Page 21 of A Storm of Fire and Ash
Fintan shot a quick glance toward Kalista, his expression suddenly severe. “You better watch that tongue, Kali, or I’ll cut it out myself. Elara now lives here at the castle, and you’d best remember that she is with me. She will be respected just as you respect me. Is that understood?”
My eyes went wide listening to Fintan snap at one of his staff that way. Maybe I should be a little more careful around him… he is the King’s son after all.
“Apologies, my lord. I meant no disrespect,” Kalista murmured, her blue eyes staring at her feet. As Fintan turned his attention back to me, she flicked her gaze upward, delivering a glare so fierce it could slice through steel.
“Don’t mind her; she’s just a child of impatience, lamenting the things she cannot have,” Sivka interjected with a calm yet knowing smile. Kalista, taken aback, shot her a venomous look and defiantly stuck out her tongue.
I observed the dynamic between them—a curious blend of camaraderie and tension—and wondered what it would be like to have friends. The thought of helping out in the kitchen stirred something profound within me—a nostalgia for the warmth and familiarity of home.
Home.A sudden wave of emotion threatened to overwhelm me, and I blinked rapidly to hold back the welling tears, fighting against the tide of memories that threatened to drown me.
“I’m really good at hunting,” I blurted out, breaking the charged silence. Instantly, all eyes turned toward me. “Well, I’m really good with my bow. I don’t care much about hunting the animal, but…” I was rambling. “I mean, if you ever needed assistance, I could hunt and… um, help prepare meals,” I offered, my voice gaining a hint of confidence.
Yara’s face broke into a warm smile, the corners of her eyes crinkling. “That is so kind of you, dearie. We have men for that, though.”
I felt a tiny bit of disappointment. It would’ve been nice to have a routine I was used to, to try and normalize my new life.
Fintan’s deep, resonant voice followed, as if he could sense my disappointment, “Perhaps you can teach me a thingor two, and I can return the favor,” he said flirtatiously, his gaze inviting. He sent a pleasant shiver down my arms.
Emboldened, I returned his smile shyly, a blush creeping onto my cheeks.
Kalista made a loud noise of disdain, her frustration palpable, and stormed out of the kitchen, her heels clattering angrily against the stone floor. “She’s always seeking the dramatic exit,” Cendrin remarked, shaking his pale bald head with an amused smile.
“Anyway,” Fintan said, shifting his focus back to me as he approached with a pair of plates stacked high with an array of delectable food. “I have other plans for you, El. Let’s head up to my quarters to eat and discuss them,” he suggested, his tone light but teased with something more serious.
I nodded in acquiescence, a flutter of nerves swirling within me at the prospect of being alone with the prince in his private space. The only man I’d ever been alone with was Landen, and even those fleeting moments had been all too brief, given that we were friends with benefits.
“See you all later,” Fintan called over his shoulder, acknowledging his staff before leading the way, and with that, I followed him out of the kitchen, taking one last glance at Yara, smiling at her.
I paid close attention to where we were walking, not really listening much to what the prince was saying—I almost didn’t hear him.
“And down there, that is where the dungeons are.” He stopped walking so he could watch my expression.
I had almost forgotten that the only person I had still left in my life was imprisoned here at the castle.
My father.
Chapter Six
As Fintan and I ascended the narrow flight of worn stone stairs leading to his chambers, thoughts of my father consumed my mind. The flickering torchlight cast dancing shadows on the walls, adding to the somber atmosphere. After Fintan gestured toward the darkened passageway that led to the dungeons, an unspoken tension settled between us, filling the silence with weighty anticipation.
Upon reaching his room, he pushed the heavy door open with a gentle creak and gestured for me to enter first, carefully balancing the two plates of food stacked high on his arm.
“You’re pretty good at that,” I said with a smile and walked in.
“You should see the other things I’m good at doing,” he murmured, closing his door and walking over to a table that sat in the middle of the room.
I could feel my face flush with heat, but the blush quickly faded as I took in my surroundings. This was unlike any room I had ever encountered before. The walls were adorned in a deep navy blue, creating an atmosphere of sophistication, while gold trim highlighted the edges and moldings, adding a touch of opulence.
The space was vast and divided into three distinct sections. In front of me stood an imposing table crafted from dark mahogany, accompanied by two elegantly upholstered chairs that seemed to invite deep conversation. Directly ahead was an enormous grand window, framed by thick, sumptuous gold drapes that billowed gently in the light breeze, revealing a glimpse of the balcony beyond, which had a stunning view of the sunset.
To my right, a plush couch beckoned, its fabric richly textured and in perfect harmony with the room’s color scheme. A towering bookshelf filled to the brim with an array of hundreds of books stretched up to the ceiling, and a sleek, moving ladder was attached to its side.
This was something straight out of a fairy tale.
My jaw dropped in awe, taking in the delightful blend of luxury, comfort, and intellect that surrounded me.
Holy shit.This was incredible.
