Page 85 of A Touch of Stars and Stones
“Okay. Thank you. Oh, and if you have some of those custard tarts with the pastry?”
“Ah, so it’s you Aten Ciro told us about. Yes. I’ll add them, too.”
Ten spoke to someone about me? “Thank you. They’re delicious.”
I head back out and sit on one of the benches, listening to the faint pop and simmer of the fire, and wonder if it’s fed magically or by a person. The slice of quiet is exactly what I need. My eyes close, and I picture the well in my chest again, the calmness of the water’s surface, and take in a deep breath before slowly releasing it. A few simple instructions from Kyra, and I feel like I am at least a step closer to gaining control. Which is a damn sight better than yesterday.
But my peace is shattered by loud footfalls, and my eyes snap up to see the hulking figure of Calix walking into the hall. He’s in a training top, the heavy-set muscles of his frame on display in the short sleeves, and his blond hair is darkened with sweat.
I turn back to the empty table so he doesn’t catch me staring.
“Relax, Ever.” His voice carries over the quiet space between us. “No need to look so jumpy.” He straddles the bench and looks directly at the side of my head.
Until I tilt my head and side-eye him.
“Oh, not bad, considering the pounding you took. I meant what I said. I’m sorry for the bruises.” He swivels his leg over the bench and rests his forearms on the table.
“It’s fine,” I answer begrudgingly. I hadn’t checked in the mirror yet to see the damage.
“You’re up early. Nobody’s up this early.”
“I was hungry.”
“Well, yeah. If you skip dinner after training, you’re going to be.” He noticed?
“Why are you up, then?” I venture.
“Training. Plus, I still feel pretty pumped after what you did to me yesterday.”
“Sorry about that,” I mutter.
“Hey, don’t be. Zuns, I deserve far worse for what I put you through.”
I snigger.
The woman from the kitchen arrives with two plates of breakfast, setting them down in front of us. “Calix.” She smiles at him as she slides the piled plate to him.
He nods, grabs his fork, and starts to eat the mountain of food in front of him. I guess all the working out gives him an appetite.
But then I look at my plate and baulk at how much is there. “I can’t eat all of this,” I say in shock.
“Nonsense. If you missed dinner, you need to make up for it. Eat.” Her voice holds a gentle authority, and she nods before turning on her heel and disappearing back into the kitchen.
“She’s right. We have archive study this morning. At least, that’s the schedule. But who knows what they’ll want us doing afterwards.” He loads up another full forkful. “You’ll need your energy. Trust me.”
“From the mouth of the man who had me on my knees,” I retort. But I do grab one of the soft rolls and start pulling it apart. They are my favourite after the custard tarts.
“I’m not going to give you an easy pass. The only thing I’ll apologise for is the bruises after, even if you look badass with them.” My cheeks warm at his words and the quick glance his blue eyes make towards me.
And I settle into eating the rest of my breakfast with Calix.
twenty-two
. . .
Ever
Two Custodians are the first ones into the hall for breakfast, as I’m still picking through the enormous plate of food. Calix has already had a second helping and is eyeing my pastries, which I plan on eating next, just to stop him from denying my sweet tooth.
