Page 107 of Juliet & Her Romeos

Ambrose’s anguished promise echoes through my mind, as I wander down the wide, carpeted corridor on the second floor of Romeo Hall.

I promised that he wouldn’t…that it didn’t matter because Swan and I have always lived under the moon and stars.

It didn’t help.

Ambrose insisted that I’m the sun, as if that explained everything. Then determinedly, he turned away.

He’s protecting me, I can tell that. I just don’t know what or who from.

His mom? Dimitri and Katerina? The Cinders?

Himself?

I need time alone to think about things, before lunch.

It’s strange that my stomach isn’t rumbling or aching with the hollow, gnawing pain that I’m used to. Vito’s breakfast was so delicious and filling that I could probably last all day on it.

The amazing thing is that I’m not going to need to because he’s promised another feast for lunch.

He’s truly pampering us.

So, why do I feel unwell?

I’m hot, sweaty, and dizzy.

I rub my hand across my forehead.

Perhaps, it’s the stress of the last few weeks catching up with me.

I don’t want to be ill on my first proper Christmas in years. I won’t ruin this for Swan.

Yet I also need to start investigating this Romeo pack for the sake of Mom.

This is where Olivia lives most of the time. It’s no wonder that it’s ostentatious but cold.

Where would she keep the evidence of what she did with Mom?

I’m dressed now in a new outfit that I discovered in my bedroom’s closet.

The entire closet was filled with designer suits, sportswear, and trainers for Swan, as well as dresses, skirts, and even jeans and casual wear for me.

Ambrose has thought of everything.

As it’s a special day, I’ve chosen a violet dress, which is floor length and off the shoulder, with matching panties. It trails behind me like a train. I chose a pair of crystal high heels because they reminded me of my glass slipper necklace, which is still around my neck.

If I had my way, I’d never take my necklace off.

I grab hold of the closest door handle and try to turn it. Then I hiss in frustration.

It’s locked again.

That’s the sixth locked door in a row.

What are the Romeos hiding? How many secrets?

It’s going to take a long time to find out because this mansion is vast, and this is only a single wing of it.

I prowl to the next, high walnut door. I grab the door handle.

---