Blood Red (29 page)

Vivi Anna

where you came from, locked in a tower.”

Rapunzel turned swiftly and stormed out of the ballroom. Other patrons watched her leave, glee on their faces.

Morgana gestured to her guard. “Fetch me my puppy.”

56

Blood Red

Red walked obediently behind Drake. She would bide her time, save her strength. Seeing Wolf had sparked something inside. Maybe there was still some hope. Maybe she could still escape with her life intact, maybe even her soul.

He led them to his private chambers. His rooms were ornate and baroque. Colored in deep greens and burgundy. A fire raged in the massive stone fireplace.

The room was rich and emanated great warmth. Red still shuddered as she glanced around.

Drake gestured to a high-backed ornate chair, covered in velvet. “Please sit.”

Red stood stubbornly beside it. She glared at him.

Drake sat down elegantly in the opposing chair.

“Sitting will cost you nothing, Red. You should choose your fights more wisely.”

Red sat down. In felt incredible to sit in the plush chair. It was soft and cushioned. Very different from what she was used to. The bones in her back and legs sighed from the comfort.

Drake leaned forward and reached for her nose.

She backed away from his touch.

57

Vivi Anna

“You are hurt.”

“No.”

“But you have blood on your nose and upper lip.”

“I know.”

Drake sat back in his chair and grinned. “Ah. Mind over matter. If I do not feel it, it is not painful. Very disciplined. I like that.” He clapped his hands together.

The door to his chamber opened. Servants brought in trays of food. They set them on the table in front of Drake and Red. They quickly scurried from the room.

Glorious scents wafted up to Red’s nose. Saliva pooled in her mouth. Her stomach growled

“I see that you are hungry. If I unlock your shackles, you will behave?”

Red nodded as her eyes remained hungrily on the steaming hot food.

With a flick of his wrist, the shackles on Red’s arms fell open. Red looked down at them in amazement.

She looked back up at Drake, as she rubbed at her wrists. He was staring at her with a wry grin on his pale angular face.

“Please enjoy.” He gestured to the food.

Red needed no more encouragement. She pulled the plate of roasted duck toward her. She ripped at it with her hands, tearing off a leg and shoving it in her mouth. She reached for the bowl of mashed yams, grabbing the serving spoon and shoveling the orange substance into her mouth.