11 A Veil of Thorns - Chapter 11

Daisy followed Lord Blackthorne as he led her to the dining room. She was glad he didn't offer his hand because she wanted to remain calm but as they neared the dining hall, he paused and turned to her.

His eyes swept briefly over her body and before she could speculate what he was looking at he spoke, "Daisy, it seems you haven't had a chance to change this morning. Allow me to provide you with a fresh dress before we have breakfast."

"Uh…" she was stunned. She didn't have the luxury of changing dresses every day. It seemed that was what high society did. "It is not necessary, My Lord."

Lord Blackthorne insisted, his voice gentle but firm. "Please, indulge me in this small gesture. I assure you, it is no trouble at all."

Daisy hesitated for a moment, but eventually gave in to his insistence. "Very well, my Lord. Thank you for your kindness."

He called for one of the female servants and instructed her to help Daisy. "You may take your time. I will be waiting for you in the dining room." He said.

She gave him a nod. The servant led her to a nearby room where she could change. When the servant showed her the dress, she couldn't help but marvel. Wasn't this too much for a mere breakfast?

The fabric was luxurious, made of high-quality silk, with intricate embroidery and lace details adorning the bodice. The gown was designed in an off-shoulder style, revealing her neck and shoulders, while the long, flowing skirt accentuated her figure gracefully.

As Daisy changed into the dress, she couldn't help but admire herself in the mirror. The gown fit her perfectly and made her feel elegant and beautiful. It was a far cry from the simpler clothes she was used to wearing.

The emerald necklace didn't match her dress, so she took it off, leaving her neck and shoulders bare. She put the pendant inside her bodice.

"It is of your liking, My Lady?" the servant asked.

"Yes. Thank you."

"I shall show you the way back then."

Daisy took a deep breath and then followed the servant back to the dining room.

As Daisy entered the dining room, Lord Blackthorne sat at the table, his posture relaxed yet regal. Upon seeing her, his eyes seemed to light up, their golden hue sparkling as they met hers. As his gaze roamed over her, Daisy noticed the way his jaw clenched ever so slightly, the corners of his mouth twitching upward in a subtle smile, and his shoulders tensing as if he was holding back his true emotions.

His eyes seemed to drink in her appearance, a look of undisguised appreciation and desire evident in the way they traced the curve of her neck and shoulders. The intensity of his gaze caused a tingling sensation to spread through her body, as if an electric current passed between them, heightening her senses and leaving her feeling both anxious and exhilarated.

As she approached the table, Lord Blackthorne stood up, and his gaze never left her. "You look stunning, Miss Daisy. The dress suits you perfectly."

Daisy blushed at his compliment and muttered a shy, "Thank you, my Lord."

He stepped forward and pulled out a chair for her, gesturing for her to sit. As she took her seat, he moved back to his own chair and sat down, signaling for the servants to begin serving breakfast.

The room was soon filled with the enticing aroma of freshly baked bread, and perfectly cooked eggs. Fruit and pastries were also arranged artfully on the table, adding a touch of elegance to the already lavish spread.

Daisy couldn't help but already feel hunger at the feast before her, ignoring the fact that Lord Blackthorne was more interested in watching her than the food. "I hope you find the meal to your liking, Daisy," he said, his voice warm and inviting.

Daisy glanced at the spread before her, then looked back at Lord Blackthorne. "It looks wonderful, my Lord. Thank you."

He motioned for her to go ahead, and she began to eat, savoring the delicious flavors of the expertly prepared dishes. As she took her first bites, she couldn't help but notice that Lord Blackthorne continued to watch her, a subtle smile playing on his lips.

Feeling self-conscious under his intense gaze, Daisy focused on her plate and tried to enjoy the meal. The food was truly exquisite, with each dish more delicious than the last.

"Your healthy appetite is quite refreshing." Lord Blackthorne commented.

Daisy looked up from her plate. "You seem not to enjoy food as much as I do," she said, pointing at how his plate was untouched.

Lord Blackthorne's gaze lingered on Daisy, a faint, enigmatic smile gracing his lips. "Oh, I assure you, Miss Daisy, I am finding my own enjoyment during this meal," he replied.

Daisy felt her cheeks warm at the unspoken implication of his words, as she realized he was hinting that her presence was the source of his enjoyment.

She cleared her throat, feeling slightly flustered. "My Lord, how long have you been living alone here?"

Lord Blackthorne's expression became guarded, as he weighed his response. "I have been living here for quite some time," he replied, his voice measured.

"Your parents…?" she asked carefully.

Lord Blackthorne's gaze flickered for a moment. "My parents have passed away," he replied somberly.

Daisy felt a twinge of sympathy for him. "I'm sorry for your loss, My Lord," she said softly.

He offered a faint smile.

"How about relatives... do you have any nearby?"

"I do," he replied curtly.

"I couldn't help but wonder," she said cautiously, "if they might disapprove of your decision to marry someone of my background and circumstances?"

A shadow passed over his eyes, and his voice held a note of unwavering resolve as he turned to look at her. "The opinions of others hold no power over my decisions, Daisy. I am resolute in pursuing what I desire."

Daisy was both fascinated and intimidated by the unwavering certainty in his voice. She could tell that Lord Blackthorne was a man accustomed to getting his way, and it seemed that she had become the object of his desire.

Why her? She wasn't the youngest or the most beautiful. Nor was she of a desirable status.

HIs intense gaze lingered on her and Daisy wondered, hoped even that the others would wake up and interrupt them. She returned her focus to her plate and continued to eat, perhaps more than she should. She became very full for the first time and leaned back in her chair, her gaze lingering on the windsow and the rain outside.

Now that she thought about it, it was strange that it suddenly rained without warning and it kept continuing.

"Do you enjoy the rain?" Lord Blackthorne asked.

"Yes." She nodded. "There is a certain feeling it evokes. It makes you want to lit a fire and get under the covers."

He smiled faintly. "Perhaps we could enjoy such moment after our marriage."

A thousand butterflies fluttered in her stomach at the thought of it. Her, snuggled in his arms on the sofa near the fireplace. She turned to him slowly, her heart misbehaving.

"Ah, I am sorry. That was inappropriate," he reminded himself. "I am used to speaking my mind."

No, he wasn't speaking his mind. He was… testing her. Teasing her. He had purposefully agitated her earlier.

"What would you like to do now, Daisy? Everyone seems to be sleeping still." He then asked.

What was he suggesting?

"What do you suggest?" She asked, her tone daring. Everything he did felt like a challenge, and she felt a strange need to oppose him.

Before Lord Blackthorne could reply, something caught his attention, and he turned towards the door. Daisy followed his gaze, her curiosity piqued.

From the hallway, she heard someone call out, "Rhain." And soon after a tall, well-dressed man stepped into the room, his eyes scanning the scene before him. He looked between Daisy and Lord Blackthorne, an amused expression playing on his face.

"There you are," he said, his voice carrying a hint of familiarity and amusement.

Rhain? It just occurred to Daisy that she didn't know Lord Blackthorne's first name.

But who was this stranger? He looked…the greyish skin…