The gala was held at a five star hotel that was rather the biggest, shiniest building I had ever seen. We walked through doors held open by men in uniforms into the ballroom filled with women in glittering dresses and men in perfect, dark suits. The air filled with the smell of expensive perfume and money, so much money.
Kaelum held my arm tightly as we walked through the crowd. His grip firm, like he was afraid I might try to run away, well jokes on him really, where would I go?
"Smile," he whispered. His own face had a big, fake smile on it.
I tried to smile. I pulled my lips up at the corners of my already stiff face.
"Kaelum! So good to see you!" a large man with a big, red face boomed, slapping Kaelum hard on the back. "And this must be the lovely bride! The mysterious Mrs. Visconti!"
"This is Lily," Kaelum said. His voice sounded warm and friendly. But when I looked at his eyes, they were still cold. Like black ice. "My beautiful wife."
The large man took my hand in his big and rough ones, holding on too tight. "A pleasure to meet you, my dear. I'm Mr. Rosetti.
I forced my smile to stay on my face. My cheeks were starting to hurt. "Nice to meet you," I said. My voice came out small.
We moved through the crowd, and met with so many people. Men with slicked-back hair and strong handshakes. Women with sharp eyes who looked me up and down with curious eyes.
Across the room, an older man with silver grey hair stood by himself, watching us. When he saw me looking, he smiled.
"That's him," Kaelum whispered. His fingers dug into my arm. I winced from the pain. "Don Orsino. Remember what I said."
My heart started to beat faster. There was something about the way Don Orsino looked at me. It made me feel weird, Like he could see right through my pretty dress. He could see the scared girl underneath.
As the night went on, I tried to stay very close to Kaelum. But then, he was pulled into a deep conversation with some important looking men. They started talking in low, serious voices. They forgot about me for a moment and i found myself alone, so I took a small step back.
"Mrs. Visconti," a smooth, quiet voice said behind me.
I jumped. I turned around.
Don Orsino stood there, holding two glasses of champagne and he offered one to me.
"No, thank you," I said quietly.
He didn't put the glass down. He just smiled that snake-like smile. "Such a beautiful flower," he said. His eyes moved over my face. It felt like he was touching me, making my skin crawl. "I must say, I was very surprised when I heard Kaelum got married. He never seemed the type to settle down.
I didn't know what to say. I just stared at my pretty, new shoes.
"Tell me, my dear," he said. He moved a little closer. I could smell his cologne. "How are you finding married life? Is Kaelum treating you well?
I remembered the words Kaelum had made me practice. "He's very kind," I said. The words feeling like dust in my mouth. "I am very happy."
Orsino's smile widened. It showed his teeth. "Is he? How interesting. The Kaelum I know... well, he isn't known for his kindness. He is known for other things."
Before I could think of a response, Kaelum was at my side. He moved so fast. I didn't even see him come. His face was hard and angry.
"Alberto," he said. His voice cold. "I see you've met my wife."
Orsino didn't look scared. He looked amused. "I was just welcoming her to our... little community," he said smoothly. "She's quite charming. So delicate. I hope you know how to protect such a fragile thing. This world can be so... hard on fragile things."
"My wife is well protected," Kaelum said. His voice was a low growl as he pulled me closer to him. "Come, Lily. There are other people we need to see."
As he pulled me away, I could feel Don Orsino's eyes on my back. I could feel them the whole way across the room. I didn't need to turn around to know he was still watching, Still smiling.
_________
In the car ride home, Kaelum was completely silent staring out his window. The anger coming from him in waves. I sat as far from him as I could. I didn't dare to even speak.
When we got back to the mansion, he didn't go to his own room. He followed me to mine. He walked right in behind me and closed the door.
He turned to me.
"What did he say to you.." Kaelum demanded. " his exact words?"
"Nothing!" I said, my voice shaking with fear. "He just... he asked about married life. That's all."
"What did you tell him?" he took a step closer.
"I said what you told me to say!" I cried. My hands were fists at my sides. I said I'm happy! That's all I said!"
Kaelum started to pace the room. He walked back and forth.
"Orsino is dangerous, Lily. More dangerous than you can possibly imagine. If he thinks you are weak, he will use you, to get to me. Do you understand what that means?"
"I didn't say anything wrong!" I cried again. Tears were in my eyes now. I was so tired. So scared.
He stopped pacing. He looked at me. Really looked at me. And for the first time, I saw something in his eyes besides anger. I saw fear. Kaelum Visconti was afraid.
"I know you didn't," he said. His voice was softer now. Tired. "But this world... my world... it's not a game, Lily. One wrong word. One small mistake. And people... people get hurt. They disappear."
He walked to the door. He put his hand on the knob. Then he paused. and without looking back at me.
"From now on," he said, his voice flat again. "When we go out, you don't leave my side. Not for a moment. Not for a second. Do you understand?"
I nodded, but he was already gone. The door closed behind him. I heard the key turn in the lock.
I sat on my bed for a long time. I was still wearing the beautiful blue dress. It was ruined now. It felt like a costume. I thought about Don Orsino's cold eyes. I thought about the fear I saw in Kaelum's eyes.
I may have been safe from hunger. I may have been safe from homelessness. But I had never been in more danger in my whole life.
And the most frightening part, was that I didn't know who I should be more afraid of.
Don Orsino? Or my own husband?