The door clicks shut behind her, and my lungs deflate. I tell myself she can’t be that good a judge of character if she trustsmewith his affections. Besides, it’s clear from the artful way he handled my body that the male is no stranger to the female form. The fact that Awri has never seen him take a lover means nothing, and it is all beside the point. I can’t afford to care.
My thoughts far too muddled to find sleep, I boil water over the fire,summoning the effort it takes to make a cup of Kishek’s tea, before casting my robe over the plush chair beside my nightstand and falling into bed. I’m doubtful that sleep will find me anytime soon and maybe I shouldn’t be surprised when the breathy whispers of the sisters flit past my ears. I can only hope they aren’t upset by the fact that I’ve bathed and put myself to bed.
Tig dims the lantern I left on by the door and when the bed jostles beneath me I assume Eon is making herself comfortable for the night. I’m not sure why the sisters sometimes decide to stay with me. If given the choice, I think I’d rather live among the trees and sleep under the stars.
“Reh’desh,” I whisper to the sisters.
The sprites, for all their complex emotions and exaggerated gesturing, seem to have a simple language. The words can be used much the same as a human might wish another goodnight or good morning only the time of day is implied by … well, the time of day.
“Reh’desh, Tha’haynah,” Eon whispers to my back.
The old blood.A curious title, though it is clear to anyone with eyes that long ago my ancestors were feyn. Perhaps it should, but it doesn’t trouble me that the sprites make the distinction.
Maybe it’s the soothing presence of the sisters, the tea, or simple exhaustion from the events of the day, but my mind does not continue in pursuit of understanding what occurred with the general. With little effort, it stills, and the void comes to take me.
“It’s too early,” I groan when someone knocks at my door.
Squinting my eyes open, I groan again when I find that the sun rose hours ago. The knock reverberates again, and I debate rolling over and going back to sleep. I tell myself that if it is that important, they wouldn’t be knocking. Another knock, and Eon jabs me between the shoulder blades with a bony finger.
“All right. I’m going.”
I toss the covers off my body, hoping they’ll envelop the meddlesome sprite, before putting on my robe and answering the door.
“Good morning, Sera,” I say through a yawn.
The young woman smiles when she returns my greeting, her golden curls brushing the tops of her shoulders, shining in the morning light.
“Please, come in,” I offer, but she shakes her head shyly and proffers me a basket, covered with a decorative cloth.
“I need to get back to my grandmother,” she says.
“Of course.” I smile. “Please tell Media I said hello and that I will come by and see her again, soon.”
“I’m sure she would like that,” she says, her curls bouncing as she jogs off down the hall.
I close the door with a shake of my head. I’ll have to make time to keep that promise. Media may be on the side of the feyn, but she is still an elderly mortal, deserving of a visitor now and then. And though I must sift through the stories she tells me to find the truth, she still has a great deal of knowledge I lack.
I set the basket on a small table by the door, plucking off the covering to examine its contents. My stomach grumbles loudly when I’m hit with a steamy waft of fragrant seasoned butters, fresh breads, and crispy bacon. My mouth waters and I’m sure the sisters can smell it as well when I hear the patter of Eon’s feet rushing up behind me.
She stands on her tiptoes, peaking over the rim of the basket just as I uncover a small bowl of berries hidden at the bottom. I hand it to her and chuckle when her delighted sprite tongue jabbers something unintelligible as she rushes the bowl to her sister.
Tearing a small piece of bread from a thick, fluffy loaf, I dip it in a soft herb filled butter before popping it in my mouth. A satisfied sigh slips past my lips as the flavors meld upon my tongue.
I’m about to inhale the entire loaf when a folded piece of parchment catches my attention, peeking out from behind a thick roll stuffed with sugar and spice. I pluck it from the basket and admire the golden seal. The wax stamp is blank, but I don’t think much of it before tearing it open.
Shivaria,
I have gone to uphold the bargain I made in the forest.
The gift of healing takes its toll on your strength, and I would have you strong. Take the day. Eat, rest, and consider my offer. I’ll come to you in the morning, and honor your decision, whatever it may be.
Xeyvian
My stomach is in knots when I force myself to eat a crispy piece of bacon. Had I known what the letter contained I would have waited to read it and left my appetite intact. I can’t help but consider the general’s offer. It’s too tempting, in more ways than I’m willing to admit.
As his companion, not only would I be well positioned to end the king upon his return, but the general is also willing, and capable, of helping me with the looming issue of my demon. I’ve gotten lucky so far, but I can’t count on luck. Not when the solution is standing in front of me with an outstretched hand.
I spend the day with the sprites, tucked away in the privacy of my chamber, listening and learning their speech. All the while I tell myself I’ll think about the general’s offer later. The sun is fully settled beyond the farthest reaches of the western sky when the sisters leave me, and I dress in my leathers and a dark dress before pulling my borrowed cloak over my shoulders. Restless from the quiet of the day, and eager to better position myself to complete my mission, I blow out the candles in my room and slip out the window.
