Page 7 of Embers to Flames

Lenna and Ava are in the kitchen preparing dinner. I walk in and Lenna immediately rushes to me.

“Gods above! Did you see him? Did you see those wings?”

“What wings?” I say looking at her perplexed in obvious sarcasm. She slaps my shoulder and starts laughing.

“Seriously though? Did you see them?”

“Of course I saw them, but they’re just wings. Now come on, Erhorn will be wanting dinner on the table before midnight.”

On the outside, I try to act like Theodas isn’t such a big deal, but the taste of that berry still lingers on my lips, along with the feeling of his warm and strong embrace as he caught me mid-stumble.

Inside, I am a mess of butterflies and teenage-level swooning. But I’ll be damned if I let it show. At least, not until I can scream into my pillow later.

We have dinner on the table just before sundown. Erhorn and Theodas sit at one end of the long banquet table. As I serve their plates of food and pour their wine, I can overhear them conversing about the realm and its current state of affairs.

“We’ve had an influx of crime in the last year or so. Reports of missing Elves have been coming in every day, and I fear the situation is worsening,” I hear Erhorn say. “I’ve already had a conversation with the captain of the guard to recruit more males from the training camps. I would like you toget with him as well and help choose the greatest warriors. I do not foresee these vagrants slowing down.”

Theodas stares at me, but I refuse to let him see that I am aware of his gawking.

“Of course, Uncle. Whatever you need. I am here to offer up my assistance.”

Theodas continues to watch me with a wry smile as he chews his food. I refuse to meet his gaze, but instead I turn to Erhorn, “If there is nothing else, My Lord, I will retire for the night. Lenna and Ava will be here to clean up.”

“Very well child. Do send my regards to your grandmother for me, won’t you?”

“Yes sir. Good night.” I bow slightly and turn to leave the dining room but pause when Theo’s voice bellows through the room.

“An influx of crime and yet you allow your wonderful servants to travel alone?” He shook his head in comedic disbelief.

“That just won’t do. Might I offer you a lift?” He sticks out his thumb and motions towards the wings. I hesitate to respond.

“Um… No, no. I’ll be alright. Thank you though.”

“I do insist. If you will excuse me Uncle.” Erhorn lifts his brows and smirks slightly as he chews on his venison.

“Mm-hm, be sure not to drop her. She’s my best employee.” I stare wide-eyed at them both, unsure of how to respond. I don’t have a chance to say anything before Theodasleads me out of the dining room with a hand on the small of my back.

“Get your things and meet me out front.” He orders in an excited tone.

I don’t dare protest.

Chapter Five

I’ve never stood anywhere higher than the top floor of the library, let alone flown… “what if I get too frightened?”

“You are going to love this. I can promise you.”

“I’m glad you’re so sure.” I say with a snark.

With my heart thumping wildly, I step towards him and stand so there are merely inches between us. He is so tall in comparison to me. He looks down and I slowly wrap my arms around his torso. I have no other choice but to nuzzle my face into his chest.

Gods abovehe smells good.

The intoxicating aroma of him overwhelms me. It’s a scent I know, yet it’s different somehow. It lingers in the air, teasing my senses and pulling me closer to him. The musky, earthy fragrance fills my lungs, and I can’t help but feel drawn to it. It’s like a magnet, drawing me towards him with an undeniable force.

“Is this ok?” I ask.

He nods as I close my eyes and lose myself in his fragrance once more.

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