Page 32 of To Sway a Prince
I slipped down the hall, drawing closer to the voices, then paused when I heard Ramiel say "I don't understand why you are suddenly so antagonistic. You said you liked her, didn't you? You won't be here in a few days anyway. Why wouldn't you want Astraia here?"
14
AN INVITATION
Iheld my breath as I heard the two speaking about me. Pressing my hand to the wall, I listened closely.
Caein sighed. "It isn't that. I am fond of her. I'm simply surprised to learn that you invited her to remain. Especially given what she is."
Their voices were soft enough that I had to focus to hear all of the words. Ramiel said something I couldn't quite catch.
"This will only make it harder," Caein responded. "Remember what you told me: you don't want to burden anyone with the grief. She won't be able to remove the knots in time."
"I have other methods I am using to resolve the issue. But more than that, perhaps…" Papers rustled. Something scraped over the desk. A sigh followed as if Ramiel did not want to say it aloud.
"You know so long as the curse remains it cannot be so, your Highness. The omenfang is?—"
"You don't have to remind me." His voice sharpened. "I am well aware of what it does and of the limitations. If I take some small measure of comfort in her presence, what harm is there in that? I am strong enough to endure."
"You're the one who told me?—"
"She doesn't want to leave. If I cast her out, she will return."
"Yes, I was there when she launched herself up with Giselle. She's lucky Giselle is so patient with foundlings."
"They all like her. Even Thalorion."
"Of course they do now. They know she saved you. But given what you have said and what you claim to value, I do not see that this is wise."
Ramiel spoke again, his voice more contemplative yet still clear. "Perhaps it is not perfect, but there are advantages to this. Perhaps she will care for the dragons when I am gone. Perhaps she will help you find some new host structure."
So that was his game. He wanted me here to help take over his duties so to speak, even if I wasn't a Sentinel. Somewhat manipulative, yes. But part of me respected him for it. Knowing what he wanted made me feel more confident as well. I could work with that. I…I did care about him. Odd as it was.
"I do not require her assistance. I have three other structures which I can use. Just because the process did not go entirely as planned does not mean I am helpless," Caein responded tightly. "And I would rather you focus your efforts on surviving the curse, my friend. Survival matters little when everyone you care about is gone. I do not deny that it pleases me to know someone will be here with you when I must go to the other hosts. It weighs heavily on me when I do. But what happens when she learns?—"
"Enough. Give me peace this night," Ramiel said, his voice rougher.
Caein scoffed. "There won't be much peace for you if she comes to comfort you in your dreams."
"Go on then, shade." It almost sounded as if Ramiel was smiling. "Other tasks are far more important than us prattling. And I doubt she'll visit me as I dream. If everyone sleeps peacefully and restfully tonight, then that's more than enough good to have come from this. I won't be greedy."
My heart warmed to hear him say that. In truth, to see him within my dreams would be welcome indeed. Especially compared to what I usually dreamed about.
I returned to the guest bedroom. Once inside, I found everything I could possibly need. And I used it.
It was strange to bathe with water and soap rather than relying only on my magic for personal hygiene. The simple night shift left me feeling vulnerable and exposed but more like a person than I had in ages. It was even stranger to lie down in a bed again. To draw silken sheets up over myself. This one smelled of lavender and cedar, comforting and warm. The softness made my body ache a little, and the sheets were cool against my skin. When I reached out with my aura, I noted several wards woven into the walls along with sigils intended for protection, peace, and rest.
I'd have felt safer with Zephyrus with me. It brought a faint smile to my lips to imagine him in here at my side. He'd insist on being on the bed, even though it would barely fit his chest. Most likely he'd smash the bed to kindling, then roll around on it and crush the wood into splinters before tucking in around me. He was back with his kin in a giant cuddle puddle of dragons, able to thrash and turn and grunt as much as he wanted without risking crushing anyone.
Those images made me smile. I closed my eyes, holding onto the good images, the warm feelings, telling myself there was a way through. Within minutes, sleep took me. Dreams found me swiftly.
This time Ramiel was there. Not the stern, guarded version but the gentler, warmer one. The one who soothed the sting of the threads on my wrist, who watched with shaded eyes. We stood together on a balcony overlooking the Chasm, its swirling mist ethereal and beautiful from this distance.
"It is beautiful even if it is dangerous," he said, his voice carrying on the wind. "It's all been worth it here. I'm only sad that it has to end so soon. I wish I could have visited it again without the curse. It was a wondrous place."
I turned to face him, surprised by how close he stood and yet longing to be closer. "It's not going to end."
"Everything ends, Astraia. All things have their time." His eyes were clearer than I'd ever seen them, the violet rich and bright. They warmed as he smiled, small wrinkles forming at the edges of his eyes and temples. He reached out, his fingers brushing against my cheek. "It's sad that ours is so short."
