Page 27 of Fear the Flames
ChapterThirteen
Eagor and Valia return to the castle before I have the chance to meet them, but Cayden informs me of a banquet happening tonight. We bound up the steep steps, and my legs wobble by the time we make it to the entryway. The castle is just as beautiful on the inside as it is on the outside. A large stone fountain with gold detailing sits in the center of the hall, and the trickling sound of water calms me. Floor-to-ceiling windows stretch the entire length of the room. The sunlight that streams through dances in the diamond chandelier that hangs at the top of a curved double staircase.
I say a quick goodbye to Finnian and Ailliard when the maids inform us that they’ll show us to our rooms. Each room we pass is more magnificent than the last. I get glimpses of expensive furniture covered in gorgeous fabrics, paintings of various places on the continent, and so many jeweled chandeliers. It’s odd to think that this would all be normal to me if I had been properly raised in Imirath. We continue to twist and turn down several hallways and climb up several flights of stairs before the maid pulls a key from her belt and opens a door.
“There’s a bathing chamber filled with all kinds of soaps and linen. I’ll be back in an hour to help you get ready for the banquet.” The maid curtsies, a dark red curl falling in her face.
“Thank you,” I say as she turns away to head down the hall.
A small gasp leaves my lips when I take in the details of my room. It’s so extravagant. I’m almost scared to walk inside, afraid I’ll get mud on the perfectly polished wood. But my curiosity gets the best of me. Lanterns and vases filled with white lilacs are placed on either side of a large four-poster bed. The dark wood matches the floor and mantle of the fireplace directly across from my bed. The books I packed will look perfect there. A seating area made up of two emerald green couches with gold floral embroidery that matches my bedding is arranged in front of the fireplace, separated by a coffee table. I walk toward two glass doors, turning the knobs and stepping out onto a half-circle balcony. I rush forward and press my hands into the cool stone banister, gazing out to the snowcapped mountains and lake far below.
“It’s gorgeous,” I murmur.
“I like my view better.” I snap my head to the side and, much to my dismay, find Cayden staring at me. He is sitting on a chair with his boots propped up on a breakfast table for two. I have an identical table on mine. Actually, our balconies are completely identical—down to the shrubs. “I’d love to get a closer look, though,” he says while walking to the banister where our balconies are closest.
“The closer you get, the closer the distance to the ground,” I gesture to emphasize my point, “doesn’t seem as daunting.”
He places his hands on his banister, they span almost the entire width of it, and his mischievous gaze rakes over me. “Just trying to be neighborly.”
“Neighborly?” I echo.
He spins away, walking through his glass doors, and I follow suit. My head spins in the direction of a knock, but not on the door that leads to the hall. I hurry over to the door I assumed was a closet and rip it open, revealing an extremely smug Cayden.
“Neighborly,” he whispers.
He shoves his hand onto the door before I can slam it in his face and steps around me to enter my room. We have conjoined rooms. “This is a hilarious joke, but you can call it off now.”
“It’s for your protection,” he states, crossing his arms and widening his feet like he’s preparing for a fight.
“You’re going to protect me from my nightmares?” I pout.
“Not my original plan, but if you feel the need to scream my name during the night, you may
do so.” Oh gods, he makes me want to pull my hair out. He’s like a walking supply of endless innuendos, smirks, and glares.
“I’m not much of a screamer, and I doubt you’ll turn me into one,” I retort. He takes a few steps closer. My heart pounds every time his boots thump against the wood. Getting close to my face like we did a few days ago.
“We’ll see about that, angel,” he whispers before strutting off to his own room, leaving me boiling in anger.
I slip out of my boots and stomp over to my bathing chamber on the opposite side of my bed, slamming the door shut behind me and shoving my middle finger in Cayden’s wake. This room is just as gorgeous as my bedroom. White tile replaces the wooden floor, but the same beige paint with golden flecks coats the walls. A large porcelain tub is accompanied by a two-tier tray of soaps and oils. I turn the handles on the tub, letting it fill halfway before pouring some lavender and vanilla oils in. I unarm myself before peeling off my fighting gear and slipping into the water. The tub is so deep that the water rises to my shoulders. I submerge myself, running my hands through my tangled hair and scrubbing every inch of me with luxurious soaps. My aches ease the longer I stay in the tub.
“Your Majesty?” A soft knock on the door stirs me from my relaxed state. I can’t believe how much time I spent in the tub; my fingers must look like raisins.
“I’ll be out in a moment!” I stand, quickly drying myself and slipping into a navy blue silk robe before entering my room. The same red-headed maid stands by my vanity, setting out various makeup and hair products. She offers me a small smile and gestures for me to take a seat. “What’s your name?”
“Hyacinth, my lady,” she says shyly.
“It’s nice to meet you,” I smile at her through the mirror, wanting to ease her anxiety.
We fall into a comfortable silence while Hyacinth works on making me look like I’ve actually had a sound sleep within the past several days. She wraps my hair around some heated curlers that will help my hair dry quicker. Then begins covering some blemishes, lining my eyes and lips, and adding some rouge to finish off the fresh and light look.
“I took the liberty of hanging the gowns you brought while you were in the bath. They’re very lovely, but I think the lavender one would look exceptionally wonderful tonight, if I may say.” Hyacinth’s pale cheeks redden.
“Then that’s the one I’ll wear.” I get to my feet and walk behind the dressing screen after making sure the conjoined door is shut.
“I’ll tie up the laces and fix your hair before you get the first look,” she says while handing me the dress.
I slide the shimmering lavender gown up my body and hold the bodice to my chest while I step out. Hyacinth circles around my back and begins tightening the ribbons of my corset. I haven’t seen the full dress, but I can already tell it’s gorgeous. I glance down at my long leg peaking between the slit and smirk; my dragon dagger will be the perfect accessory tonight. After Hyacinth ties off the corset, she begins taking the pins out of my hair and sticks the curlers in her pockets. She runs her fingers through the curls, shaking my hair at the roots, before letting out a satisfied sigh.
