"You are," He sighs. "There's no changing that, but that doesn't mean we can't be friendly with one another. Be nice to each other. Have some fun in the mean time." He completely ignores what I said about my lack of trust. He already knew that tidbit.
I can't believe he said that though. Just bypass everything. Ambrose moves back to his side of the bench, he sighs heavily and begins talking about how to make the perfect French toast. This mother fucker ignores as I wipe my eyes and blow my nose. He skips over the fact that I stab my food and I am barely listening to him. I have to figure out how to get away from wherever 'here' is. I need to know what I'm going to do when Athanasius comes to me again. Maybe I should pretend to lean into what he's saying? I'd have to take it slow, it'll alert him if I go along with everything he's saying without a fight. Where to start though? What does he want?
"My sister always used to say, sift the flour twice, and always mash your herbs into a fine powder for flour."
He's still talking. Good. Last night he said he wanted to ascend, what the fuck does that mean? To the cosmos?
Face dry, mood elevated. I have something to look forward to. If I can convince him to let me out, or tell me one thing that can set me free that's all I need.
"So, how does it taste?" Ambrose smiles widely.
"Really good, actually." I sigh. It does, and my mood elevates as I'm eating. Each bites makes me feel better, maybe I was just hungry? What was I supposed to be doing again?
"See?" Ambrose chuckles. "Get a good meal in you and your outlook changes. You were hungry and upset, that's all, that's right cutie?"
"Maybe," Something tugs at my heart. Athanasius. I miss him. What else was there? "Are we swimming today?"
"No, well you can." Ambrose sighs. "I have work to do in my study. You have free rein, Ione, there's no where you can go anyway, but," He holds up a slender, pale finger. "Don't play with the potions. That's for your safety, do you understand me?"
I roll my eyes. "What do I look like? A child?"
"In the ways of magic? Yes." Ambrose stands and places his plate in the sink. "They'll wash themselves, place yours in when you're finished, and I'll see you at lunch." He kisses me on my cheek. His lips are warm and soft, his hand covers mine. "You'll smell me cooking, are you going to be a good girl?"
Each bite makes me feel a little better. Ambrose's fingers rub my knee over my dress, his eyes look different. Softer, gentler, he's being so nice.
"Depends on your definition of good."
He chuckles. "There's my girl."
I finish the last bite and set my plate in the sink. My head feels heavy, like my thoughts are underwater. Foggy. Maybe a walk will help.
I drift outside, past the castle’s gates, my feet finding the beach path without thought. The ocean stretches out in front of me, glittering like it always does, too perfect. I pause to watch the waves. What was I supposed to be doing?
Something. There was something.
The salt air fills my lungs. It’s beautiful here. Ambrose… Ambrose is nice. A little annoying, sure, but he could’ve been so much worse. He’s careful with me. Gentle. Considerate, even. I think about his wide back, the curve of his lips, the way his purple hair falls into his eyes when he’s focused. Those eyes—green and brown, shifting like moss under water. He’s handsome. And he smells so good, like dark earth and something spiced.
Would it really be so bad to stay?
“Ione.”
I freeze.
What's that sound? My mind reverberates. How did I walk so far from the castle? It's so far away now. The sound, someone calling me, it’s faint—like pressure behind my eyes, pressing at the base of my skull.
“Ione! Rabbit, rabbit! Please!”
Athanasius.
Clarity slams into me like a wave. I can hear him. Really hear him.
"Athanasius? Where are you?" I call, turning around on the beach.
"Lay down," he says, urgently."Close your eyes. Please, rabbit, quickly."
My feet move without thinking, taking me to the treeline. I sink into the soft grass, the shade cool over my face. I close my eyes. Darkness rushes in—but I’m not alone. Athanasius is holding me. Arms wrapped around me. Safe.
"Where are you?"he asks."Open your eyes and show me."
