“I mean… he’s always aware of where you are. He’s always making sure you’re okay. When you’re upset, he’s there.”
When she looks at me and I don’t answer, she continues with more sternness. “I don’t know what his reasons are for holding back, but it’s not because he’s not into you. I’ve seen it happening for a while now. He looks at you like you’re the only person he sees in a crowded room.”
“This isn’t making me feel better,” I shoot back, turning away to mindlessly arrange some bags that don’t need further arranging.
“Okay, well. How about a drink?”
“We shouldn’t… tomorrow is a big day.”
“All the more reason.” She smiles.
But after she tries to coax me downstairs a few more times, I still don’t go. I insist she goes and unwinds a little though, which she does after several protests, leaving me alone in this unfamiliar, deathly quiet room.
While she’s gone, I take a bath. I’m starting to realize it’s the most amazing thing to do after a long day of travel. Lying still with my head back and eyes closed, having a break from the bumpy horse, and getting all the dirt off me from the day—it’s pure bliss.
When I’m done, I put on a casual deep blue dress that’s flowy and comfortable, but dips incredibly low at my chest, with sleeves that cut off atthe shoulders. Just in case I change my mind and decide to join them. I don’t think I will though.
I look myself over in the small mirror in our cramped room, thinking how the color reminds me of the leaves on the trees outside. I like it.
I begin to tie my hair in a simple braid, when a gentle knock sounds.
After a moment of hesitation, I say, “Come in.”
I watch the door through the mirror as it opens slowly, almost hesitantly, and then a pair of all too familiar eyes meets mine in the mirror.
My hands freeze, holding the braid over my shoulder incomplete.
Something in his face makes my heart feel like it’s in my throat.
“Can I come in?” Daegan asks.
“Yes.”
“You didn’t want to come downstairs tonight?”
“No,” I answer, finally looking back at my reflection.
He comes up close behind me and I resist the urge to look again. I can feel him there now. Like something I would know is there even if my eyes were closed. Even if I were trapped outside at night under the darkness of the veil. I’d know.
“Is it because of me?”
“What?” I continue trying to braid my hair, but I’m struggling to make my mind and hands coordinate.
“You, distancing yourself from everyone.”
I pause for a moment, then my eyes flick to him with a fire in them, and I drop my hands. “Not everything is about you, you know that? I’m tired, and I simply didn’t want to.”
The bastard smirks.
“Why are you making that face?” I spit out with more fire.
“Sorry.” He shakes his head and looks down. “I like it when you get fiery.”
I scowl at him. “This is funny to you?”
“No.” His light expression disappears. “It’s not funny.”
But as he looks down and I glance at him in the mirror, I swear his lip twitches again.
