Page 20 of Embers to Flames

“Not now, not ever. Let’s not forget that there is another heart involved here besides our own—Mikyl’s heart.” There is a tangle of emotions within me, but they do not cloud my sense of right and wrong. “I can’t just go around kissing other... men. Not until I end things with him and make it right first.”

Popping a few berries into his mouth he mumbles, “Well it’s a good thing I’m not an ordinaryman.”

“You know what I mean.” I say, rolling my eyes. “And that’s another thing. How is this supposed to work exactly? You are an Elf. I am a mere Human. It’s not allowed.”

“Who says we have to tell anyone?” He gives me a side eyed smirk.

I roll my eyes again, “Just, give me time. I need to finish this with Mikyl. He is the reason I am even on this trip to begin with.”

Theo stops chewing abruptly. “You think the reason for this trip is only for your pathetic excuse of a husband?!” He lets out a growling laugh. “Oh, my dear sweet Rose. We may be staying in the Capital, and your husband’s trial may just coincide with the timing of our travels, but we are not traveling specifically for him.” He finally swallows his last bite of food, “My uncle depends on you more than you realize. He adores you actually—for a Human.”

“I know about the Fire Rites, but that has nothing to do with me.”

“Maybe not,” his voice low, “but do not be surprised if he asks you to join him up on Dragon’s Edge. There will be a feast, and my uncle will need a servant to tend to him.”

His words hung in the air, a reminder of my place in the world and I stare at him with a blank expression, the weight of it settling on my shoulders. After everything—the stolen glances, the secret smiles, the kiss we shared in the tavern thismorning—I have just been reminded that I am nothing more than a simple servant. A peasant. A Human.

“If all I am,” I whisper, my voice trembling, “is a good servant… then I guess kissing me was a mistake.”

Theo’s face quickly shifted, regret etching itself across his smooth features. He steps closer, one hand cradling my cheek, the other resting on the small of my back. His touch sends shivers down my spine.

“My sweet Rose,” he murmurs, his breath warm against my lips. “If kissing you was a mistake, then I will gladly make that mistake again.” And then he kisses me—forceful, urgent. I melt into him, my fingers tangling in his hair. The world around us ceases to exist—the meadow, the sunset, everything—except for the warmth of his mouth on mine.

His lips, soft and warm, press gently against mine, sending electric sparks of desire through my body and igniting a fire within me. Every nerve ending is on high alert, savoring the touch and eagerly responding to it. I feel completely lost in this moment, consumed by the intensity of our kiss as time seems to stand still around us, but then a jolt of guilt hits me and I pull away.

This is wrong. We can’t do this.

“Theo, stop,” I say firmly, breaking our kiss and stepping back. Though my body aches for more, my mind knows this is wrong. I am still bound to Mikyl, no matter his faults. “We have to end this.”

Theo’s face falls at my words. “End this? What we have between us—it’s special. Rare.” He moves closer to me, gripping my jaw firmly as he leans in to kiss me again. I turn my head to break his hold.

“I know how you feel, Theo. Truly I do. But we come from different worlds.” I gesture around the meadow. “Out here, away from everything, it is easy to forget. But the truth remains.”

Theo shakes his head stubbornly. “It doesn’t matter. I know what I feel for you.”

I sigh, “But it does matter. Even if we could be together, it would only lead to heartbreak.”

I think of Mikyl, and guilt twists my gut. As much as he has hurt me, I cannot repay his cruelty with my own. Theo moves closer to me, his eyes burning with intensity. My resolve threatens to crumble looking at his handsome face. More than anything I want to believe that it doesn’t really matter. That love can really conquer all.

But the world is not so kind.

I take a step back, steeling myself. “I’m sorry.”

His face crumples in dismay. For a moment we just look at each other, the weight of words unsaid hanging heavy between us. Then he turns and stalks away, his back rigid. I can only stand there and watch him go.

Chapter Ten

The moon hangs low in the obsidian sky, casting a silvery glow upon the towers and spires of Eirina. As our carriage pulls through the entrance, my breath catches in my throat. The city is sprawled before me like a labyrinth of crystal and moonlight. Bridges arched gracefully over glimmering canals; their surfaces adorned with delicate runes that pulse with energy.

Erhorn leans over me and points out the window. “You see that area right over there? All those bridges lead to different districts within the city. If we get the time, I’ll show them to you girls beforewe return home.”

Ava can’t withdraw her eyes from what looks to be a garden. I give Erhorn a gentle nudge and point in Ava’s direction.

“Ahh… I see you have spotted the Gardens of Lumina. Year round, luminous flora bloom in hues of amethyst and sapphire.”

Ava turns her head to face Erhorn, and she smiles with shy excitement.

“Is that… a library?!” I cry out with delight, taking in the ivory spires of the building that reach towards the heavens. Erhorn replies with only a smile and a nod.

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