Elias lowered his broom and raised an eyebrow at me. He took a few steps closer, shrinking the distance between us, and I finally got a good look at his face.
His eyes were brown, just like his hair. Or perhaps they were more hazel? He truly looked nothing like his father, but there was a charm to his features that I couldn’t quite grasp. He was rather attractive, but now was hardly the time to think of such things. I snapped my mind back into reality as he stopped just in front of me, with Bear at his side.
“You’re that Lockly girl, aren’t you?” My throat tightened at my name. His gaze held mine as he stood mere inches from me. I could almost make out his heartbeat in the silent space.
There was no denying who I was. I had already told him my first name and ‘Aurelia’ wasn’t exactly common. “Yes,” I whispered.
“So it’s true, then? You ran away from your family?” His tone tensed. I cast my gaze to the floor, unable to face his judgmental eyes. This was far more shameful than any scolding my parents had ever given.
“I didn’t have a choice,” I muttered softly. My head stayed low, but I could sense him taking a step backward. I risked a glance at his face and saw a combination of confusion and… was that sympathy? I gave him a puzzled look as he turned back toward the door.
“Come with me.” He faced the door as he spoke. “The kitchen staff will start preparing breakfast soon. You’ll get caught if you stay here.”
He opened the pantry door and whistled for Bear to follow him. I remained where I stood for a moment with a dumbfounded look on my face.What is he doing?
“Are you…? Are you going to let me leave?” A slight worry tickled at the back of my head.This was far too easy.
“No,” Elias’s reply shocked the hope out of my system. “Not yet, anyway. I want to hear the full story before I decide what to do with you. Plus, if rumors are accurate, there’s someone hunting you, and it wouldn’t do you any good to wander back into the woods.”
Drat. He was right about that. I huffed out a defeated breath, then followed him out of the pantry. Whether I liked it or not, he was my best chance at freedom right now. I just had to hope he wasn’t luring me into a trap. Otherwise, I’ll be facing his father’s judgment before morning.
“After you then.” I gestured for him to lead.
He shot me an irritated look, then held a finger up to his lips. “Quiet!” he hissed. I crossed my arms at his rudeness. “Sorry, but if you make any noise, Lawrence is certain to investigate it. The blasted butler is paranoid about everything.” I rolled my eyes, but gave him an understanding nod. If he was going to help me, he could at least be a little more polite about it.
We tiptoed through the corridors, where he led me to the front entry hall stairs. He walked around the side of the steps where an embroidered purple tapestry hung delicately just above the floor. The beautiful art was attached to the wall adjacent to the side of the steps. I watched curiously as Elias lifted the fabric from its peg. A small vertical trap door lay embedded in the wall, entirely out of sight unless the tapestry was moved.
“Well, that certainly would have been helpful a few days ago.” I gawked in amazement at the flawless hiding spot. Elias snickered at my reaction, causing me to shoot him an irritated glare.
“I doubt even Lawrence knows about this spot.” He unlatched the door and pulled it open for me. “I only found it because Bartholomew heard a squirrel inside the opening once. His obsessive scratching against the wall led me to finally look behind the tapestry. Turns out it’s just a crawlspace that attaches to the ventilation holes. It should keep you out of sight until we can talk.”
I poked my head inside the nook and immediately noticed the massive amount of dust and cobwebs. I grimaced slightly at the sight before taking a deep breath and climbing inside. My steps echoed loudly within the hollow space, so I made certain to place my second foot lightly. I hunched in the cramped corner, once again feeling thankful for my petite stature.
“Forgive me for the discomfort,” Elias’s eyes dimmed apologetically, “but it shouldn’t be for long. My father has an appointment after lunch; I will talk with you then.” He gave me a sympathetic look as I scrunched up on the wooden floor. Despite my painful posture, I couldn’t help but feel grateful that he had done even this much.
“Thank you, Elias.” I offered him a sweet smile. “This is perfect. I appreciate the aide you have provided and look forward to our talk later.” I dipped my head respectfully as my mother used to teach me.
“You know my name?” He looked slightly perplexed, and I suddenly noticed my error.
“Oh! I’m sorry! I meant to say Lord Oberon,” I quickly corrected myself. The last thing I wanted was to offend the one person who had offered me help.
This time he rolled his eyes at me.
“No, not that.” He chuckled softly, allowing a rush a relief to pass through me. “I don’t care for titles. I was just curious how you knew my name.” He cocked his head to one side with intrigue, and I almost laughed at the similarity between him and Bear.
“Oh, well, I’ve been around for the past three days…” I trailed off, trying to avoid bringing up my crimes. “I think I overheard it at some point.” I shrugged. and he laughed lightly again.
“I guess that takes away my opportunity for a formal introduction then.” His eyes gleamed as the morning sun began to cast through the front windows. “But allow me to offer it anyway. I’m Elias Oberon, it’s a pleasure to finally welcome you as a guest in my home.”
The irony made me giggle, which earned a cheeky smile from Elias.
“The pleasure is all mine,” I retorted pompously. “My name is Aurelia Lockly. I hope you don’t mind that I’ve gone ahead and made myself at home?” I snuck him a teasing wink and he smiled back.
“We shall see if I care or not after lunch hour,” he replied a little more ominously. “I truly only wish to do what’s right, Aurelia. I hope you understand that.” His eyes dug into mine with a sudden intensity. I could tell that his father’s morals had an impact on him, after all.
“Yes, I understand.” I answered honestly. He owed me nothing, so that is what I should anticipate until proven otherwise.
“Good.” Then he closed me inside.