Thread: Shades of Gray

Caroline felt a cold shiver run along her spine as she watched the blade fall. The strange man looked ominous as the shadows of the room danced over his hooded figure. No doubt he truly couldnt tell just how frightening he looked to a young girl such as herself. He was too preoccupied, his mind on the goings on outside the window. Yes, Caroline then whispered. I know what they call you, what they claim you are and can do. She paused a moment, hesitated. Her eyes fixed on the blade embedded in the wooden floor. For the briefest of moments, Caroline considered this mans words about overpowering. But she wasnt a fighter either. And definitely less so than this man could ever dream. Besides, if his goal was to leave the estate unnoticed and unscathed then she knew this was the only chance shed have before the day of her wedding fell upon her. Oh the sense of dread that threatened to consume her right then. A sob suddenly caught in her throat as she vividly saw herself walking down a long, decorated aisle. The members of court watching her, smiling those pretentious smiles that no one would have the audacity to call out. The thought made the bile rise and she had all she could do not to lose her composure. As Caroline quickly pulled herself back together, she realized that this mans goal was to murder her father. The man providing for her until she was married off to Lord Benjamin Longley. Her mind racing along with the beating of her heart, she let her thoughts shift on this mans task at hand. No. She didnt wish her father harm. Though she desperately wanted the wedding between herself and Longley called off. The very idea of cancelling their wedding was impossible. Her father would never allow it. Not unless Caroline felt the blood rush from her face just then. Though it wasnt out of fear nor desperation. It was because of the thought that had suddenly crossed her mind. If her father died, what would that mean for her future? Would Longley wish to cease all ties with her? Would he want to marry her anyway only granting her a time of bereavement prior to their marriage? Perhaps giving her enough time to devise a plan on how to get out of it? After all, with her father out of the way, shed have an easier time. Or And I am no servant girl, sir. I am Miss Caroline Orrington. The daughter of the man you seek to murder. Carolines voice was shaky, laced with fear at divulging such information to the strange man. One she hoped she might be able to strike a bargain with. Carolines eyes went to the blade protruding from the wood of the floor beneath their feet. The knifes edge glinting and gleaming as the moons silver rays struck against it. Though my father is forcing me to marry, sir. Against my will. For I do not love the man at all. I hardly know him, sir. Nor do I wish to in any way. Caroline paused a moment as she brought her pale gaze back up to the hooded man. Her hands went for her dark hair and began to twist and play with the strands, a nervous habit. Our wedding is in five days, sir. Please, take me away with you to wherever youll be going. I cannot stay here, sir. She dared to take a single step forward, her thin nightdress swishing against her legs as she moved. Her hands remained tangled within her tresses, a clear indication that she had no intentions of going for the knife hed dropped. I will not hinder you with your task should you still wish to see it through. Though, Im afraid my father is more than likely outside overseeing the men at the barn since hes not here in his bed chambers. Swallowing, Caroline tilted her head a little. She was trying her best to read this mans thoughts as the dark shadows and moonlight played against his features. She hoped hed take her with him, allow her to escape a fate she had no desire to endure. Although, sir, might I ask as to why you wish to kill my father? Is it because he hunts you? Doesnt understand you? Caroline licked at her lips. I know he doesnt understand me, sir, so I sympathize your plight. I will help you out of here, sir. As his daughter, perhaps I can help you in your current situation? Caroline took a step back just then, her hands moving to wrap about her middle. The floor was cold against her bare feet as was the air swirling about them. She felt a rush of adrenaline course through her veins as she waited to see what fate lied in store for her now, for surely it had altered in ways she could only begin to imagine.