Page 31 of A Kingdom so Crimson

"I've been looking for you and was told you wanted directions to the library. Is this the first place you'd want to visit after never stepping out of Fernwen?" he breathed, folding his arms.

"I…had too many thoughts and wanted direction," I admitted.

"Direction?" Levon's brow arched, his gaze falling on the rows of books. "To war?"

I managed a petty smile.

He chuckled. "Well, I'm not sending you to battle if that's what you think." Suppressing another laugh, he took my arm and began guiding me out.

"Whatisit that you plan to do with me then?"

He flashed a subtle smirk, his emerald-blue eyes locking onto mine. "Things that are better left unsaid for now," he murmured quickly. "If I tell you, it will spoil the fun."

"The fun?" I mocked, growing irritated by his musings and hoping hisfunwasn't anything like Calum's.

He replied with a raise of his brows, escorting me into the main hall.

It was opulent, with polished cream-marbled floors that stretched before us, reflecting the soft glow of the chandeliers above. A luxurious chestnut rug lay in the center, adding warmth to the expansive foyer. To our left, the grand staircase curved gracefully, its ornate railing beckoning me to feel its soft lacquer.

The walls were adorned with vibrant landscape paintings, each meticulously placed to enhance the cozy ambiance of the space. Rich hues of green and gold popped against the cream-colored walls, adding a touch of elegance to the grandeur.

In my rush to locate the library, I overlooked the welcoming atmosphere of the home—a sharp contrast to the somber ambiance of Jesri's estate.

"Your home is beautiful," I remarked, admiring the wall of paintings.

"I hope it will be satisfactory so that, one day, you might also call it home," he replied with a smile. "Come, let me show you to your room."

We climbed the stairs, granting us a view of the floors below, revealing the house's spacious design. From there, we could observe the main floor and dining area, to another small passageway that hugged the openness of the main hall. We went down the first hallway, closest to the stairs. The walls were creamy white and decorated with dark, warming wood doors and banisters. We passed a few rooms filled with plants while another seeped musty air, furnished with leather chairs and a dark mahogany table buried beneath stacks of papers.

We reached the far end of the hallway, where an expansive window covered the entire end wall, exposing an immaculate landscape of greenery that begged me to explore.

"This is your room," Levon said, opening the door and allowing me to walk inside. I couldn't stop my jaw from dropping as I absorbed the room I imagined fit for a queen.

The bed was large enough to fit several people, with fluffy white covers and gossamer drapes that flowed to the ground with grace. The light, gold-speckled walls made the room sparkle, complimenting the two large crystal windows that let in a dazzling, warm light. A gold-painted vanity and armoire sat on one side of the bed, with a smaller dresser on the opposite. Anoversized loveseat sat near one of the large windows next to a small white table stacked with books.

"Calum said you enjoyed reading, so I made sure there would be enough books for you to read. Though it seems you may be more interested in war techniques rather than the lyrics I brought you."

A laugh bubbled out, "I do indulge in both."

He smiled. "Your things should already be set in place with your dresses there," he said, pointing to the armoire. "And your new training attire, along with other things in the dresser."

He then walked over to a side wall with a door that slid open. "And this here is your private bath. So that you may relieve yourself during the night." He winked, and I felt a blush of embarrassment rise.

I walked into the bathing chambers to see a large clawfoot bath with a luscious ivory rug. I swallowed my excitement, but Levon captured it and smiled at me, flashing his pearly teeth.

"You're free to enjoy yourself as you like, my lady. I have a meeting here shortly that I must attend, but after, I can show you around if you'd prefer. Training starts first thing tomorrow, and dinner will be served at six."

With that, he left the room, leaving me in awe, struggling to process his words as I marveled at the opulence around me. I had never experienced such luxury before; this room was truly fit for a queen. Whatever deal Jesri had made and whatever scheme he was up to, it might be worth it, if only for this.

I awoke the following day well before dawn. The sky was still a dark grey, layered with mist, giving the landscape a wintry appearance despite the advancing spring. The towering pines pierced the sky like spears, and the grass still wet from the morning dew.

I stretched, marveling at the absence of any aches and pains from a proper bed and the calmness of a full stomach. My toes curled in the silky sheets that hugged me gently and provided warmth. Excitedly, I bounded out of bed and went to the bathing chamber to change the bandage on my leg. Surprisingly, my leg was practically healed, leaving only faint marks behind, so I decided not to replace the bandage. Only a few bruises remained on my arms, blending into my tanned skin like sunspots. The one on my collarbone had nearly vanished, too, leaving only a faint yellowish tint behind.

I washed up and wove my hair into a simple coronet. Though not as elegant as Aoife's craftsmanship, it sufficed. During dinner, Levon remarked that there were no lady's maids or valets to assist in getting ready. He explained how he never believed in such notions and grew accustomed to handling things himself due to some undisclosed history he failed to mention. I assured him it wasn't inconvenient and admitted I looked forward to handling things independently. Besides, I couldn't imagine allowing anyone else besides Aoife to assist me.

Clad in my new black and green training attire that hugged me in all the right places, I crept out the door and down into the main hall, waiting for Levon and his instructions to wait. The paintings along the walls still shimmered in the dim light of dawn. One painting, in particular, held me spellbound. Its brushstrokes danced with a multitude of colors, seemingly pushing back against the scorched edge of darkness surrounding the painting. It depicted a vibrant riot of colors bursting forth from the canvas, as if engaged in a fierce battle.

"Ready?" Levon's voice startled me, echoing loudly in the expansive hall. I turned to find him dressed similarly to me, wearing a long, tight black shirt accentuating his hazelnut-toned form, dark green pants, and tall black boots laced up to his calves. "We will take it easy today," he continued. "Two laps around the estate, and then back for breathing techniques."

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