28: 28 Unsettling Touch (AVOT)

28 Unsettling Touch (AVOT)

Daisy spent the rest of the day exploring the house with her mother, her heart throbbing with a constant awareness of Rhain's preying gaze. She speculated, wracking her brain to uncover his motivation. He showed no signs of intending to dishonor her before their impending marriage; in fact, he seemed resolute about their union. Was he simply too impatient to wait? That didn't quite fit either – he came across as calculated rather than impulsive. Her initial theory resurfaced - he relished her unease. Yet, just the previous night, he seemed more focused on comforting her, and indeed, he succeeded.2

Growing weary of her futile attempts to decipher Rhain, Daisy resigned herself to the unknown. They were destined to marry, and in due time, she would understand his motivations. If it was merely her reaction that intrigued him, she could tolerate it. It was likely her inexperience that amused him. He would cease his games once they consummated their...

Daisy's thoughts skidded to a halt at the idea of consummation, her gaze involuntarily drifting towards Rhain. Seemingly attuned to her thoughts, he offered a roguish smile, predatorily patient.

"Oh Lord Blackthorne, I am truly speechless. Every corner of this house is beautiful. Thank you for such a generous gift," Helena interjected, looking more breathless than speechless. "And the servants are all so wonderful."

Rhain graced her with his reserved smile - polite, charming, yet somehow detached. "I am glad you're pleased with everything."

"I am deeply grateful for all of this, but my true wish is that you take care of my Daisy," Helena voiced, her tone wavering with emotion. "She deserves better than what we've been able to give her. Her heart is pure, and she has the spirit of a fighter." 

To Daisy's surprise, Helena reached out and took Rhain's hand. His reaction was immediate, a palpable shock passing over his features. His eyes, usually composed and unreadable, widened noticeably. His body, which held an effortless grace moments before, went stiff, every muscle tensing in visible discomfort. It almost appeared as though the contact had horrified him.

Helena, teary-eyed and engrossed in her emotional monologue, seemed to completely miss Rhain's startling reaction. She continued to hold his hand, her fingers gently wrapping around his, unaware of the tension that had suddenly filled the room. "I hope you will treat her well," she said, her voice breaking with the weight of her emotion.

Rhain remained motionless, his gaze fixed and distant, as if he were trapped in a mental struggle. The normal glow of his eyes was dimmed, replaced with an unfamiliar apprehension. Slowly, he seemed to gather his wits, pulling himself back from whatever thoughts had momentarily ensnared him. Daisy realized that she had only witnessed him ever physically interacting with her. She even recalled the way he pulled down his sleeves when Lila sat beside him. 

"Lady Helena," he began, his voice carrying an unusual hint of uncertainty. His words wavered slightly, as if he was struggling to grasp her words or find an appropriate response.

"I will leave her in your care, My Lord. My Daisy is not one for worldly things. All she needs is love and care, and she has a heart full of it to give." Helena continued, her grip on Rhain's hand tightening.

He seemed to flinch even though he remained still and then slowly he regained focus. But there was a new strain evident on his face. Daisy herself felt a wave of confusion wash over her. She had never seen her mother in this light before, and this display left her feelings tangled.

Taking a visible deep breath, Rhain regained some of his composure. "You need not worry. I will take good care of Daisy," he assured Helena.

His voice resonated with confidence, but Daisy found it lacking a certain warmth, an emotional sincerity. It left a strange unease in her stomach.

Rhain's gaze remained fixed on his hand, still held by Helena, his eyes still reflecting discomfort. Daisy, sensing his distress, quickly moved to her mother's side, gently disentangling her hand from Rhain's. "We should probably head back now, before it gets dark," she suggested, adding a nervous chuckle to lighten the mood.

"That would be wise," Rhain agreed, his demeanor gradually easing, but the strain of the encounter still lingered.

He escorted them to the carriage, his touch noticeably absent this time. No hand-holding, no gentle kiss on her knuckles. His farewell was courteous but distant, promising to meet them at the wedding the next day.

As the carriage rolled away, Daisy was left pondering Rhain's sudden shift in demeanor. His discomfort had been tangible, strikingly out of character from the sophisticated and collected man she was used to. He had no qualms touching her, had even kissed her passionately. Her body tingled at the memory, but her mind circled back to that strange kiss, where he had bitten her.

Yes, he had bitten her, and those unusually sharp teeth flashed in her memory. It seemed such a peculiarity for a man to possess such teeth. But then, everything about Rhain was peculiar.

As the carriage clattered along the cobblestone path back to their home, Helena's emotions began to overflow. Tears slipped down her cheeks in silent streams.

"Mother," Daisy called softly, reaching out to gently to take her hand.

"I'm sorry. It's just... you've always been there with me." Helena's voice wavered, her heart laid bare in her words.

"Mother, I'm still here. I will visit you often, if not every day. I'm not going very far." Daisy attempted to soothe her mother's worries.

"I know," Helena replied softly, her gaze lingering on Daisy's face, tracing the features she had come to love and cherish.

Upon returning home, it would seem to any outsider that it was one of Katherine's daughters who was to be wed, given the flurry of lavish preparations. Katherine spared no expense, ordering extravagant dresses and other unnecessary items, all in an attempt to enhance her daughters' appeal and hopefully catch the eye of some nobleman.

Meanwhile, Daisy's wedding preparations were considerably simpler. Her wedding gown was ready, and a hairstylist was scheduled to arrive in the morning. Carriages had been arranged to transport everyone to the wedding venue.

Daisy knew the following day would be taxing, so she decided to retreat to her room for some rest, taking her mother along. They were no longer obligated to serve Katherine's family.

As Daisy went to sleep, the night seemed to stretch out indefinitely. Her mind whirled with thoughts and apprehensions about the looming day. She would become a married woman, a Marchioness. The eyes of countless nobles would be upon her, evaluating her every move. And who would she meet from Rhain's side? Edric's image flashed into her mind, further fueling her anxiety.

And what about her life after the wedding? What would that look like? What would Rhain be like as a husband? The word alone made her shiver for many reasons, causing her to toss and turn in her bed until dawn broke.

Her heart pounded as she registered the arrival of her wedding day - a day that had arrived too soon. AND she had gotten no sleep! 

She prayed it would all go well. 

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