Ace straddles the back of the chair next to the vanity as Vale and I occupy the two by the hearth. It still glows dimly despite the warmth of the new season. Even with the summer air and the gentle fire, I reach for my shawl, trying to ward off the lingering remnants of the chill I can’tseem to shake.
I reach for another bite of food; perhaps fueling my inner flame is the answer. Ace and Vale do their best to keep me company. It would appear news spread somewhat quickly of my ailment after people emerged from their morning solstice devotional yesterday. I would have liked to take part myself and learn how the people of this kingdom welcome the blessings of the coming season.
Vale leans in toward me, trying to get a read on the dismay no doubt showing across my face. I give my best reassuring smile to him with a nod, letting him know I really am alright.
Remaining one of my favorite distractions, Ace catches me up on all the inconsequential gossip. “Avelyn wanted to bring you flowers herself. But fear not, m’lady, I will protect you from any busybodies hoping to curry good favor. Keeping out the riffraff as needed.”
“Except for yourself,” Vale adds. He gives me a wink as Ace clutches his chest.
“You wound me, my liege.”
I find comfort in their banter. It’s brimming with life. A force I am trying with all my might to muster within myself.
I feel it there, burning beneath the surface. My inner light. Not completely dimmed. Lying in wait.
The sun plays across the sky. Casting shadows that grow longer with each hour. Their company lifts my spirits, but I can feel my body growing weary.
“You should rest, little flame” Vale whispers across to me while Ace acts suddenly enthralled by the brushes and combs across the vanity table.
“I know I should. But I also don’t want to just waste away in this bed either.” I hate the desperate tone I hear in my own voice. Hate having to ask another for anything.
“Then I shall strike a bargain. You rest, even if just for a few hours, andifyou are feeling well enough—” the strong emphasis on the “if” gives me pause, but anything that might get me out of this chamber is worth hearing him out on, “—tonight, we will go for a walk. Just you and I.”
I can’t contain my enthusiasm. Such a simple joy, but I fear now I may not rest from the urge to break free.
“Ace…” All it takes is a nod from him to the door to be understood.
Ace steps close, placing a hand on the back of the chair and leaning in toward me. “He is a stern commander, but he has never once steered us wrong.” And with that he makes his exit, with dramatic flourish of course.
Vale rises, and I remember what a mountain of a man he is. His broad muscular shoulders fill the space as he steps towards me, hand outstretched for me. I stand and he leads me to the bed. I walk slow and surely. As much as I might love the idea of him scooping me into his arms as my knees prove too weak, I am also quite certain that would not lead us to rest, and I mean to uphold my end of the deal.
I climb under the covers and sink into the bed, asking him to stay a while until sleep finds me.
He closes the window, draws the curtains, and lies next to me in the darkened room. The heat of his body is better than any salve or remedy. In mere moments—I am asleep.
Some hours later, I wake. Soria is gently pulling aside the curtains as the last colors of sunset cascade across the drapes. “You keep resting if you need it dear,” she speaks softly across the room.
I roll my spine and stretch my limbs, feeling far more vigor than reason would allow given my state of recent days.
Pulling myself upright, excitement floods through me. “Gods no!” My cheery tone seems to startle Soria. I measure my next words so she knows they’re sincere. “I feel better than I have in a week. Maybe longer.” I surprise myself with how much they ring true.
“It’s not too late, is it?” I ask, realizing how long the sun keeps night at bay this time of year.
“My dear, you do know that man would do anything in his power to move the moon and stars, change the very patterns of time if he thought it would make you smile.” She sounds endeared not just to us, but to our love. I hold that as the honor it is.
She steps out into the hall briefly, likely to deliver a message that I am awake, then sets to readying me for the evening. We bicker a bit about what I should wear, given that it will likely be a brief outing, and only if my strength allows, despite my constant reassurances that I feel quite fit.
I spy the midnight gown hanging amongst others. My solstice gown. I trail my fingers delicately across the threading. “It would be a shame if he never saw me in it, as beautiful as it is.”
“I doubt he will even notice the dress. His eyes hold only you.” She reaches for it, presenting it to me. “They did a fine job tidying it up.” The warmth of her smile and subtle permission are all I need.
The fabric slides over skin, no longer trembling. Is this the same gown from just nights ago? The material hugs the curves of my body, accentuating my feminine lines. Rose blush across my chest, I look more alive. I feel more alive.
She places delicate silver pins in my hair just as a knock comes at the door. Turning to stand, Vale becomes breathless the moment I am in full view.
This. This is the moment I was robbed of. The storm, his absence, that infernal call. All stood in place of this—him looking at me as if I am the stars themselves—this is what I was waiting for.
We walk slowly through the halls; I grip his arm not because I need to, but because I can tell he needs me to. Needs to know I am there, I am not faltering, and yes, that he might catch me if needed.
