Dante's lips curled into a smile as he patted the cat's soft, fluffy fur. Pierce saw the Count's body slacken and settle. The cat did the same. The Duke took a deep breath and exhaled. He would have to wait till the fierce furry feline in Dante's grasp got tired and left. For now, it was okay. The cat calmed Rose's spirit.
Pierce threw his hands up in despair as the small beast remained firmly in Dante's grip. He would let them be, not wanting to break their quiet serenity. He returned to the bookshelf, and the smell of musty paper filled the air as he continued his search for the book he sought.
—-
The bed-chamber door vibrated with a heavy knock that reverberated through the room. Giselle slowly sat up in the bed, her eyes heavy from sleep as she yawned and rubbed them with the backs of her curled-up fists.
The knocking persisted without stopping. The annoyance it caused was becoming unbearable.
