Chapter 12

Velona felt awful, dreadful…absolutely miserable. The plan was simple, after dark he rode his horse out to the Bray's estate. He hid in the garden and waited to see if his suspicions were correct. After a few hours, he wondered if he was mistaken but sure enough he saw Korina come out of the manor. He could see her clearly looking for someone as she stumbled about in the dark. He'd always been able to see well in the dark.

He watched her grow concerned, anxiously, she bit her lip and began to pace. A moment later she paused as he heard someone whisper her name. He shrunk down lower, though he doubted anyone could see him. The Duke came into view and he saw the two lovers rushed up to one another. Velona smiled, happy with himself, he'd been right and had solved the mystery.

Korina and the Duke tangled their fingers together holding hands. Just as quickly as Velona smiled he scowled realizing what had been going on. What Korina had been doing. He glared at her as they talked about the storm. They went on for some time apologizing to one another for concerning the other. It made him sick.

Eventually they started to move and left the garden. Velona ran his tongue across his teeth he wanted to follow after them, he wanted to know what they were talking about but he couldn't risk being caught. He kept an eye on them and waited for them to finish. After a few hours it stared to rain and they returned to the garden, still hand in hand.

It was clear they didn't want to part. They lingered in the rain for a moment and Korina turned to leave but the Duke drew her back in. All at once he fell to a knee taking her hand. Velona stopped breathing as he watched the Duke propose. He got the urge to jump out of his hiding spot to make his presence known and put a stop to it but he held himself still watching.

Velona let out a strained breath as Korina joyously accepted the Duke's offer. The Duke got to his feet and said he'd contact the Countess in the morning and make the arrangements. Velona shook his head already plotting. He would not allow this… Crestmoore would never allow this.

He would contact the Countess as soon as he got home with an urgent letter. He would inform her fot Korina and the Dukes inappropriate meetings. When he was done, there would be no meeting...there would be no more relations between the two and they would never see each other aga-

Velona paused as he watched the two lovers embrace. They held each other tightly and then everything seemed to move in slow motion. They leaned into one another and he could see what was coming. He knew he should do something, say something but it was too late, he kne couldn't stop them. He stood there froze as their lips met, in a powerful passionate kiss.

Velona's chest felt as if it were caving in on itself, as if someone had just kicked the wind out of him and shattered all his ribs. Everything fell silent, felt far away and was almost blurry. He saw Korina and the Duke depart and the rain as it poured down on him for some time but he didn't take it in. He didn't recall the details of him leaving the garden, riding home, or even putting the horse away, all he could recall was that kiss...that kiss.

That moment when their lips connected it was like someone had blown out a candle and he couldn't breathe. He couldn't breathe. Somehow he found himself at his manor. He stumbled inside barely managing to shut the door behind him. He was sweating no he was wet from the rain soaked to the bone. He struggled to get his dress off knowing he needed to get into dry clothes but he couldn't even manage a single button. Everything felt hazy as he kept moving. He needed to get to his study, write a letter to the Countess at once...yet he didn't even make it to the stairs...collapsing.

The next morning he found by his servants they found him laying unconscious on the floor. They woke him with smelling salts and Hagan ordered one of the men at the stable to fetch a doctor. They sat Velona up and it took him a moment to realize what was going on. They helped him to his bedroom and a maid attempted to help him out of his damp clothes. He fought her off and then ordered everyone out.

He was violently sick but couldn't dare let his secret out. He ordered that he didn't want to see anyone not even a doctor, he just wanted to be left alone until the Baron returned. He shut the door and then struggled to get out of his clothes. He adjusted his straps with shaking hands, making sure they were still secure before putting on a fresh night gown. He barely just made it to the bed before he collapsed again.

He had horrific dreams of his mothers' throat being slit of being burned in the fire. He kept seeing Korina in the garden only it wasn't his garden and then she was in his room, holding his hand, touching him. His fever spiked so bad he couldn't tell what was real and what wasn't.

He couldn't recall time, where he was or even who he was…Korina made him feel, she made him feel- He was filled with an overwhelming urge to keep her close to him, to never let her go. He wanted to be with her always….he needed her...he needed her...she was- she was-

***

Korina felt lighter then air, she felt as if she understood things now, that she'd only ever read about in her romance books. Her entire world felt as if it had expanded and everything felt bright and beautiful. It took her a while to return to her room. She felt like she was in a haze, almost dreaming.

She lit a candle in her dressing room so that she could take a look at the ring. It was a beautiful stone that sparked and shined in the flicker of the candle light. She stared at it a while, thinking over West proposal she wanted to remember it forever. Eventually she looked around her room for something to put it in.

She didn't want to take it off but knew she had to. She found a small wrist pouch and then took the ring off. She put it inside the pouch, closing it up tightly. She moved it about, seeing if the ring might fall out but it didn't. She attached the pouch to her wrist and made sure it was secure before finally blowing out her candle and getting into bed.

That night she barley slept, thinking about it all, the kiss, West and what was to come. She had never been so excited in her life. First thing the next morning, her grandmother received a letter from West. He made it clear he wished to meet with her and make arrangements to marry Korina. Her grandmother seemed shocked and then frazzled pacing about the manor.

She attempted to get in touch with the Baroness sending her a letter. That afternoon they received a letter. Korina thought it was the Baroness but learned it was actually an urgent letter from one of her grandmothers oldest friends. Korina had known her grandmothers friend was ill but it was clear now that she wasn't long for this world.

Her grandmother ordered the servants to pack and prepare a carriage at once wanting to see her friend before she passed. Korina wondered if she would be going with her grandmother or staying alone at the manor. Her grandmother quickly informed her she would be doing neither. She'd already made arrangements for Korina to stay with the Baroness.

Korina wasn't sure how she felt about it, considering all that had gone on the last time she'd stayed over. She didn't have a lot of time to think about it as everything happened really fast. She barely had time to pen West, a quick letter, letting him know she would be away and not to come at night. She gave it to Betsy, to see that it was delivered and was then whisked away in one of her grandmothers carriages.

When Korina got to the Baronesses estate, she learned they weren't expecting her. Hagan informed her the Baroness was quite sick and not accepting any company. Korina wasn't sure what she should do, if she should go back to her grandmothers or wait for the Baroness to feel better. Hagan took her to a sitting room and said he would inform the Baroness she was there and then they could decide what to do.

Korina took a seat and the servants went to get her some refreshments, just as they arrived Hagan returned and seemed almost surprised. He informed Korina the Baroness had requested to see her. She followed Hagan upstairs and expected him to take her to the Baroness bedroom but he stopped at the door and sent her in alone.

The room was dark, with the curtains drawn. Korina heard Velona coughing before she saw her. It took a moment for her eyes to adjust but when they did Velona looked dreadful. She was sweating and paler then ever. Korina rushed to her bedside and couldn't help but be reminded of her mother, towards the end.

Velonas' eyes seemed glossy and she seemed a bit out of it. She smiled when she saw Korina and reached out for, her wanting to take her hand. Korina sat down on the side of the bed and Velona actually said she was happy to see her, that she was happy she'd come before passing out, still holding Korina's hand. It was strange for the Baroness, to be so informal and say she was happy to see Korina.

Korina sat there for a moment watching her slumber. She wondered what had happened to make her so suddenly sick. She'd only just seen her the other day. Korina brushed the back of her hand against the Baroness cheek and forehead checking her temperature. The Baronesses lips curved up in a smile as she did so. She seemed to like Korina's touch.

The Baroness felt cold and clammy. Korina bit her lip and moved some loose strands of hair from the Baronesses face. She looked so frail and fragile. Korina shook her head and wondered how she could have ever thought the Baroness was a man. She sat with her for a few minutes before she moved to sit in a chair by the bed.

The room got dark and darker, at one point Hagan knocked on the door informing her they'd made dinner. Korina went downstairs and ate before returned to see the Baroness she was awake and in a sour mood. Soup had been brought up to her but she wasn't drinking or eating. Korina offered to assist her. At first it looked like she might protest but the Baroness just looked at her.

Korina dared to lift the soup spoon and gently blew on it before she brought it up to the Baroness lips. She stared at Korina for long moment and she wasn't sure if she'd take it but she did. She closed her eyes and slowly sipped the spoon. Korina slowly fed her the entire bowl of soup and then got her a glass of water. The Baroness's hand was shaky and Korina worried. She suggested they call a doctor but the Baroness made it clear no doctors. She almost looked afraid.

Korina didn't argue with her, instead she offered to read to her. Velona didn't protest again so Korina picked out a book from the library and began reading out loud. Her mother used to love it when Korina read to her when she was sick or so she used to say. It had been a while since she'd read out loud and it was strange hearing her voice.

After a few paged the Baroness passed out. Korina read a bit longer and then decided to stay a while wanting to repay the Baroness for the other night. Korina drifted off to sleep at one point and woke to the Baroness screaming in her sleep. Korina rushed to her as she shot up. She got into bed and held onto her, trying to calm her down. The Baroness shook, sweating, she calling out for his mother and then threw up

Korina quickly pulled away long enough to grasp a basin. She climbed back in the Baroness bed and held her long hair as she guide her to vomit in the basin. She must have thrown up the entire bowl of soup. When she was done the Baroness clung to her and begged Korina not to leave her...to stay with her. The Baronesses mouth drew ever so close to Korinas and then the door to the room burst open.

Apparently the Baron had just arrived home and learned the Baroness was sick. He saw Korina in bed with his wife and yelled at her to get out. A moment later, the servants came with candles. Korina attempted to pull away and get off the bed but the Baroness wouldn't let go of her just saying… "Don't…Don't...Don't"

The Baron rushed over to the bed and called out to he Baroness. She looked at him and seemed to come to her senses for a moment. She let go of Korina and reached out for the Baron. He took her hand and put it to his face whispering to her, "I'm here I'm here now,"

The Baroness smiled and then passed out. The Baron quickly touched the Baroness forehead and cursed, "She's burning up!" He turned to the servants and started barking orders. He ordered a cold bath be prepared at once and that the room be cleaned before took the Baroness in his arms and carried her out of the room. Korina just sat there for a moment, holding the basin as the servants scrambled.

A young maid came over after a few minutes and took the basin from Korina. She helped her clean up and then showed her to her room. Korina wasn't sure how late or early it was. She tried to go back to sleep but found it hard to sleep hearing the servants rushing about. Though it had only been a day, she found herself missing West. She wondered what he was doing right now and couldn't wait for her grandmother to come home so she could see him again.

***

Velona woke wiping his face. It felt freshly shaven and clamy. He turned his head to the side and saw Beckett asleep next to him. Right...he'd returned... Velona vaguely remembered him bathing him and feeding him something. He looked tired and unkempt, clearly Beckett had been taking better care of Velona, then himself.

Velona sat up slowly and looked around. He wasn't in his straps and was wearing a loose night gown. He went to the window to see what time it was. From the sun, it looked about midday. He could only look for a second, the light burned his eyes. He lowered his gaze and it took a moment from him to adjust.

When he did, he looked out onto his garden and saw Korina wandering about in one of her sun dresses. He scowled down at her, wondering what she was doing here. He thought he'd only dreamed her being here. It took him a second to recalled something about her grandmother needed to go somewhere. He closed his eyes and rubbed his temple as his head ached he was still feeling a bit off...

Beckett shot up suddenly, realizing Velona wasn't there he looked around and when he spotted him at the window called out, "You're up."

"I am," said Velona. He opened his eyes and pulled his hand from his temple. He quietly stared out the window once more, watching Korina "How many days was I out?"

"Three," said Beckett

"Hmmm," he said.

"Are you feeling better? You had me worried for a second."

"Don't worry," said Velona, "I'm feeling much better now. He titled his head sligtly "Is it done?"

"Yes," said Beckett stepping up behind Velona. He wrapped his arms around Velona and whispered the details in his ear, "He had one last place of refuge but it fell through. It was confirmed he's on a ship. It will take a few weeks but he's coming home."

Velona closed his eyes, at last. He placed his hands over Beckett as they sat at his waste and asked, "How are preparations for the ball coming?"

"I think we should cancel, given-"

"We will not-"

"You need to rest if your going to be up for."

"I will rest but I will not cancel."

"Alright," said Beckett, "I will see to the last minute details."

Velona nodded, "As soon as I recover I will assist you,"

There was a moment of silence. Velona watched Korina pluck one of his prized roses. He squinted his eyes in frustration. She seemed to be building a bouquet.

"Do you know what caused it?" asked Beckett.

"Caused what?" said Velona not taking his eyes off Korina as she plucked another rose. He could see she poked herself this time, she quickly put her finger in her mouth sucking on it. He smiled.

"Your sudden sickness, the servants said they found you collapsed. That you were wet. I wondered...if, something might have happened."

Velona paused for a long moment... Something had happened, he thought of Korina in the garden kissing the Duke, it still made him sick and filled him with an aching dread. Korina...she did something to him, evoked something in him. Something he that was corrupting him and distracting him from his one true goal. She was no longer a distraction but a problem...a problem that needed to be dealt with. It was so clear now…she had to go...she...these deelings they had to be destroyed before they infected and affected him any further.

Velona cleared his throat and spoke in a low whisper, "Korina...you were right, I've become too invested…She's become a problem and needs to be taken care of."

Beckett nodded, "I'll take care of it personally,"

"When and how," said Velona his chest tight.

"However and whenever you like," said Beckett stepping up next to him. He looked out the window to see what Velona was looking at. He saw the garden saw Korina wandering about. He raised his head and offered, "I can do it now if you wish."

"No," said Velona, "Wait until the ball, poison her with what we used in Pe'log. The guests can witness her getting sicker and sicker and the servants will attest that we did all we could to help her."

Beckett nodded as you wish. "I will make the arrangements." Then he turned to Velona, insisting, "Now come back to bed, you need your rest."

Velona stared out the window a moment longer, watching Korina but eventually turned away and let out a soft sigh. He went back to his bed and laid down. Becket climbed in next to him, moving to lay on Velonas'chest. Velona tangled his fingers in Beckett's hair resting his eyes he softly sighed thinking about his vengeance about Korina, soon it and she would be over and this….these feelings would be gone…

(((((

It took a few more days before Velona recovered enough to get back to work. There was so much to do, he was busy nearly every minute of the remaining days until his annual ball. He barley had a moment to spare. He was concerned Korina might get in his way but she mostly kept to herself. He'd find her reading through out the estate or playing the piano. He could tell she was sad. No doubt from not getting to see the Duke every night.

A letter arrived after a few days from the Duke and that seemed to cheer her up. He saw her reading it more then once. He wondered what it said and if they were making arrangements. He didn't think they would dare try to meet under his roof but just the same, although he was busy with his annual ball, he took precautions.

He had the windows to Korina's room secured and personally locked her door every night. He made it a point to mention to her the servant paroled the estate nightly. He also ordered his servant to patrol every hour of the night. It was a lot but it would seem his hard work paid off.

While he didn't get to read the letter the Duke sent to Korina, he was able to intercept her reply. He read it and saw she warned him not to visit but wait until her grandmother returned that the Baroness was quiet strict. He considered burning the letter or tweaking it briefly but instead resealed it and sent it off it was better he knew to stay away. He smiled to himself thinking when her grandmother did return, he would tell her of the private meetings in her garden and make sure to put a stop to it.

He continued working on his annual ball and was glad when the day finally arrived. He got up bright and early preparing for his morning tea. He always liked to invite the ladies of Crestmoore over for breakfast to have an early talk and see just who was coming and who wasn't. Nearly everyone on his list showed up. Korina had never been to one of his morning teas.

He picked out her outfit and she was by his side most the morning. He could see she struggled to keep up with all the latest gossip and follow so many different conversations at once. Everyone wanted to speak to Velona, word of him being ill had spread throughout Crestmoore and they all wanted to make sure he was okay and that the ball was still happening. He assured them all he'd recovered and everything was to continue on as planned.

He put on quite a show to make sure they had no doubts. After an hour or so he had a few more details to take care of and decided to give Korina a break, it being her last day and all. He suggested she play croquet. He knew how much Korina adored it, he was even nice and bowed out of the game to give her a chance at winning.

He continued working on his ball checking over deliveries and making sure the servants all knew what they were going to be doing. Beckett oversaw to larger priorities, every now and then they'd pass each other in a hall and smile at one another. When he went to check on how the game was going he learned Korina had won. She was so excited she nearly jumped up and down.

After that he wrapped things up with the girls giving them gift baskets and dropping little hints about the splendor that was to come that night. When they had all gone Velona went into high gear rushing about the house. Korina again kept herself busy and out of the way.

At one point Velona took a moment to eat a late lunch and admire the dresses he and Korina would be wearing that night. They complemented each other. His was a dark blue, he always looked good in dark colors. Korinas' dress was a light shade of blue from that day in the garden, bright colors seem to suit her. She hadn't seen it yet, even thought she'd been staying with him. He wanted to keep it a secret until tonight, her last night.

He went back to work and discovered a case of wine glasses was missing, he scoured the house and delivery carts but he found them. One of the maids broke some plates and he had to deal with her as Beckett and Hagan were both busy. When he was done with her she was in tears but lucky he didn't make her pay for each plate she'd so recklessly shattered.

When he passed by a window and saw how late it was he went looking for Korina, wanting her to get changed. He couldn't seem to find her anywhere. The performers were arriving and needed to know where to set up. Velona ordered a servant to fetch Korina and then instructed the performers where they were to go. Beckett joined him after a minute and then Velona was called to examine the outside lighting. He made several adjustments and the servant he'd sent to fetch Korina returned, informing him she couldn't find her anywhere.

Velona continued to see to the last minute details, while looking for Korina. He became increasingly more agitated, when she was no where to be found. He ordered his servants to start keeping an eye out for her and inform him immediately when she was found. He wondered where she could have possibly wondered off to and found himself stepping outside again. He wandered through his garden but knew he needed to get changed.

He came back inside and thankfully she had been found. One of the servants in charge of lighting all the rooms had found her in the library. He rushed to her and nearly dragged her to the dressing room. He barely had time to change before his first guest arrived. He practically ran downstairs to be by Beckett's side. Together they greeted their guests one after another. It kept him busy, so much so that he barely had time to think. Again it was nice to have a break from all his troubles.

At one point he was greeting the guests and caught something out of the corner of his eye. He turned to see Korina at the top of the stairs. He watched as she slowly descended, she paused midway down the stairs and their eyes met. She was more beautiful then she'd ever been. The dress did indeed suit her.

His chest ached and he got the urge to go to her. He ignored his guests, taking a step forward but came to his senses after a moment. He held back and a wave of crippling sadness washed over him. He quickly turned away from her and apologized to his guests before excusing himself.

He knew he was leaving Beckett alone to greet the guests but he needed a moment. He went to his dressing room and touched up his makeup. When he was done he just sat there, staring at his own reflection. He felt sick and wondered now if he should have canceled things. He closed his eyes and waited for the sickness to pass. After a few minutes he stood and rejoined his party. He continued to greet his guests and made it a point to avoid Korina as much as he possibly could.

He watched her from afar talking to people here or there. Eventually she went into the dinning hall. He watched as she ordered her food. She did everything just as he'd taught her, glancing at all the food, ordering the right proportions and selections. He knew he should have been proud, Yet he found himself somber watching her eat. He knew this might be her last meal. He sighed and thought she should enjoy herself a little before she died.

He went over to her and instructed her to eat whatever she liked. She resisted at first but he persisted. Eventually she ordered up a plate of the desserts. He watched her eat and when he was sure she would enjoy herself, he excused himself.

He casually made his way around the first floor of the manor, socializing with his guests as any good hostess should. He had a few small glasses of wine here or there. When he came full circle he sought out Beckett. Together the two stepped onto the dance floor. It was important to have moments like these between a husband and a wife. It also allowed them to talk. They whispered to each other discussing the arrangements. Everything was in place and it was finally time.

When the song they were dancing to ended Velona looked around the room, to make sure his guests were enjoying themselves. He saw Korina was in the room. Their eyes met and for a moment he was sad again. It troubled him, he shouldn't have any reason to be. He let out a sigh and wandered up to one of the servants, taking a glass of wine from a silver platter.

He slowly sipped the wine as he watched Beckett carry out his order. The poison was placed in a glass of wine, Korinas favorite vintage. He watched Beckett hand the glass to a servant. He couldn't hear Beckett speak from across the room but knew he was ordering the servant to take it to Korina. The servant had no idea, he was delivering poison. He thought his master had just noticed one of his guests was parched.

Velona swallowed and found his throat felt suddenly tight. He finished off his glass of wine setting it down on another silver tray as a servant passed him by. His eyes didn't leave the poison. He watched the servant walk up to Korina. She was talking with another guest, her face was but a blur to him. Everything in the room was a blur, save for Korina. She was glowing brighter then ever, clear as could be. He watched the blur of the servant, hand Korina the glass…

He watched her fingertips grasped hold of it. His feet carried him before his mind, even knew what was happening. In a panic he burst through the room, nearly bumping into standing guests and dancing couples that had just started the next song. He was like an arrow, soaring through the air. Nothing matter but his target. Seconds felt like an eternity, everything moved in slow motion.

His hand reached out as Korina lifted the glass of wine. Before it even touched her lips Velona crossed the room and took it from her. He was so quick that some of the wine split from the glass and splashed onto the floor. Korina and several others looked at Velona with alarm. He quickly collected himself, acting as if it was nothing and said, "Don't overdo it dear, you've had enough,"

He poured the drink out into one of the potted plants and then looked about the room. There were a few pauses and odd glances but eventually everyone carried on as if nothing had happened. Velonas' heart pounded and his chest ached. He felt like he might burst at any moment and didn't understand why.

He didn't understand why he'd just cross the room and saved Korina's life. It made no sense...and yet he was compelled without hesitation to do so. From the moment her fingers had clasped the glass he'd just gone to her but why...why.

Korina made him miserable. From the day he met her, she'd caused him nothing but grief. She was a pain in his side, a favor to be returned and ultimately a problem to be taken care of. He'd order her death, made the decision to destroy her and yet he couldn't…

Velona looked across the room, his eyes meeting Beckett's. The stern expression of displeasure was more then clear on his face. Velona let out a sigh, he didn't know what he was going to do now.

"Are you okay?" asked Korina looking at him concerned.

"I'm fine," said Velona averting her gaze. "Just a little tired, I suppose,"

"You have been working rather hard lately," said Korina. She lightly touched his arm. His eyes twitched with sudden agitation. How dare she touch him, he'd warned her a million times to keep her hands to herself. Korina didn't notice his annoyance continuing, "Perhaps you should rest some."

He pulled his arm free of her and snapped. "I said I was fine!"

Korina stepped back and parted her lips, to no doubt apologize but before she could an unexpected introduction roared out across the room. "Presenting Duke Kerr of the West and his daughter Lady Libby Kerr!" Velonas' ears perked up, he turned to see the Kerr's entering the room. Instinctively, he shifted his gaze back to Korina. All at once she lit up, with the mention of their arrival, his arrival. In agony he watched the lovers seek each other out until their gazes met.

He was reminded of his nightmare. Without realizing it, he said what he was thinking outloud "What is he doing here?"

"Mother invited them," said Wendy Waters. Velona hadn't even realized she'd been the one standing next to Korina. She had a plate of food with her and was eating a piece of cake, crumbles spilled onto the polished floor. "They hadn't received their invitations. We assumed they'd gotten lost."

"Yes...well," said Velona masking his aggravation, "I was told they had other plans this night.

I'll have to thank your mother for taking up the initiative"

Wendy smiled, Korina was beginning to drift towards the Kerrs' as they were slowly making they way to her. This was just what he needed right now. Velona quickly followed after Korina, on his way a waiter passed by, he stopped him long enough to drop of the empty glass and grab another glass of wine.

He drank it rather quickly as he followed closely behind Korina. A few people attempted to engage him but he quickly shot them down, acting as if he didn't hear them. By the time Korina and the Kerr's came into contact, he'd finished it off the glass. Korina stepped before Duke Kerr and Lady Libby, curtsying, Velona also curtsied, begrudgingly. As far as he was concerned they were equals.

Coming up from his curtsy, he could see the Duke wanted to acknowledge Korina first but as it was Aviannas' party and she was a higher rank, he had no choice but to recognize him first. Velona plastered a pleasant smile on his face as Duke Kerr nodded to him and said, "Baroness Corday, your party looks splendid. You and the Baron have truly outdone yourselves,"

"Thank you, we do try," said Velona, "You honor us with your presence. I would have sent an invitation but I was under the impression you had other plans this night,"

"Ah, it would seem you were misinformed. I apologize," said the Duke, flashing him a charming smile.

Velona humbly nodded,"No need to apologize Duke Kerr." Then he turned to Libby, nodding to her as he added, "Please enjoy yourselves and thank you again for coming,"

"Thank you," said Libby

"Thank you, I am sure we will," said Duke Kerr. Excitedly, he turned to greet Korina but Velona wasn't having it. He quickly wrapped an arm around Korinas' and guided her away from the Kerr's, "Now Korina, where were we?"

"What..." said Korina confused as Velona practically dragged her away. The Duke took a step forward and Korina looked back at him, longingly.

Velona did his best to keep the two lovers apart as much as he could, throughout the night. Which he found to be quite difficult. Between the annoyances of his servants and guests Korina kept managing to slip out of his sight. Duke Kerr seemed to be following them from room to room and was only more then happy to connect with Korina whenever he could.

Each time they came together, Velona would pause just long enough to drink a glass of wine and think of new ways to separate them. At one point Beckett came up to him, wanting answers. He suggested they dance but Velona didn't have time to explain himself. He couldn't take his eyes off Korina for a minute.

Every laugh, every smile she gave the Duke made him more and more upset. It was getting harder and harder to keep his composure. He found himself struggling to stay focused on even the simplest of conversations. He began neglecting his guests and Beckett noticed he'd been drinking a bit too much. He suggested Velona ease off a bit.

Velona just ignored him. Beckett was always over protective….putting himself where he had no place to be. He'd had a few glasses of wine but nothing over the top. Some people couldn't handle their liquor but Velona wasn't one of them.

He continued to pull Korina and the Duke apart whenever he could but eventually settled for just standing next to Korina. It would seem his presence all but stopped their conversation much to his delight. As the night went on people started to trickle out. Beckett slowly dismissed the performers and began to shut things down.

Velona only stepped away from Korina, long enough to wish the important guests a safe passage home. When he returned he found Korina was nowhere to be see, nor was the Duke and his daughter. Velona practically flung himself through his manner, going from room to room, thinking of where they could be and most of all, what they could be doing.

He went into an unlit drawing room on the second floor and found they were outside. From the window he saw one of the violists was still playing. Lady Libby appeared to be eating something as she watched her father and Korina dance to the music. From the darkness of the room he glared down at them. He looked at Korina as she smiled and leaned into the Duke, carefree and happy. He saw her laughing as the Duke said something.

Last time...he had seen them together...so close it had made him violently sick...this time...a deep...all consuming rage boiled up deep within him. He clenched his fists as his breath fogged up the window. He knew now... why he'd done it, why he'd stopped Korina from being poisoned…Poisoning was too good for her…she...she deserved to suffer.

Thank you for reading^^