Page 56 of Diamond Kisses

I didn’t know how much longer I could survive it.

How much longer Henri could survive it.

A key slipped into my door.

The lock snicked open.

I huddled under my blankets as footfalls entered my room.

The guards were early.

It was barely dawn—

Someone wrenched my cocoon away, leaving me trembling in the icy light.

Before I could move, slender feminine fingers threaded softly through my hair. Someone bent over me; soft lips fed whispers into my ear. “It’s almost over, Ily. Christmas is in two days, and our presents are ready.”

She pulled away.

I sat up in a rush just in time to see Faiza grab the dirty towels where I’d thrown them over the chair and scurry to the door. The glint of a golden collar replaced her silver one.

She smiled as she caught me looking, her dark eyes bright and hopeful instead of despondent and depressed. “He made me a jewel yesterday. This is my last morning cleaning. But…” She hugged my towels and winked. “Christmas is in two days.”

With that cryptic whisper, she slipped out the door and vanished.

* * * * *

Christmas is in two days.

Christmas is in two days.

I couldn’t stop Faiza’s fervent whisper echoing in my head.

Constantly.

Morbidly.

Christmas is in two days.

Yes but…Victor punished all the jewels. I’d seen the scars on them. Seen how those still alive cowered by their Masters. How they barely lifted their eyes anymore. No one looked at me or Peter. Not a ripple of rebellion existed in the energy flowing in the ballroom night after awful night.

And yet…

Christmas is in two days.

I glanced at Peter across the huge banquet and prettily dressed tables.

He stood in his usual spot. Kept apart from the other jewels. Separated from their quarters. No longer allowed to talk to them.

He gave me a questioning look as I narrowed my eyes, trying to read his body language.

Did he know what was planned?

Did he know the jewels had rallied and kept going?

How did they?Whydid they?

A second attempt would be suicide if Victor ever found out.

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