He pulled the thin blanket up around his shoulders, then shivered as his feet were now uncovered. He wanted to grumble about the ridiculousness of this whole situation, but he kept his thoughts to himself. Surely, they could co-exist in the same bed under warm blankets, while fully clothed, without risking anyone’s virtues. Too cold to sleep, he grew grumpier by the second, staring into the darkness and listening to the night. He could hear her mumbling to herself.

The house was huge, more of a stately old mansion then a house. The outside was a cold, unfriendly, imposing stone texture. The manor stretched three stories high. The obvious first two stories and then a small window at the top that one could only presume was an attic

In the end, there was total darkness.

“My precious angel you are truly a fool. You think that people will believe you? I have power. You are a conniving lying wench who tricked her way into society by climbing a social ladder that she had no right to be on. No, my pet, I think they will believe me their esteemed and respected governor.”

He stood over her and his hands came down over her mouth and throat. She could feel his touch pinning her to the pillow, but she was sure he was not real. She could not scream, she struggled to open her mouth, but no sounds came. Her limbs were heavy, immobile.