Page 2 of The Serpent's Bride
“Anyway, I think it’s incredibly unfair. And I’m not going to just sit back and take it. Sienna, back straight or I’ll mess this up!”
“Sorry,” Sienna mumbled.
I wasn’t trying to be annoying, I only wanted to protect her. She was too young to understand punishments properly, but I’d lived through enough of them to remember.
Girls weren’t supposed to wear our hair down until we were married. My marriage was coming. I’d heard enough through Papa’s office door to know that. The thought made my stomach turn.
A life in a gilded cage. No freedom. Just a husband, probably much older, with blood on his hands.
“I have a plan,” I whispered, stealing a look at my other sister, Aurora. “Can I talk to you privately?”
Aurora groaned, slapping her book closed. She pushed her legs off the emerald green velvet armchair and glared at me.
“Alright, alright, I’m coming,” she said. “This better be good. I’m at the reveal.”
I kissed Sienna’s head. She grinned at her reflection. Her braids looked perfect. Papa would be pleased.
“I thought you hated these stupid parties, like I do,” Aurora said once we were by the door, already upset with me.
“And me,” our younger brother said from the side, where he was reading a book, too. “Thank GodIdon’t have to go.”
“I don’t care.” I shot Matteo a look that said,stop eavesdropping. “I’m going. I don't need Papa’s permission, or yours.”
“Are you trying to get yourself killed?” Aurora demanded. “Every member of the Five Families who means something will be there. You know what people like that are capable of. Papa is one of them.”
“Cover for me. Say I’m sick,” I replied, my voice firm.
“All this for some stupid fantasy,” Aurora sighed. “It better be worth it. Otherwise Papa will make you pay for it. In blood.”
“Lower your voice,” I demanded, glancing with panic at Sienna and Matteo, who sharply raised his eyes to mine before going back to his book. “I deserve one choice that’s mine.”
“Papa doesn’t want you to go for a reason,” Aurora replied, grabbing my palms. “Chiara, they said even The Serpent is coming.”
I swallowed hard.
All my siblings knew about The Serpent. He was the man who poisoned his victims slowly, just to watch them suffer. We usedhis name to tease each other, telling scary stories about the pit of snakes he threw his enemies into.
I wasn’t sure he was even real, but they said he was a Moretti. The heir. They were the family who owned the city. Even Papa answered to them.
“Please. It’s just a stupid story to make us scared of the Moretti,” I said.
“You better make sure no one sees you, and come back before morning,” Aurora snipped. “I can only cover for you for so long.”
This time, I nodded quickly.
“I’ll be back before midnight,” I promised, squeezing her hand tight.
Thatnight,Iwalkedinto a dream, not knowing it was a cage.
My disguise was simple, but effective. I put on a simple black-and-white maid’s uniform. My heart hammered against my ribcage as I adjusted the black silk masquerade mask all staff were required to wear.
I slipped into line with some other maids in the grand marble hallway. Sweat prickled down my back under the bright, glittering chandeliers. I didn’t look up. The plan was easy enough - just don’t get noticed.
“Listen up!” the head of staff yelled. “We have some very important people in attendance.”
“Signora,” another bodyguard piped up. “Is it true The Serpent is coming tonight?”
“Nonsense,” the head barked back, but I could see her growing paler. “Keep your mouths shut. Keep the service spotless, and there won’t be any trouble.”
