Page 73 of Unraveled
“Be nice?” Nera scoffs, shifting toward her door. “I think he’s telling himself that more than us.”
I press my lips into a tight smile and nod. There isn’t a chance in this world that Ash, the king of the fae, is less reasonable than either his little sister or me. Even though I’m a ball of nerves and insecurities.
“Are you coming, Monster?” Ash’s deep voice makes my skin prickle just as his gloved hand appears through the open door.
I debate not taking it. Truly. It would be easier to avoid the simple touch, which will undoubtedly make me more confused.But then again, these little moments we steal while acting like we don’t care are the highlights of my day.
Gripping his hand, I ignore the spark and walk into Hedrum, the city of sorcery.
I smell magic, like old parchment, enveloping me in a warm hug. Even though I’m wearing Finley’s ring, that nagging power inside me stirs.
The tip of my pointed boot catches the carriage step, and I stumble, arms flailing. Ash’s body blurs, and he moves impossibly fast. One second, he’s standing to the side, the next, he’s got me in his arms, lifting me up like I weigh nothing.
I collide with his chest and his breath washes over my face. When he slowly settles me on the ground, I don’t shift away and his hands linger around my waist. Judging by the quickness of his heartbeat, our minds have gone to the same place. Back to Fairhope’s inn, and my stolen kiss.
“I’ll have to repay you somehow for all the times you keep saving me,” I say, and finally step down, knowing that everyone around us is watching our interaction.
“I’m sure I can come up with something...” He tucks a loose strand of hair behind my ear, and the touch leaves a trail of heat across my cheek.
“Alright, you two, that’s enough of that. I think I preferred when you bickered all the time,” Nera says from somewhere behind Ash’s massive back. Her heels click up the five steps that lead to the front door. She passes the rounded columns and enters the manor like she owns the place, without another word.
The woman beside Finley hisses something under her breath. She looks appalled not only by our strange display but by Nera’s actions. So much for being polite to our hostess...
“Hello, Marlena, I trust you’re well?” Ash says in greeting when we meet them by the steps.
“Your Majesty.” She dips into a bow that allows me to see all the onyx stones decorating her high bun and matching her elegant black dress. “I was just telling Uncle I wasn’t expecting visitors, much less the king himself.” Her pale, silver hair makes her skin appear darker than she is. Her tone is polite, in complete contrast to her pinched expression.
“I’m afraid we couldn’t send a bird in time to let you know we were coming,” Ash says. “But we won’t stay long.”
“What a pity. May I inquire what business brings you all the way to Hedrum? It has been a while...”
“Five years, if my memory serves me right. We came to get an amulet for Miss Mia.” Ash waves a hand in my direction before brushing away a golden leaf that floated down from the tree above onto the fur of his coat.
Marlena’s gaze cuts to me for the first time. Her eyes are inquisitive, like she’s trying to place me. “A sorcerer?”
“A librarian,” I say. I’m so used to speaking those words that I don’t stop to notice how wrong they feel now. The pressure inside me stirs, and my blood heats.
Marlena’s lips tilt down right before she dismisses me entirely. “I’ll have the maids ready your usual rooms and send dinner up so you can dine there. It’s been a long trip, and I’m sure you’re eager to catch up on sleep.”
“Thank you for the hospitality.” Ash is already walking away, gently guiding me inside with a possessive hand on my lower back.
I should tell him to stop, but I’m woman enough to admit I don’t want him to.
The manor’s decor is so different from the castle, gaudy with gold furnishings and thick velvet curtains matched to vibrant wallpaper. I would’ve never guessed it belonged to Ash and Nera. Finley either, for that matter.
Ash shrugs off his coat as the warmth inside envelops us in a sweltering bubble. “Well, this is certainly not how I remember it.” He drapes his coat over the back of a chair just as Finley and his niece come in.
We go up to the top floor together, and there we split, Marlena and me to the right, where the unwed females stay. Her words, not mine. Ash and Finley go left, to the king’s chambers, which apparently take up a full floor of the other wing.
Finley has his own floor, which Marlena tells me as we make our way down a long hall. Past at least ten doors. Maids rush around the place, dusting a table here, a pedestal with a vase there. Some are actively removing art from the walls.
From the corner of my eye, I noticed a maid rolling up a large tapestry depicting a bird and an elaborate emblem. The design looks familiar, though I have little time to inspect it as the maid tucks it away.
“This way.” Marlena’s voice cuts through the noise of people bustling about, and I quicken my steps. “The maids will bring your things. I’m not sure where you’re from, but in Hedrum we have running water, so you may fill the tub when you’re ready for a bath.”
I brought little, just a few dresses because Nera insisted, in case we go to a dance, some nightgowns I found in my room when I arrived at the castle, a hairbrush, and a few grimoires I sneaked out without anyone catching me. The memory of my boldness makes me smile.
Marlena takes me to the very end of the hall, the room farthest away from Ash. I wonder if this is by her design, or if Finley suggested it. To keep us apart and avoid the unnecessary drama of me doing something stupid. Like kissing him again.
