Page 15 of Embers to Flames

“Ah… never mind these… I heard about Mikyl. I’m sorry.” She lowers her eyes in pity.

“Thanks… but I would rather not talk about it. So, tell me something else, what are you doing so far from the library?”

She senses my need for a subject change and quickly obliges.

“These are the books and scrolls I was pulling from the archives for Erhorn. They’re for the Fire Rites. Erhorn leaves for Eirina tomorrow… didn’t he tell you?”

“No, I guess he didn’t. Then again, I’ve been a little preoccupied this morning.” I reply, rolling my eyes.

“Yeah, well… it’ll be a nice little break for you and the girls. Light work detail while he is gone. Right?”

She places a hand on my shoulder in an attempt to comfort me. I can only manage a nod as we approach the front steps to Erhorn’s mansion. Theo is sitting on one of the porch chairs, reading a book with his feet propped up on the railing.

“Ladies…” he remarks snidely lowering his head slightly. Alyndra sticks her tongue out at him. Before we can even reach the door, Lenna is pulling it open with a force of excitement.

“Guess what?!” She bellows. “We’re going to the Capital! Erhorn has asked us to go. He says he needs his servants. So, we’re going!”

Well, Mikyl will be happy.

Lenna’s excitement about the Capital city is a welcome distraction from my thoughts. All I can focus on is the possibility that this may be the last place I see my husband alive. After Lenna finally stops her enthusiastic jumping, we manage to pass through the doorway just as Erhorn steps out of his office and into the foyer.

“I take it Miss Lenna here has told you about our travel plans?” He says with a smirk. “We depart at dawn; you girls can have the rest of the day off to prepare for our leave.”

Lenna—still giddying on about the Capital—and Ava trot off to the kitchen for their coats.

I turn to Erhorn, “Thank you for this, Sir. I wasn’t sure how to ask…”

Erhorn looks at me with a sneaky expression on his face. “I’m not quite sure what you’re talking about Rosanhi. Every Lord needs his servants when he travels…” he winks with a grin and turns to go back to his study, waving a hand in the air. “See you in the morning!”

I’ll never understand how that man seems to always know… everything.

“Need a lift?”

Theo is still sitting outside on the porch as I exit the mansion. I pause at the top step, my gaze sweeping over Kaladis.

You can see the castle of dungeons from here.

“Thanks, but I’ll take the scenic route home tonight,” I reply, my feet already carrying me down the cobblestone path towards the docks. I take a glance back at Theo. His eyebrows are arched and for a moment, he is the very picture of astonishment, his mouth agape as if words have escaped him. I can’t bring myself to care. I need solitude, a chance to sort through the mess in my head. It’s not right of me to be having these thoughts or feelings about Theo. I am a married woman. I love Mikyl.

Don’t I?

Chapter Eight

The last stars fade as the edge of dawn creeps upon the horizon, and I’m already stirring, the anticipation of the day’s journey weighing heavily on my mind. The smell of Meemaw’s honey butter biscuits hits me, and I remember choosing to stay with her last night. It’s good that Eulee is staying with her while I am away. I can’t stand the thought of being so far from either of them.

Come to think of it, I’ve never been so far away from them.

“One of these days, you’re going to have to tell me just how you manage to make your honey butter biscuits without access to any honey.” I declare slyly as I strut into the kitchen.

“One of these days… I just might.” She replies smugly. Her light blue apron is splattered with bits of flour. “Now sit down and eat, it’s nearly dawn, and you still have to catch the boat.”

Ugh…I completely forgot that I won’t have the privilege of being flown to work this morning.

“Are you sure you’re going to be alright while I’m gone?” I ask, worry coating my voice.

“I’m seventy-five years old my dear—I’m not dead.” Meemaw giggles. “Besides, you’re leaving me with the greatest protection I could ever need.” She replies with assurance, pointing at Eulee who is lying on her bed in the corner, observing us both as we talk. She picks up her head and cocks it to one side as if sheknewwe were talking about her.

“Yeah, I guess you’re right.”

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