Page 49 of Silken Chains
How do you even ask a kid why you’ve been kidnapped?
Eli just shrugs nonchalantly, twirling a lock of her hair around her finger. “Don’t know,” she chirps. Her casualness about the whole thing is almost comical. “Mommy says you’re going to marry Dyadya Vi…”
“Eli, that’s enough.” The sharp command makes both of us spin around.
“Mommy!” Eli exclaims, rushing to the woman and wrapping her arms around her legs. “She’s funny,” she whispers loudly, casting a glance back at me.
My eyes follow Eli’s scamper to the commanding figure in the doorway. Standing in the doorway is a woman with an air of authority that’s almost tangible. She’s striking. Holy moly. She might just be the most stunning woman I’ve ever laid eyes on.
Her dress clings to her like a second skin, a deep black that contrasts sharply with the whimsical decor of the room. The fabric hugs every curve of her hourglass figure, and the slit along the thigh suggests a blend of sophistication and peril. Her hair, dark as the dress, flows in voluminous waves, framing a face that could grace any magazine cover.
Holy smokes, she’s drop-dead gorgeous and absolutely terrifying.
Her eyes get me, gray and sharp as shards of ice. They pin me down, all the power and mystery in the world crammed into those irises. She walks in, and it’s like the dark corners of the room get the memo to back off. The light bends around her like she’s the boss of it.
And those eyes… Where have I seen those eyes before?
They soften momentarily as she looks down at Eli. “I see you’ve made our guest feel at home in your room,” she says, her voice laced with a hint of amusement.
“Hello,” I start, my voice low and husky. “But I think there’s been some mistake…” I clear my throat, trying to find my voice.
She fixes her gaze on me, her eyes scrutinizing yet unreadable. “Ksenia,” she introduces herself crisply, her voice carrying a hint of an accent. “There’s no mistake, Laura.”
She knows my name?
Eli’s grip tightens around her. “Mommy says you’re gonna be family, so you’re in my room! I wanted you to feel at home,” she says, her eyes shining with excitement.
What?
Eli tugs at Ksenia’s dress, bringing her down to whisper range. “Mommy,” she stage-whispers, not quite the secret she thinks it is, “she’s going to be the most beautiful bride.”
Huh? Guess this must be some mistaken identity mix-up.
Ksenia’s gaze doesn’t waver from me, but a small smile tugs at the corner of her mouth. “Is that so?” Her tone is light, but I sense something sharp hiding behind her words.
I feel like I’m missing pieces of a puzzle, the whole picture frustratingly out of reach.
Who?
Me?
Bride?
Chapter 18
Laura
“I… I don’t understand.” I cough out a dry, panicky laugh. “You’re a real prankster, Eli,” I manage to say.
I glance back and forth between her and Ksenia. “I’m not anyone’s… bride.”
“Eli, I think it’s time for you to go get your Dyadya,” Ksenia instructs smoothly, her eyes never leaving mine. “He must be glad that his new bride is awake.”
Run.
But my legs are rooted to the spot, as if the plush rug has turned to quicksand.
“Okay, Mommy!” Eli skips out of the room, leaving me alone with Ksenia.
