Page 31 of Dark Angel

“It’s a deadly mix for any Seraphim, but we have seen them used on your kind many times. We shall ask you all to leave now so we may inspect her body more extensively.” Her melodic voice informs the men.

Before any of them can protest, the woman summons her magical energy, using a forceful gust to push them through the doorway, locking the door behind them.

11

Promenades and Parasols

“I think it may rain again later,” Daisy looks at Kora as she climbs out of the Edevane carriage, which has pulled up out the front of the iron gates encircling Regents Park. Other carriages line the street as people make their way into the royal gardens. Thick clouds blanket the sky above. The familiar smell of dew lingering.

Kora nods, grabbing her parasol and the small basket she prepared for them. Daisy follows her out before Clarence exits, closing the door behind him and dropping into the muddy road. “Lead the way, girls.” Pushing Kora and Daisy gently forward and trailing behind them as they enter the park.

Droplets of water coat everything. Plants growing wildly, while leaves and flowers wilt from the impending winter weather. Blankets have been spread out across the lush green lawn, as Mortals and Marked kinds picnic together and promenade around the central lake. Women dressed in long-sleeved dresses of fine silks and fabrics, lace cuffing their bodices and skirts as they carry parasols. Delicate white gloves covering their hands.

Men stroll beside them in dark-coloured waistcoats and trousers tucked into high glossy boots. Mortals always have a lady’s maid chaperoning behind them, but the Marked kinds don’t deem that tradition important enough. Most Mortal customs don’t seem imperative to the Marked kinds, but they try to honour most of them.

“Matthew and Lewis are over there.” Daisy says, pointing at the two boys passing a ball between themselves along the ground. Alice sits quietly on a blanket, watching the two of them.

They approach and Alice’s lips curl into a small smile as Daisy sits beside her. Kora places down their blanket, setting up the food she prepared as Clarence goes off to join the boys. “Did you want some biscuits, Alice? I made them fresh this morning.”

“Yes, please.” Her voice is so delicate and soft, like a bird.

Kora hands her some. She’s so thin, her bones are jutting out beneath her skin, and her eyes are large against her slimmer face. Kora always prepares extra food for Alice and Matthew. “I have some drinks too. I found a raspberry one I think you’ll enjoy.” Handing it to her as well.

Alice’s grin widens into a thank you as she places everything in front of her and begins munching on the jam filled biscuits.

“What, you aren’t even going to offer any to me?” Daisy glowers, taking some biscuits from Kora’s hand and stuffing one straight into her mouth.

Kora’s brow lifts. “Do I even need to?”

Daisy giggles as she chews on her mouthful of food. Swallowing, she adds, “Jordan and Valarie should be here shortly. Also, Charles may show his face, since he overheard Matthew and I speaking about today’s plans last night when we were grabbing refreshments.”

Kora groans, rolling her eyes. “Of course he will.”

“Are you still not over your little tiff I saw out there on the floor? I still can’t believe you just left him out there. No doubt it was deserved, though. Charles never knows when to shut his mouth.” Daisy says before biting into a sandwich Kora pulled out from the basket.

“I’d never leave in the middle of a dance, but Charles needs to work on his manners, that’s for sure.”

Her friend tsks, “You should know by now-oh what are they doing!”

She’s on her feet in an instant, rushing over to Matthew and Clarence who are rolling around in the damp lawn. The sodden grass staining Matthew’s crisp shirt. She pulls Clarence off him as Lewis just chuckles at the sight. “What are you both doing?” glaring between the two of them.

Matthew’s mouth tightens as Clarence lifts a brow, his arms crossing in front of him. “Clarence kicked it in my face!”

Daisy looks, seeing the faint red mark appearing on Matthew’s cheek. She looks at Clarence for an explanation and he just shrugs. “Not my fault you can’t catch a ball.”

“The ball is to stay on the ground. That’s how it works.”

“So, I can’t kick it in the air to make it more exciting?”

“No, you can’t!” Matthew shouts at him.

Clarence just smirks as Daisy shakes her head, stepping between them. “All right. No more playing. I am taking the ball off you if you’re going to act like children.”

“We’re not children.” They both retort.

Daisy plucks the ball off the ground. “You’re both acting like it right now. Come and eat something. Kora made some very nice food and…”

Matthew is off, walking excitedly towards the blankets at the mere mention of food. Daisy rubs her forehead as Clarence snatches the ball off her. “I was handling that.”

---