Page 30 of Fear the Flames
“Well, the alliance papers haven’t been signed, so I wasn’t sure if we have to wait.” Cayden told me that Saskia and Ryder believe I’m here to work closely with the army, despite Eagor’s plan to keep me close to the castle. But I’m not sure if they know about the heist yet. Neither of us mentioned it on the journey here. I’ll have to ask Cayden when we have a moment alone.
Saskia waves a dismissive hand through the air, “They’ll get signed when they get signed. I’m not a fan of waiting for someone to do their job, so I just do mine. They can catch up.” Oh, Ireallylike her.
“Advisors take forever.” Cayden rolls his eyes.
“Not a fan of authority?” I poke.
“I’m a fan of gettingaroundauthority,” he confirms.
“You’re giving a great representation of Vareveth, Cayden,” Saskia grumbles.
“I’m providing an accurate one,” he argues.
“You’re a commander. You’rethesymbol of authority here,” I remind him.
“I never said I don’t like having authority. I said I don’t like people having authority over me,” he boasts with a sly smile. I hate that I like what he said because it’s something I can see myself saying. “While you’re here you’ll have the option to train with us if you’d like to join. Finnian too,” he tacks on.
That sounds like a much better option than training in my room like I thought I would have to do. “Yes, I’d like that.”
“Good. Your footwork could use some work,” he says while taking a bite out of his bread and baiting me in the process. If I was a better person, maybe I would ignore it, but he doesn’t stand almost a head taller than me only for me to be the bigger person.
“My footwork?” I narrow my eyes at him.
“Someone’s in trouble,” Saskia sings into her chalice.
I pause my retort as servers clear the table and place a strawberry and cream-filled cake in front of us. I’m convinced this place is a food utopia. Cayden can wait. There are fresh strawberries and cake in front of me. A piece of cake seems like such a trivial thing. It’s accessible to so many people that they usually don’t think twice when it’s placed in front of them, but I can see my emotions reflected on Finnian’s face across the table. To us, it feels like a sunny day after months of rain. Seeing my best friend eat a full plate of food with dessert is a sight I’ll treasure forever because it makes me feel like I’m doing something good. I eventually descend from my strawberry-scented cloud and remember I’m annoyed with Cayden.
“Do you not remember when I held a knife to your neck?” I ask while stabbing my fork into the cake. I don’t remember the last time I ate something this delicious.
“I actually think about it quite often, but if you want to give me a reminder then you’re free to do so.” He licks some cream off his index finger, and I despise him for the jolt it sends right to my core.
“I’m blocking you out.” I huff while angling my body toward Saskia, who seems to barely be holding in her laughter. “You’re too annoying to talk to while I’m eating strawberry cake.”
“That’s not fair,” Cayden complains behind my back.
“It’s entirely fair,” Saskia giggles, unable to contain her laughter any longer. It’s a light sound filled with mirth and merriment, and I find myself laughing along with her. I didn’t think it would be such a natural adjustment, and I know there’s still a long way to go, but it feels good to have a moment of normalcy.
“Do you know any good dressmakers in town?” I ask while taking in the details of her dress. Dark purple skirts flow around her hips, and a metallic golden halter bodice covers her chest. It looks lovely on her. I won’t be able to get by with the clothes I brought in my trunk for long.
“Plenty,” she grins before biting into a strawberry, “I can take you tomorrow if you want to head into town.”
“You’re sure you don’t mind?” I fiddle with the ends of my sleeves.
She gives me an overexaggerated eye roll and a corner of her mouth lifts, “I’ve had nobody other than Cayden and Ryder to deal with the last few years. I’d be happy to go shopping with you.”
ChapterFifteen
“Ican’t believe you brought your books with you,” Finnian jests, laying on one of the couches by the fireplace.
“Words are food for my soul,” I reply after applying my lipstick. The curls Hyacinth did yesterday now fall in loose waves down my back. I need to learn how to use those curlers.
He props himself up on his elbows while giving me a no-nonsense glare. “Smut is your soul food?”
I toss one of the big pillows from my bed in his direction. “Don’t judge my flavor palette.”
His laughter is drowned out by the pillow connecting with his face. He doesn’t bother moving it and just stays sprawled out under the fluff. The sun is shining today, so I can get away with wearing one of the day dresses I brought with me. I slip into the maroon chiffon fabric behind my dressing screen. It ties around my waist which means I don’t have to worry about a corset. My favorite part is the long sheer sleeves that button around my wrists. My moonstone pendant hangs around my neck, at the center of the V-cut neckline. I tie my black cloak around my neck and slip my knives under my dress.
Finnian gets to his feet, straightening out his white shirt and brown leather vest before throwing on his quiver and bow and meeting me by the door. I slip my arm through his and make our way toward the front of the castle where we’re meeting Saskia. Finnian needs clothes too, and I wouldn’t want to explore a new city without him. We pass through several extravagant rooms as we glide down the equally extravagant halls. I’ve seen more jewel-covered chandeliers in this castle than I’ve seen over the span of my entire life. We make it to the last step of the staircase when voices filter through the open door.
