Page 169 of Crimson Promises
“Aurora, the castle is alight with gossip. Your arrival has caused quite a stir. The Master has been waiting for your arrival for many years. So, we must dress to not only impress but scandalize.” The sound of hangers scratching across the rack echoed in my skull as I caught mutters of “No, absolutely not. Maybe.”
Many years?
A few moments later, she reopened her doors, and at least six stunning gowns were waiting on the rack. They ranged from slinky and sultry to dazzling.
“I managed to put together a small capsule that we can start off with to get your feedback, and if not, we can always begin again.”
“Thank you, uh...”
“Silly me, where are my manners? My name is Angela.”
“Thank you, Angela. It’s a pleasure to meet you. I appreciate your assistance.”
“Darling, you are just a doll. We need to dress you in something that will make Lucifer utterly tongue-tied. Something that exudes power, sensuality, and a touch of mystery."
As I perused the options, Angela told me of her crush on a bookcase that had clear glass shelves that used to sit in the same room as her but was brought to Satan’s personal chambers. She confided that she thought this was her chance to prove her dressing abilities to her Master in the hopes that he would find her worthy enough to add her to his personal collection and thus reuniting Angela with Henry (the glass bookshelf). I tried to offer her words of counsel, comfort, and understanding. Reminding her that even in the darkest of times, strength could be found within. They were words both of us needed to hear.
If only I could take my own advice.
“Consider giving him a chance,” Angela stated.
I shook my head. “His appearance is more appealing than I expected. He is greatly knowledgeable and charming,” I admitted. “But I have people waiting for me at home. People who I love and who love me.”
She extended a silken handkerchief from her lower drawers. “I can’t pretend to understand what that is like for you. Sometimes, distance is good for love. All love is tested at one time or another. Perhaps this is what you need to endure to make you and your significant other realize that.”
I twisted the square piece of silk around my fingers, twisting it into knots and then untying them. “The most that can ever happen between Lucifer and I is a mutual understanding. Even that is a stretch, considering you don’t kidnap people and hold them against their will.”
“It seems to be he’s trying to differ his approach.” Her drawers gestured to the opulence of the room. “He could have easily tossed you into the dungeons.”
“Everyone needs to stop mentioning the dungeons," I muttered. "I'm still a prisoner, though my cage is gilded. It is a cage, nonetheless. He threatened myfather. Whatever wrongs he was trying to right, it didn’t stop him from issuing veiled threats at my first signs of resistance.”
“Humph.” Angela pulled out a stunning gown from inside her wardrobe.
I ran my fingers over the fabric of a scarlet gown, its embroidery mesmerizing me. Longing and melancholy filled my heart. "Angela," I began, my voice tinged with sorrow, "I miss them so much. My father and Ben... I never imagined I would be separated from them like this."
A soft, empathetic sigh escaped the armoire as Angela responded, her voice laced with understanding. "Oh, dear Aurora, I can feel the ache in your heart. It's never easy to be torn away from those we love. But remember, love has a way of transcending boundaries. Your bond with them remains, even in this place."
Tears welled up in my eyes, and I felt a lump forming in my throat. "But what if I never see them again? What if I'm trapped here forever?" I choked on the words, the weight of my anguish threatening to consume me.
Angela's voice carried a gentle reassurance. "My dear, despair not. There is strength within you that you may not yet fully realize. You possess a resilience that can withstand even the harshest of circumstances. Trust in the power of love and know that your journey here is not without purpose."
I wiped away the tears, a glimmer of hope flickering within me. "You're right, Angela. I mustn't lose faith. I'll make the best of my circumstances.” Even Princes of Hell have weaknesses, and I will do all I can to learn and exploit his.
Angela's response was filled with encouragement and wisdom. "Yes, my dear, remember, sometimes the darkest paths can lead us to the most profound discoveries."
I felt a sense of kinship with Angela, it was a welcome feeling in this unfamiliar realm.
Together, we carefully selected a dress. It was a gown of deep sapphire blue, its intricate lace and flowing chiffon creating an ethereal effect. It hugged my curves with a subtle hint of sensuality, leaving just enough to the imagination.
Standing before the mirror, my reflection radiated a newfound confidence. I would navigate this treacherous realm and unravel why the magnanimous Prince of Hell knew me and, more importantly, what he wanted from me.
"Angela," I said, my voice filled with gratitude, I placed my palm over my heart. "Thank you, truly."
Angela's gentle laughter filled the room. "Remember, my dear Aurora, true power lies not in the garments we wear but in the spirit that resides within. Go forth confidently, and may your journey lead you to the answers you seek."
With Angela's words echoing in my mind, I stepped away from the armoire, ready to face the midnight ball, my heart filled with determination, curiosity, and a flicker of hope. I was no longer just a captive in this twisted tale—I was a protagonist, ready to unravel the secrets that lay in the heart of darkness.
ChapterNineteen
