands before her, wringing them slightly, "The King and the Queen have sent over a few more guests—I put them up on the opposite end of the manor, they will not bother you at all. In fact, I would be surprised if you ever crossed paths unless intentionally."

Alecta looks at the servant; she expected bad news and it appeared that the servant thought that was what she was giving but Alecta sees an opportunity to gain more information, "Oh? Who is it?"

"Miss Talia's family came earlier today. Her parents and sisters are staying with her in the castle but apparently her Uncle and Aunt, along with their daughters were...offered a room here instead. And also her brother, as well, he wished to lodge here too," she says hesitantly, "I have set the main dining room for you and your party. They will be dining in the breakfast room, on the other side of the manor."

She senses the servant's apprehension; Alecta steps closer and speaks softly, kindly to the servant to pry more details from her, "Well I don't see an issue with that, do you, dear?"

The woman wrings her hands, hesitating. Alecta places a comforting hand on her shoulder, purring with charm, "Come now, what's wrong? I promise, I will not repeat a word you say, to anyone."

Tentatively the servant looks up; Alecta smiles and makes an X over her heart, "Cross my heart," she says sweetly.

"It's just that—I am sorry, Lady Remington, I do not wish to say anything ill about anyone but...I heard that the family's prestige comes from Miss Talia's mother—her Uncle is her father's brother and...well..."

"What is it, love?" she coos.

"...he isn't exactly of the same stock as you, and the Lord and the Baron," she all but whispers, "he's a bit crass and unrefined, to put bluntly."

Alecta can't help but let out a laugh; the servant looks at her, horrified.

"Oh dear, no I am not laughing at you," she says softly, "I just enjoy laughing. Miss Talia seems so," she waves her hand in the air, "classy. Her brother, is he like her, or the Uncle?"

"Oh he is very much like Miss Talia, Madam. One of the servants in the castle overheard that he just doesn't get along very well with his sisters, so he chose to stay here instead," the woman looks at her with hope in her eyes, praying that she didn't say anything that would offend the guests or cause her to lose her job.

Alecta smiles and holds her finger up to her lips, "I won't say a word, promise. Thank you very much for informing us, so that we weren't caught off guard. If you would do me a favor, dear, go ahead and invite them to join us for dinner."

"Are—are you sure, miss?" she says, somewhat shocked.

"I do love a good laugh," Alecta says with a wink.

Alecta's room is the first one they come across, however she gives them a pretend curtsey, "I think I will skip the predinner festivities. I am a bit tired," she says, ignoring the disappointed look on Thorne's face, "I'll meet everyone before dinner," she adds before slipping into her room.

Basil knows better; he knows that she is upset about what he said. Perhaps he shouldn't have mentioned it but he cannot stand to see a good friend of his have her heart broken. He turns to Thorne, "Fancy a drink?"

"Sure," he says somewhat glumly.

Aiken leads the way to Basil's room, opening the door for them before he slips in behind. They are surprised to find Jasper and Kane sitting on his sofa.

"Where's Alecta?" Kane says right away.

Basil shakes his head, "She is resting. We are going to have company for dinner."

"I heard," Jasper says, sipping from his brandy glass, "The Uncle and Aunt are quite a hoot. A little less pretentious than her brother."

Thorne doesn't wait for an invitation but pours himself a glass. Basil eyes him curiously as he downs the entire contents, "Did you find the Desert Rose?"

"Ready and waiting," Jasper replies, "How did the tailor go?"

"Great," Aiken says, pouring Thorne a second helping before filling two other glasses, "She did her thing. Had him eating out of the palm of her hand."

"Does she always get what she wants, from men?" Thorne says.

Everyone looks oddly at him, "Take care, Prince, that rings heavily of bitterness," Kane says softly.

He snorts, "So what if it does? I am just another pay day, another job to all of you. Might as well have fun with at my expense, right?" He swallows the second glass.

Basil exchanges a look with Kane; understanding, Kane rises and pulls Thorne away from the group. While everyone discusses details of the plan, Kane takes the Prince's glass away, "What is with your attitude?"

He slumps on the windowsill and looks out over the back streets, "I guess I'm just not that good at distinguishing what is acting and what is real," he replies.

Kane sits down, following his gaze. After a moment, he speaks, "It would take a lot for any of us to admit it but Alecta is by far the best of us. At everything. If it weren't for her, we wouldn't be successful and we would probably all be rotting in prison. She is convincing."

"Tell me about it," he snorts.

"We have all been together for a long time," Kane says, looking at him, "I don't think that there is any way for you to understand just exactly how we feel about her. She is our..." His brows crinkle as he tries to find the right words, "She is our best friend. Our sister, our mother, our daughter, our wife, our girlfriend, our first love, our goddess divine, our queen, our home. I would kill for her, without hesitation or remorse and so would anyone in our group."

Thorne turns and looks at him, wondering where he is going with this.

"It is easy to fall into her web—many a man has been trapped by her, like a moth drawn to a flame. You may think that you love her but you don't know her like we do."

"I want to know her," he says earnestly, "I may have been asleep for the past hundred years but I am not just some mark. The only thing that would wake me up was true love and she is the one."

Kane nods softly, "I understand. But what becomes of her? We kill the nymph and get you back into the castle and then what? I can't imagine that the King and Queen of Briartown, who have been waiting over a century, will pass their throne on to a criminal, a thief, a confidence woman. What would you tell them? Or, would you tell them? Perhaps you would ask Alecta to pretend she is something else, deny her true nature for the rest of her life." He pauses, waiting for Thorne to answer. When he doesn't say anything, Kane adds softly, "She deserves better than that."

"Yes, she does," he agrees meekly, taking his glass back from Kane, "I am a fool."

He smiles softly as he rises to his feet, starting back to the group, "We are all fools, in love."

Thorne reluctantly rejoins the group, doing his best to pretend that he understands their code talk, their jokes, their way of life. Just as the brandy begins to seep into his bones and relax him, there is a soft knock on the door—a call to dinner. Kane and Jasper disappear in a flash, so quickly that Thorne has no idea where they went or how they vanished into thin air. Instead he and Basil slowly stroll out into the hallway, back towards Alecta's room to collect her for the meal.

Basil knocks softly three times. There is silence. He raps three more, a little louder but still nothing. Giving Thorne a brief glance, he twists the knob and slowly pushes the door open. They step just inside, looking around the room. It takes both of them a moment to find her. With her knees drawn up to her chest, she sits in a tight compact ball facing the far corner of the room, her head leaning against the wall.

Her voice comes out so softly, so tiny that they can barely hear it, "Go away. I cannot do this anymore."

"Oh, shit," Basil says in such a way that leads Thorne to think that he has found her like this before. He turns and gently pushes Thorne back out of the door, shutting it on him before the prince even has a chance to respond, "Go down to the dining room, we will be there in a moment."

And with that, he finds himself back in the hallway staring at the closed door. He reaches for the knob but a soft twist reveals that Basil locked it behind him. Thorne stands there for a moment, so dumbfounded that he cannot move. Alecta has always shown herself to be a strong, fearsome woman—but to see her, hiding in a corner, so broken...it makes his heart ache.

He turns on his heels and strolls down the hallway, down the stairs towards the dining room, forcing himself to put on a blank face. He realizes now that there is more to her than just a criminal, or a seductive woman, or a pretty face. She is a living, breathing, hurting soul. And he loves her all the more for it.

Lost in his own thoughts he strolls into the room, expecting to find it empty but instead shocked to discover occupants. A round, portly man with a poor attempt at a beard and a worse yet attempt at a comb over, scrambles to his feet. His grayish brown hair suggests that he must be the uncle. He provides Thorne with an overly practiced incline of the head before introducing himself.

"I am Philip Carden, of Lexington," he tries to say with a sophisticated tone.

Thorne elegantly returns the incline, "I am," he smiles, having to think about it for a moment, "Baron Thorne Remington, of Reddington."

There is instant panic in Philip's face as he wasn't informed of the status of the dinner guests; he assumed that they would be equals, never did it cross his mind that he would be dinning above his class, "Baron, please excuse me," he swiftly apologizes, bowing deeply rising only to show a bright red face.

Thorne can't help but laugh, because if he only knew his true title, the man would be cowering in fear, "Nonsense," he pats the man on the shoulder, "Just call me Thorne."

A relieved smile crosses the man's face. His wife comes rushing over, providing a proper curtsey, "May I introduce you to my wife, Sir—this is Mrs. Lacey Carden."

"How do you do, ma'am?" Thorne says, providing a short bow.

"I am fine, thank you Sir. Is it just you—or will your friends be joining us?" She asks tentatively.

"Indeed, yes, the Countess Remington and Count Montage will be down shortly. Am I right that you will also have a few more to add to the party?"

"Yes," Philip says, pouring a glass of brandy for Thorne, "Our two daughters Bree and Edith, and our nephew, Edmond. I imagine they will be here shortly."

Thorne makes polite small talk with Philip, though the portly man is too nervous to be good at conversation. Several minutes later, two twin young ladies burst into the room, giggling and happy, brown curly hair bouncing to and fro. They immediately stop when they see Thorne and though they blush each girl makes eyes at him after they curtsey.

Lacey corrals the girls away from Thorne and all three sit across the room, chatting softly while stealing glances at him. It isn't much longer before they are joined by another man. Thorne immediately feels slightly threatened by him, though he politely bows after introducing himself.

"Edmond Carden, how do you do?" He says easily. With bright blue eyes and shoulder length dark blonde hair, he stands out amongst their group. His face is clean shaven, giving his smile plenty of room to blossom.

Thorne inclines his head towards him, "I am well, thank you for asking." He says politely enough, though he doesn't introduce himself.

Desperate to be of some use, Philip chimes in, "Edmond, this is the Baron Thorne Remington."

"Pleasure," he says.

Before they can converse, Basil strolls elegantly into the room. As all eyes land on him, he offers a bow to all, "Good evening," he says nonchalantly.

"Ah, this is my dear friend," Thorne introduces him, "Count William Montague."

As everyone but Thorne bows and curtseys towards the Count, he inquires, "And where is my lovely cousin?"

Basil's eyes land on his and though he smiles it is evident that he isn't entirely at ease, "She will be down in just a moment."

While Philip takes the liberty of introducing everyone to the Count, Edmond lingers near Thorne, evidently more comfortable around him than his own family, "I did hear from my sister of the atrocities that befell your cousin this morning. I do hope she is well?"

Thorne smiles tightly, "Yes, it was a rather unfortunate misunderstanding. Aside from a few bruises, both to her person and her pride, she is as vibrant as always."

Edmond nods slowly, "My sister expressed a desire to meet your cousin, before the engagement party. What plans have you for tomorrow?"

Just as Thorne is about to reply, Alecta floats into the room. She changed her outfit to a dark green dress, her hair piled elegantly on top of her head. Though she wears a small knowing smile and carries herself with the grace of the upper class, her eyes lack their usual shine.

"I apologize for my tardiness," she says softly after a small curtsey.

Instantly, Thorne and Basil are forgotten as the rest of the Cardens are swept up in her web. As Philip fumbles through his introductions, Edmond crosses the room to meet her. With a gentle bow, he extends his hand as his uncle offers him to the woman.

"And this is my nephew, Edmond Carden. His sister is Talia, the one who woke the Prince," his voice ringing with misplaced pride.

Alecta gracefully drops her hand into his, watching Edmond bring it to his lips. Gently pressing against her skin, he says sweetly, "'Tis truly a pleasure, Countess."

She flashes him a wry, flirtatious smile, "That it is, Mr. Carden."

Thorne stands for a brief moment in awe of Alecta, as he cannot tell if she is acting or not. That moment is soon to pass as the overwhelming jealousy pulses through his veins.

As they take their seats around the table, Thorne finds himself sitting between Mrs. Carden and Basil, directly across from Edmond and Alecta. He would have preferred to sit next to her but as they are seated according to peerage and Edmond continued to hover next to her, Thorne had no other option. When the meal is served, he does his best to make small talk with Basil and Philip yet he can't help but steal a glance at Alecta at every opening. She never meets his gaze, instead spending her time chatting up Edmond, occasionally replying to a question from Lacey or Philip.

After the meal, one of the servants leads them to a drawing room. Thorne is surprised to see Aiken and Kane there, dressed in plain servants' clothing. They stand at the ready, just as any would. Alecta drapes herself over the sofa and before Thorne can casually sit beside her, Edmond takes his spot while the rest of their new party files into the room. As if Basil can sense the tension, he sets his drink glass down, motioning to Kane, "Be a good chap and play us a tune, would you?"

Kane bows stiffly and crosses the room to the pianoforte, where expertly sits and begins to play a slow waltz.

Extending his hand to Alecta, Basil grins, "Would you amuse an old friend and take a turn about the room?"

She smiles sweetly, placing her hand in his, "Of course my dear."

They begin to delicately, expertly sway about the room; Thorne catches the movement of a giddy girl out of the corner of his eye. Not wanting to be stuck dancing with her, he rises and bows to Lacey, "May I have this dance, Mrs. Carden?"

She blushes, nervously accepting. They are soon joined by Mr. Carden and Edmond, each paired up with a twin.

"Are you going to be all right?" Basil inquires, soft enough that only Alecta can hear.

She laughs as if he just told a joke for the benefit of the room's prying eyes, "Why wouldn't I be?"

"Listen, I know what I said...but...well, maybe there is a way that you two can be together," he says. "He was a wreck when we had drinks earlier and he can barely peel his eyes off of you. I'm surprised he hasn't turned green with jealousy, what with you fawning over the brother and all."

"I thought that is what you wanted," she replies, not making eye contact with him, "besides, you are right. This is a job. Beyond that, I have no purpose here. We will complete our task successfully, collect our reward and leave town, just as always."

"But what?" He asks. Basil knows her well enough to know that there is something she left unsaid.

"But," she starts, finally looking him in the eye, "this is my last job. After we finish, I'm done."

All of them have been talking about quitting for years now but none of them have ever had the gumption to do so. It isn't the first time she has said she was done but from the lifelessness in her eyes, Basil can tell she means it this time. "I know," he whispers, not able to think of anything else to say.

The song draws to a close and everyone in their group claps politely. Then, as if their conversation never happened, Alecta puts back on her guise and continues to flirt with Edmond for the rest of the evening.

When yawns start to perforate the conversation, Mrs. Carden is the one who finally gives in. Having sent the twins to bed hours earlier, she slowly rises, providing a sleepy, sloppy curtsey, "I do apologize but my old bones need their rest."

Basil rises too, stretching slightly, "I second that."

Soon the others join in the crowd, rising and strolling out of the room. Alecta walks slower than the rest, inclining her head towards the dark glass doors leading to the garden, "I will bid all of you goodnight here—I think I fancy some fresh air before I turn in for the night." She gives all of them a small nod and a quaint smile before turning towards the doors.

Thorne considers going after her, wondering if it was a sign from her for them to meet up. Just as he is about to do so, Edmond breaks free from the group and follows Alecta out of the glass doors. Thorne has to shove his hands in his pockets so that the rest of them don't see his fists ball up. Upon reaching the stair case, Basil and Thorne bid a goodnight to the Cardens before climbing the opposite steps. Once they reach the top, Basil attempts to talk to Thorne but the young prince swiftly walks away before any words can be exchanged.

Thorne quickly enters his room, shutting the door behind him. He waits several minutes with his ear pressed against it, until he can hear the quiet latch of Basil's door. Then, in the darkness of the empty hallway, he crosses it to the windows that overlook the garden, where he is able to peer down on Alecta and Edmond without their knowledge. As quietly as he can manage, he pushes open one of the panes so that he can hear their conversation.

Alecta looks up at the stars; something in the way she stands appears similar to a caged animal, desperate to get away from her prison.

"What a beautiful sight," Edmond says softly, having hung back by the doors to watch her.