“Are you okay?” Dimitris still hadn’t gotten off his knees, he was just looking up at me. I wanted to say something if only to make him stop talking. The words he was saying were far too intimidating. “I-” nothing was coming to me. He apparently had been in this relationship far longer than me and I still wasn’t in it. “I don’t know what to say.” His hand reached up and cupped my cheek, “You don’t need to say anything. You don’t have to even feel the same way.” “Then why tell me?” I whispered through shaken breaths. I could feel the air from my mouth growing in intensity and it was only a matter of time before a gale force wind brewed. “If I can’t tell you,” he smiled as my head settled into his hand, “who can I tell?” “I think-” I was searching around for something that could have broken this tension. I wasn’t ready to be with him, he couldn’t have thought I was ready for anything after Nok but maybe that’s what he was also saying. “Can I have a drink?” Reaching over the tabl
“Feeling better?” He smiled as he picked up the last bit of bread and cheese that was left on the plate. “Yes,” I sighed and then realized I was in another predicament. “Do you mind leaving?” One of his eyebrows raised, “This is my room.” Nodding I brought my thumbnail to my lips, “I need to get dressed.” “You do know you were full frontal less than an hour ago.” Once more I retreated to the safety of the blanket shaking my head and mumbling my words to him, “Don’t remind me please!” He laughed and patted the top of my head, “Let me know when I can come back in.” I heard the door open and close and wasted no time in jumping out of the bed. I was able to locate my clothes easily enough and got dressed. Catching my reflection in the far mirror near his wardrobe, I fixed up my hair as well spending so much time under the covers did nothing for the frizz. My ears were barely visible poking out of the top of my head. Whatever anyone saw in me I just didn’t get. “Okay,” I opened
The morning started late, we were allowed to sleep in and more surprising still no one came in to take anyone away. The typical ladies brought us all food and even a change of clothes for everyone. They set up a warm tub of water too for everyone to get clean. Around lunch time though I had to face my reality. My time was not entirely my own after all. “Ashai?” Dreyma looked to the guard who was standing outside our door, “What’s going on?” “It’s a long story,” I rolled my eyes, “I’ll be back soon. Don’t worry I’ll be fine.” I gave her and Sage long strong hugs that I was sure to continue to feel the side effects of well into my walk. I was walked to Dimitris’s room but he wasn’t there. If it was some stupid joke on me then so be it. Little could dampen my spirits anymore now that I wasn’t alone. I walked out to the balcony where I felt the warm breeze against my skin then another feeling on the back of my neck. It wasn’t wind, I knew what that felt like. This was different. “D
Ara left shortly afterward and told me it was okay to enter. Sylis was back to resting and might not be awake the rest of the day. I just nodded, hiding my cheek behind my knees. The sun set and moon rose half full. I stayed in the hallway between the rooms even as I heard guards once again gather farther up. I guess they finally thought they should do their job. My stomach started to gurgle with hunger and my mouth ran dry but I didn’t care. I deserved every piece of discomfort for everything that had happened. The life I had been given was far too good for me. I rubbed my cheek hoping the redness or bruise or even the slight metal taste on my tongue meant it wasn’t too noticeable. At least I could hide it behind my knee. My forehead was a different story. I felt the knot growing bigger with each passing minute. Maybe Ara wouldn’t have told anyone, she seemed nice enough at least. I just didn’t need the news to travel that I was a punching bag. “I heard a rumor today.” I looked i
I waited in Sylis’s room alone with her as I continued to watch her taking slow breaths. “You really need to appreciate what I’m doing when you wake up.” I warned her. “If you act out I don’t think I can save you again. I’ll have let so many people down if you don’t behave. Please,” I begged lowering my head to her hand. “Please, just don’t go crazy.” Nok wasn’t the first one to return, unfortunately Dimitris came in and I had no words. The medics said Sylis could wake at any time and if she woke now who knows what she’d say. Thankfully a host accompanied him, the usual healer and a young silver haired wolf blood I hadn’t seen before. Dimitris didn’t acknowledge me which was a surprise, instead he walked up to the far edge of the bed. “Garmesh,” he spoke with authority that reminded me how teachers would speak to their class, “Tell me what you see.” He was looking beyond Sylis though to my hands. They were clenched on the side of the bed. The young wolf, if that was Garmesh, was
The next morning I was woken late by a few knocks on the door and ladies entering with large piles of food and several selections of drink. I tried to stop them from setting up everything but it was hopeless. They took their orders from someone far more scary than me. “His royal highness wishes for you to accept this offering as well as take this letter. Please enjoy the food and he begs you to rest easy.” With a bow they all left. I walked over to the table noticing enough food for far more than one person. Maybe it was a sign more people could be joining me? I shook the hope from my head. He still was figuring stuff out about me, those were his own words anyway. In my hands was a green envelope with gold lettering. Opening it a sprig of lavender fell to the table wafting up my nose. Lavender? I laughed, okay he was really wanting me to rest easy. Dearest Ashai, Please allow me to extend my sincerest apologies for the events of the last few days. I deeply regret hurting you w