Page 19 of Embers to Flames

Without warning, the sound of heavy knuckles against wood startles us both, snapping us back to reality.

“Nephew, are you awake?” Lord Erhorn hollers through the thick wooden door.

Theo clears his throat and calls back, “Yes Uncle. Be right down!”

I have already jumped out of the bed, scrambling to find my wrap and slippers. Theo sits up in the bed looking at me with his eyes gleaming.

“You’re a delightful mess when you’re in a frenzy,” he quips with a mischievous grin.

“I am so incredibly sorry. I shouldn’t have—we shouldn’t have.” I stutter.

“I was right though… about last night. All we did was sleep.” He was mocking the situation.

“Right. Up until the moment I kissed you—and you—you kissed me back.” I utter, finding my slippers under the bed and sliding them onto my feet. “I—I must go. I need to get dressed. Forget this happened.Please. I’m a stupid—stupid—woman…” I exit through the door before Theo gets a chance to say anything more.

Lenna and Ava are awake and packing.

“There you are!” Lenna shrilled. Ava turns to look at me as well. Her eyes filled with wonder and curiosity.

“Keep your voice down.” I huff traipsing over to my trunk, rummaging through it to find a decent dress for today’s travels. Lenna looks at me intently, as if she is expecting an explanation.

“I don’t want to talk about it… I couldn’t sleep… I only went to talk to him…” All the excuses I had played through my head the night before. In hindsight, they all sound ridiculous now.

Lenna is still standing before me, her arms crossed, not believing a word. Then she lets out a howling laugh. I lower my head shaking it before releasing a snorted laugh of my own.

Thankfully, the flooding has subsided enough for our carriage to pass through.

“We should be arriving at Eirina before the night is over.” Erhorn informs us.

I nod my head without even looking at him. My eyes are fixated on the scenery passing outside. Moving slowly by are the hills and trees of a land I’d never had the opportunity to see before. My mind is lost in the events of last night. It finally settles into me what I’ve done. How I’ve betrayed Mikyl. The guilt of it covers me like a cold wet blanket. Erhorn must have taken notice of my discomfort. He picks up my romance book from the seat in between us and softly flips through some of the pages, a gentle grin forming as his lips curve up at the ends.

“Do you know what love truly is, child?”

I look at him blankly. Waiting for him to continue.

“Love is when someone’s presence feels like home, no matter where you are. You’ll know true love when their happiness is essential to your own and their sorrow, your sorrow. Love isn’t just a fleeting spark, but a steady flame that burns, warms, and lights the way through life’s darkest moments.” Erhorn sets down the book, his eyes reflecting on the wisdom of years gone by. He continues, “Love is a journey of the heart, often winding and unexpected. It is common to findour feelings changing as we grow and learn more about ourselves—and about others.”

Tears begin to form at the corners of my eyes. Erhorn reaches out, placing a reassuring hand on my knee. “It’s all right to feel confused. Love isn’t a straight path. It’s a tapestry of emotions, woven with threads of connection, understanding, and discovery. Sometimes, we start to weave with one thread, believing it’s our only color, only to find that another shade compliments us better.”

The tears have released themselves and are now raining down my cheeks. I stare at the floor, “But what of loyalty, sir?”

“Loyalty is important,” Erhorn agrees, “but it should not be a chain that binds you to unhappiness. If your heart truly belongs to another, it’s not disloyal to acknowledge your feelings. It’s honest. And honesty is the kindest thing you can offer to both yourself and the ones you care about.”

The carriage comes to a stop beside a tranquil meadow, where the scent of wildflowers mingles with the earthy aroma of the forest edge. Theo jumps down from the coachman’s seat and opens the carriage door.

“Would anyone like to stretch their legs? The horses are sturdy beasts, but even the strongest need to rest.” He puts out a hand to help me from the carriage, “You would do good to remember that… you know… before you go and try to kiss them.” His satirical smile is annoying. I roll my eyes and am quick to reply.

“What is it that I am to remember exactly? Oh—that you’re a beast?”

His grin widens and he lets out a sigh, “Oh my sweet… you have no idea just howbeastlyI can become.”

Ava tramples off into the meadow. She plucks a daisy from the ground and twirls it between her fingers. Lenna gathers a handful of grass for the horses, a silent thank you for their service. As the sun dips lower in the sky, casting long shadows across the meadow, I walk towards the sunset to enjoy a moment of peaceful respite. My mind wanders to the things that Erhorn had said to me. I would always love Mikyl, a part of me would anyways, but I think I have known for some time now that our marriage is over.

Theo walks towards me, waving a white piece of cloth, symbolizing surrender. “I come bearing gifts.” He says, pulling from behind his back a napkin filled with various nuts and berries. “Hungry?”

I quietly accept the rations he hands me and turn back to the open field.

“So, are we going to talk about what happened?” He persists.

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