Page 43 of Of Withering Dreams
One of her eyebrows rose, but she didn’t say a word before walking toward Xeni, who was waiting at the edge of the barracks.
I looked at my feet, pushing them into the ground. My body felt unsteady, but my legs carried me to Kaden.
Kaden’s arm slipped from his forehead as he looked at me.
“I’m so sorry,” the tattered whisper fell from my throat. He sat up, wrapping his arms around my legs, burying his face in my thighs.
“It’s okay,” he uttered, his words muffled. “Looks like we need to practice more.” He smiled, his green eyes finding my icy blues. I frowned, rubbing my hand over his thick mop of hair.
His arm fell heavily across my shoulders as he stood. My hand wrapped around his waist. I wasn’t sure what else to say as we held each other, keeping one another steady.
Perhaps I was in shock; words and feelings ripped from my senses. Kaden was unusually reserved as we drifted to the palace, Gavrel trailing close behind. We were three restless shadows slinking away from the setting sun.
17
A SENSE OF CONTROL
An angry little creature was trapped inside my skull, careening into the sides, attempting to break free. I rubbed my temples, cringing at the relentless throbbing.
Soft multicolored splashes gleamed through the canopy, the morning light scattering around my room. I crushed my eyes closed, the brightness increasing the ache within my head. At least I had the day off from my chores.
A cheery rapping sounded on my door, and I winced. It burst open without my consent, and I squinted an eye toward it as a swirl of blue dashed into my sanctuary.
I flopped my arm over my eyes.
“Now, Miss. No use in lazing about. It’s a lovely day, and it’s running away from you,” Derya chided, emphasizing the tsking she made as she flung my blankets off me.
“Let it run. I won’t chase it,” I grumbled.
“Up. Up!” She swatted my hip. A groan spilled from me as I rolled over and slumped into a sitting position. Derya wouldn’t give up when she fixated on something—like a busy little bird nipping at a hidden worm.
I sighed, smoothing my hand over my untamed tresses and closing my eyes. I’d be her worm if it made her happy. She deserved nothing less.
Derya’s attention was rapt on me as her feet shuffled impatiently. I peeked at her, a wide grin spreading across her face as she swayed her hips, holding out a simple black dress toward me.
“What’s this now?”
“Your new attire! Your gift is the talk of the palace. Quite exciting to be so mysterious,” she giggled.
“Just what I wanted. More attention,” I moaned, snatching my uniform from her.
I frowned at the garment in my hands. It was a symbol of failure—my utter inability to keep my ember in check.
“Embrace it, my dear. Never know when it might come in handy, yeah?” She wrapped me in a warm hug, squeezing before releasing me and cupping my cheek tenderly. “You’ve a long road ahead of you, my dear, but you’ll manage it. I’ve no doubt.”
My brows rose, a curious response on the tip of my lips when Kaden sauntered into the room.
“Good morning, beautiful,” he drawled, oozing charm. Had he forgotten I’d almost killed him yesterday?
He tilted his head, looking at me. “Ah, Ser. Didn’t see you there. Top of the morning to you as well.” His grin was infectious, sullying my uneasiness.
“You cad.” Derya swatted his arm, tittering and rolling her eyes. Then she gave him a stern look before shuffling to the door. “Take care of our girl.”
“Always. I dream of nothing else,” he crooned. He turned to me when the door clicked shut, wrapping his arms around me and pulling me close. I breathed in his woodsy scent, leaning into the warmth of his body.
“How did your mysterious meeting go with Elder Harrow?” he asked, kissing the top of my head.
I looked up at him, bringing my hands to rest on the wide expanse of his chest. “Ah, she canceled. You know, important Elder stuff.” I shrugged, wincing at the movement.
