Chapter 107
“Are you going back?” Ginger sat at the edge of Mendora’s bed. It felt like ages since they were last in the Garrick house. Somehow it seemed smaller, and whatever familial bond thought to have existed simply was no longer there. They’d outgrown it now that they’ve come to know true acceptance.
“I must,” Mendora was readying herself to make an appearance at the Daunted. No further explanation or discourse. Ginger merely nodded, noting the distance in her mistress’ demeanour since being back. There was a hungriness for more, to do more. To achieve some goal that she alone knew.
“Should someone discover your involvement in the creation of that—”
“I have been careful,” Mendora glanced back at Ginger, giving her an encouraging nod. “Finn has been there to ensure everything goes well,” Mendora returned to perusing her figure in the mirror. “You’ve literally nothing to worry about,” it was unclear whether her persuasion was meant for Ginger or herself. Perhaps both.
“I see,” Ginger’s voice softened. For the past months she’d been holding her tongue, leaving her friend to do as she pleased because Ginger knew she’d been disappointed. The months of unchecked autonomy has left Ginger with a few pending enquiries. “You and Mr. Grueland have grown to be quite the pair of friends,” Ginger wished she had not noticed the apparent stiffening of Mendora’s spine and the bulging of her jaw muscles as she clenched down.
Shuddering to attribute any meaning to the change in her mistress, Ginger cleared her throat.
“How is the Marquess taking the news of you wanting to dissolve the engagement?” Immediately switching topics.
“Stubbornly,” Mendora’s voice lowered at the mere mention of Solaire. Running the brush through her hair as she spoke, “I think he is determined not to lose face. Getting him to quietly acquiesce is the task,” A greater strain actually since Mendora knew that she could not spend more time with him without feeling weak in the knees. Space, more of it, loads more, was needed if she was to treat with him complete indifference in the future. “But I shall remain optimistic and bank on his indifference towards me. He’ll soon realise that this union is not worth the trouble, especially since I was only intended to placate his insecurities,” noticing the uncomfortable twisting in her chest at the reminder of Solaire’s true feelings. Of the real reason he’d wanted to marry her.
Mendora dropped the brush on the vanity table, her hands suddenly trembling. She stretched her fingers out, somehow hoping that the action would draw blood back into her finger-tips.
“And you are certain this is what you want?” Ginger swallowed hard, “to break all relation with the Marquess?” Mendora’s mind was not easily ascertained as of late and Ginger could not say with certainty whether she knew her friend’s preferences. Her mind was kept rather closed.
“It is the best solution for us all,” Mendora whispered, pressing her lips together. Her wants were irrelevant. Their situation called for acts of necessity.
***
“Are you to be out tonight once again?” Tristan had been rummaging through the halls for a bit of amusement when he caught Finn all dressed up. He’d been restless staying in an unfamiliar house, finding himself unable to sleep at odd hours of the night.
“Just a bit of work,” Finn answered nonchalantly, halfway to the door. There was not much more to explain past that since his hobbies demanded an around the clock availability plan. Tristan was used to this and did not question Finn, he simply nodded. “I’ll be back in a few hours,” Finn tapped Tristan on the shoulder as he sought to leave.
“Is there a relationship brewing between you and my sister?” Tristan found the courage to ask once Finn’s back was turned to him. The words did not quite make sense to Finn, especially coming from Tristan’s lips.
“I know that work has not simply been work lately,” he crossed his arms over his chest, watching as Finn stopped to gaze at him over his shoulder. “You and Mendora have been keeping me in the dark about something and the only explanation for all the sneaking away is that…”
“We’ve been having an affair?” Finn finished for him as he inhaled a stalling breath. He’d overlooked any risk of Tristan getting suspicious.
“Well, have you?” Tristan felt as if that would have been privileged information but he had to know.
***
It was unlike Finn to be late but luckily Mendora had a handle on things and was able to easily blend into the crowd enough to feel safe from exposure. The excitement she held for this particular type of club was muted. Especially in comparison to the way she felt in Solaire’s. Not that she thought his superior in any way. And it wasn’t. She knew she gave the idea a hint of modesty and elegance that was lacking in his and there was a gaping space in her chest, widening as she roamed around the lustful masses.
Mendora knew that had much to do with the fact of her direct involvement in the festivities then. At present, that was not an option. Not because she was hindered in any way but rather due to a lack of sexual interest in anyone. Her curiosity in the matters of the flesh had been tamed. For now, at least, she could not see herself enjoying any of the pleasures this place had to offer.
Although, she was intent to try.
“Your rightful place is atop a platform for the masses to admire and envy.” A breathy whisper rustling the hairs at her ear. Chills running along her spine at his smooth velvety voice.
*Focus Mendora!*
Spinning on her heels to confront her intruder, “Why are you here?” there was no way she would ever mistake that voice for anyone else, far less a stranger.
The corner of his lips tugged as he gazed down at her trying so hard to be defiant, as if she could not taste the want between them. “Half of my men have been siphoned by you, I should think myself welcomed too,” Solaire stepped closer, just one tiny shove and their bodies would collide.
Where was a bumbling idiot when you needed one?
***A/N***
***I have little choice in thinking that Mendora and Solaire do want their story to end just yet. Everytime I think I am close to the end I get sidetracked. I am really trying to be done soon. In the meantime I hope ya'll are enjoying! Feel free to let me know your thoughts <3