Page 24 of Embers to Flames

I grab the towel and quickly wrap it around myself, trying to maintain some semblance of dignity. The prince’s suggestive comments and unabashed gaze have left me feeling both uncomfortable and yet strangely exhilarated. I clear my throat, trying to regain my composure.

“I am no Lady, but thank you, Your Grace.”

I hear the door to my sleeping chambers close, followed by heavy footsteps approaching the entrance to the bathing room. Theo steps into view almost instantly, and the look of jealousy spreads across his face. His eyes widen as he takes in the scene before him: me, standing naked in the tub, nothing but a towel to cover my skin, with Prince Ruvyn standing over me. Theo’s intense gaze flickers back and forth between the two of us, like lightning flashing in a stormy sky. You can almost feel the heat emanating from his body as he glares at us, his emotions simmering just below the surface.

“Prince Ruvyn,” he declares with a curt nod, his voice a controlled calm that belies the tempest in his eyes. “I wasn’t aware we were entertaining royalty in the private quarters.”

Prince Ruvyn turns his attention to Theo, a smug smile playing on his lips and a sharpness in his eyes now, a predator recognizing another. “Theodas, always a pleasure to see the winged protector so… vigilant,” he says, his voice dripping with arrogance. Theo’s eyes narrow as he takes in the prince’s condescending tone. “Rest assured, your lady friend is in no danger from me.”

The air between them crackles with unspoken challenges, and I find myself caught in the middle, a pawn in a game of testosterone and jealousy. Wrapped in a towel, I’m acutely aware of my vulnerability, yet there is a strength in their rivalry that emboldens me. “Gentlemen,” I interject, my voice steady despite the tremor I feel. “Perhaps we can dispense with the posturing. Prince Ruvyn was just leaving. Weren’t you, Your Grace?”

The prince’s gaze lingers on me for a moment longer, a silent acknowledgement of the battle lines drawn, before he inclines his head in a mock bow. “Of course, my lady. I wouldn’t dream of overstaying my welcome.” With a final, lingering look that promises this encounter is far from over, he strides from the room, leaving a charged silence in his wake.

“Are you alright?”

I quickly step out of the tub, my wet legs making the marble floor slick beneath my feet. “I’m fine,” I say, trying to compose myself. “He just caught me off guard. I certainlywasn’t anticipating anyone, especially not the King’s son, to walk in on me.”

Theo’s expression softens as he hears my words. “Prince Ruvyn is known for his charm and cunning demeanor, but he’s not exactly admired by many. He is young—barely older that you in human years, yet still considered a mere child by Elven standards. His immaturity is evident, and he is far from ready to rule a kingdom.” He steps closer to me; his hands reach out to gently take mine. His touch is warm and comforting, helping to ease the tension that has built back up in my body. “You don’t have to worry about the Prince, King Varitan has many more years ahead of him,” Theo says reassuringly, rubbing my arms up and down. “He’s not someone you need to concern yourself with. Now, we’re late for breakfast and the King waits for no one. Let’s get you dressed.”

We make our way down to the dining hall. Lord Erhorn is already sitting down enjoying a cup of tea as he reads through some parchments.

I can’t help but feel guilty about not contributing in some way. “Maybe I should go to the kitchens and see if the girls need any help,” I suggest, reminding myself that working was the whole point of me coming to the capital.

Theo pulls out a chair for me near the end of the long table, across from Erhorn. “Don’t worry about that. I talkedwith them this morning and the King has requested that youjoinhim for breakfast, notservehim.” I smile humbly and take my seat, as Theo takes the one next to me.

Erhorn looks up from his documents, “Ah. Good morning, Rosanhi. Tea?” he says, motioning towards the kettle sitting before him.

I nod, “Yes sir, thank you.” I pour myself a cup and take a sip.

Just then, the doors at the far end of the hall open, and in walks King Varitan, followed by Prince Ruvyn. Erhorn and Theo immediately stand up and I follow their lead. The King proceeds to take a seat in the chair at the end, but still, right next to me. The prince sits next to Ehorn. I feel a rush of nervousness wash over me as I attempt to maintain eye contact with the King. He seems to be studying me, his gaze intense, but not unkind.

I muster up a small smile and say, “Good morning, Your Grace. Thank you for inviting me to join you.”

The King nods in response, his gaze lingering on me for a moment before he turns to address Theo. “Theodas, I trust you’ve been taking care of my guest?” He asks.

“Yes, Your Grace,” Theo replies, his voice steady and respectful. “She’s been… well taken care of.” He looks at me and winks. I’m forced to look down into my cup of tea to keep from giggling, but I can feel my cheeks flush.

“Good, good,” the King murmurs, still looking at me. He turns back to Theo. “I want you to stay with her at all times.Ensure no harm comes to her. She is of utmost importance to us.”

I’m just a human. Why am I so important?

Theo nods slightly. “Of course. Your Grace. I will not let her out of my sight.”

The King nods in approval before turning his attention back to me. “And what do you think of our kingdom so far, Rosanhi?” he asks.

I take a deep breath and try to collect my thoughts. “I’m impressed, Your Grace. The castle is beautiful, and everyone seems very kind,” I say carefully.

The King nods again, his expression thoughtful. “I’m glad to hear that,” he says. “We do our best to maintain our image and ensure the well-being of our people.”

The kitchen door swings open, and Lenna traipses in with a platter full of various breakfast foods. Toast, porridge, eggs, and sausage. There are even fruits and tarts.

“I think this is the most beautiful and delicious breakfast I’ve ever seen,” I say, smiling at her as she sets the platter down on the table in front of us. “Thank you, Lenna.” She returns my smile, her eyes sparkling with joy.

The King’s gaze settles on me with a gravity that belies the casualness of our breakfast gathering. “Rosanhi,” he begins, his voice carrying the weight of his crown, “a ruler’s view is often obscured by the high walls of his castle. Tell me, as one who has walked among the people, what shadows have you seen creeping over my land? Your insights are invaluable, forthey are the eyes through which I can glimpse the truth of my kingdom.”

As a Human, my lifespan is but a heartbeat to his Elven eternity, my experiences a fleeting whisper against the backdrop of his ageless wisdom. Yet. It is precisely this transience, this urgent pulse of Human life, that colors my perspective with a vibrancy that immortality cannot grasp.

I take a deep breath and begin to explain the series of events that led to the accusations against Mikyl. I describe to the King the situation with Mara along with the transformation of numerous villages into perilous havens of desolation, all due to the influence of Auraroot.

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