AMENDE HONORABLE

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The hen was to contain a diamond pendant, but the finished work had a ruby and diamond ring instead. Dante was elated that Rose liked his gift as he explained its history. The ring belonged to his my mother. It was created in the early 4th century, and it was quite a feat to make something that beautiful in the early era.

"It is a family heirloom meant to pass on to the next generation."

"I love it and will cherish it always." Rose was suddenly extremely fatigued and tried to suppress her yawn. Dante could tell she was overdue to get some sleep.

"It is time to get you to bed, darling girl?" He wrapped his arm around her shoulder and they walked to the stairs.

The butler met them at the landing. "Carrick, bring up a cup of chocolate and a few gingersnaps." Dante and Rose climbed the stairs. He waited at the door for her to change into her nightclothes; once she finished, he entered her room. Dante saw Oscar was already asleep on top of the hope chest at the end of Rose's bed.

"He is undoubtedly a friendly cat." The Count grinned at Rose as she reached down and picked up the little bundle of fur to love on him. "I wanted to express how happy I am you are here with me, Rose. The past few days were intimidating, but we will move past it and navigate the future together."

"I promise to be more patient with you, darling." Dante reached into his vest pocket and removed Rose's pendant and chain.

"You left this today. Put it back on." He placed it around her neck and tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear. Dante sighed as he felt Rose's spirit come back to him. It was easier for the Count to discern what was happening when she wore the mystical gem.

"After speaking with Giselle this evening, I better understand you, too. I will work on my mood and try not to leave again, but I won't promise I will stay. For a long time, I have been a nomad. I'm not used to being in one place for too long. I am sorry to make you worry today. Giselle said you were very upset. I was not my intention to irritate you." Rose apologized to her father.

Dante was going to work on changing Rose's idea of home. He did not want her to run away again. The Count was also curious about what his lieutenant had said to Rose. "I know you did not deliberately try to make me mad. I'm as much at fault for the misunderstanding. So, tell me, what did Giselle speak about me this evening?" He looked at Rose with suspicion.

"Giselle reminded me that all this was unfamiliar territory for you. Just like it is for me, we both need to be patient with one another. She spoke only good about you if that is your worry. She seems to care for you, father. It's just an observation, but you should be nicer to Giselle." Rose reached out and patted the top of her father's large hand to give assurance.

"Don't worry about Giselle. She knows her place and is content. I make sure of that." A knocking at Rose's door interrupted Dante.

"That must be Carrick. Come in!" The Count shouted at the door.

"The refreshments you requested, Count." The butler set the tray on the table and left.

Dante picked up the chocolate pot and poured the drink into the tiny cups. And handed one to Rose along with a gingersnap. "Here, be mindful; it's scalding. This is hot chocolate. I bet you never tried this before. It can be quite addicting."

She blew on the hot liquid, and steam billowed from the cup, then took a small drink. "Mmm....." The Count watched Rose savor the spicy, rich drink. "It's splendid. I have tasted nothing like it." Her eyes sparkled, full of wonder. He loved watching her experience new things.

"I told you it was good. Here, have another cup and then go to sleep. You look exhausted. I think you have had enough excitement for the day." said Dante.

"Sorry to change the subject, but do you have a greenhouse?" Asked Rose.

"Yes, we have a colossal Conservatory, now that you speak. I realize we have not taken you on a tour of the manor. That will be first on our list tomorrow." Dante pulled the blanket over Rose and kissed her pink cheek. "Goodnight, darling." He took the refreshment tray and left her to rest. Rose watched as the fire burned in the fireplace. She relaxed and slowly fell into sleep.

~~~

Dante walked back into the parlor and found Giselle enjoying a game of charades with the servants. "I'm sorry, everyone, I must steal her away now. We have some business." Giselle followed the Count to his study. She could tell Dante wanted information about this evening with Rose. "Take a seat, and disclose to me what you learned?" Dante demanded.

"As expected, you were right. Rose is gifted. She is telepathic. Your daughter can speak to people in their heads with no sound coming from her mouth. She didn't show us until now because she said it has not been met well with humans and others in the past. Rose also talked about being able to communicate with animals and heal them. She can also mend people, just not herself." Giselle was about to go finish when Dante interrupted.

"She could not heal the bite wounds the other night after feeding. Why was that?" The Count inquired.

"Rose guessed maybe it's that we are demons and not human. I asked her the same question, and that was her assumption. Rose has never tried to heal a night creature."

Dante pulled a cigar from his lapel pocket and struck the match on the heel of his boot. "Very well done, Giselle. Did she mention to you where she went today?" He took a deep drag of the cigar and blew the white smoke above his head.

Giselle answered Dante's question. "Yes, Master. She said she went to an old greenhouse on an estate around here."

"Hmm..." He hummed. "Where do you suppose she went, Giselle? I bet I know and can guarantee it was the Thorn Mansion. There aren't many estates around, and none with detached conservatories like the one at Christopher's mansion. I don't want Rose back over there again. Keep a vigilant eye on her, Giselle. Get her busy and keep her that way. She will be less likely to wander off. Are we clear on this?"

"Yes, Master. I understand," said Giselle to Dante's orders.

"One more item. Did you know Lord Thorn was in the woods yesterday? I had a chat with him. He watched us kill the maid. That man is an arrogant bastard." explained Giselle.

"I indeed knew he was there. I could smell him when he entered the estate. Why was he bleeding? It took you long enough to come to tell me." Dante scowled as he chided Giselle for the delay.

"I would have if things were not so chaotic." Giselle's words back to him were caustic. She was irked that Dante reprimanded her for the delay, something she had no control over. "It seems the Contessa knows how to wield the dagger and gashed him good in the thigh. It must be deep for him to keep bleeding that severe."

"As you already know, The De Sang blade will cause a wound that cannot heal. Serves him right for injuring my daughter. Next time don't wait to tell me things like this. Also, mind your attitude when you speak to me. I recommend you get some shut-eye. Good night, Giselle. Tomorrow we teach, and train Rose for her position as my heir. I want you focused and in command. You are dismissed." Dante waved his hand for Giselle to leave his study.

As she was about to shut the door, the Count commented. "Oh, don't forget, Carrick will also need your help. This will be a good time to instruct Rose on the formalities of hosting a ball."

It looked like Giselle's life would never be hers; Dante would make sure of it. Giselle sighed and strolled back to her room to retire for the evening. She wished she could return to Calais.

~~~