Page 9 of A Kingdom so Crimson

Was this really who I was meant to be? An orphaned nobody, burdened with unrelenting anger and manipulated as a tool by the hands of wealthy men? I gritted my teeth, feeling the anger swell within me.

I splashed water on my face and leaned forward, resting my chin on my knees, lost in thought until Aoife's soft knock broke the silence.

"Come in, I'm almost finished," I shouted, rubbing my eyes. The door opened and clicked shut, followed by the sound of heavier footsteps on the hardwood floor.

I whipped my head around to find Calum holding wildflowers, struck dumb at the naked sight of me.

"Get out!" I yelled. He promptly retreated from sight as I hastily covered myself with my arms. "Tyran, Cal! So help me if you're in here to tell me more aboutfun; I don't want it."

I stepped out, soaking the floor with water as I wrapped myself in my robe, my wet hair slick against my back.

"I—" he stumbled as I came around the corner, crossing my arms in front of me. "I came to wish you a Happy Founding Day and to apologize for last night."

"You know I don't like celebrating it," I snapped, not believing he was actually sorry for last night.

He only nodded and held out the flowers, "For you."

I brushed wet strands of hair away from my face and took the flowers; our fingers grazed as I forced an uncomfortable smile.

Since they didn't know my actual day of birth, Jesri decided it would be celebrated on Spring Harvest, the day I was found. Only I knew it was an excuse, for he had no intention of acknowledging me with gifts or pleasantries, as was customary on birthdays. Frankly, I could care less and detested the idea, anyway. It only served as a reminder of a day I was left unwanted.

Calum's golden eyes met mine, plunging the world into silence as he stood in a silent yearning. He stepped closer, bridging the gap between us, and my mind grew hazy with confusion. My wet feet became heavy stones, and I couldn't step away as he drew closer, further ensnaring my thoughts.

"Cal," I stated, breaking the silence and the pounding in my ears as I leaned back.

His breath hitched as he leaned in slowly. We shared the same air as a fiery sensation surged through me, catching me off guard and stirring something deep within and melting away every irrational thought.

The world around me faded as he tenderly cupped my chin and drew me closer. Dizziness enveloped my head as our lips grazed, igniting a warmth within me and rendering me liquid when a metallic twang radiated throughout the room, tickling my nose.

My heart thundered in my ears as he swiftly pulled back, letting go of my chin with a confusing look in his eye. He stiffened when a soft knock echoed on the door and quickly flung open. We immediately stepped away from each other like the two mischievous children we were, always getting into trouble. Instant regret and anger flooded through me like a sudden downpour.

"Oh, pardon me. I—" Aoife squeaked, her cheeks turning red. "I didn't know you were in here."

She moved to leave when I stopped her, "No," I paused. "Calum was just dropping off some flowers and was about to leave."

He glanced at me, nodding in agreement; his entire composure was off. "Happy Harvest Day," he said before slipping out. My heart thundered with an unwanted anticipation that left me desolate and guilty.

I managed a smile. "Help me get ready, will you?" I turned away, sensing embarrassment tightening in my chest. Setting the flowers on my bed, I moved behind the partition, slipping on my undergarments. Heat rushed to my cheeks and neck, which quickly faded because of my vexation, puncturing my heart with tiny holes and leaving me filled with self-loathing.

With an audible grunt of disgust, I headed to my vanity, using my robe to dry my hair.

"Forgive me, Eliah," Aoife said, her cheeks mimicking the redness of my own.

"No—" I stopped short; itwasa good thing she came in. I couldn't bear the thought of succumbing to his manipulative gamesagain. "Thank you for intervening." I wouldn't be evasive, "I'm grateful you stopped it. I didn't have the strength to suppress those feelings."

Her smile returned, warming her face to its usual hue. "I can always come to your rescue," she remarked, her tone gentle. "But those feelings are a good thing and worth exploring now that you're older." She paused, quickly adding, "And if I may be bold, Calum is a suitable bachelor—"

"That is bold," I interjected firmly, cutting her off. She nodded with a smirk and began styling my damp hair, weaving it into its customary braided coronet.

"I hear your big evaluation is tomorrow, and Sir Alder seems quite eager about it," she remarked.

I nodded slowly. Of course, he would take pleasure in it, and Jesri would undoubtedly ensure he found the entirety of his stay to be worth telling.

"Wonderful," I sneered sarcastically, causing a pinch to my shoulder.

After she finished with my hair, she wrapped my arm in another cloth and lectured me about keeping my arm movements minimal. I agreed with sarcasm as she left me to dress in my usual training attire: brown pants, a dark green, long-sleeved tunic, and my tattered boots.

I hurried out the door, hoping to find relief from the thoughts and emotions that stirred deep within me as my stomach grumbled—hoping, too, that Jesri might be cheerful enough to offer me a decent meal.

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