Page 55 of Ocean of Ink
“I feel much stronger. I believe I will be all right,” Wren answered with a reassuring smile.
She slid herself down off the bed and suppressed a shiver as her bare feet touched the cold floor. In an effort to stave off the chills she was still plagued with, Wren pulled one of her blankets off the bed and wrapped it around her shoulders before padding over to her desk. Blossom eyed her warily the entire time, and exuded relief once Wren was seated.
Wren took her quill from where it was propped up on a stand. Her gaze caught on the statue her brother had intended to gift her. Grief tightened her throat for a moment, but she forced her focus back on the letter.
Should she begin in the same fashion as him? It felt odd, given that she still did not know what his role was in the events involving Heron and now Kelda. However, this could be some sort of game. Wren did not want to back down from the challenge, whatever it was.
Year 822, Week 36, Mira
Dear Castien,
It is not a lengthy letter that I desire, so much as a respectful one. Yet again, you prove yourself lacking in the qualities of a gentleman.
But since you begged, I will agree to meet with you, if only out of hope that you will learn how to behave around a lady.
Your begrudging partner,
Wren
Wren sealed the letter with a satisfied smile. That would show him she was not one to cower in the face of provocation.
“Here you are, Blossom.”
Wren placed the letter in her maid’s waiting hand, then padded back to her bed. Now that the letter was written, she began to feel the effects of getting out of bed while stillrecovering. Her muscles felt tight and sore, as though she had been standing out in the snow for hours.
“I will deliver this and send for Miss Kierana as you requested. Is there anything else you require?”
Wren glanced at her empty cup. “Some more peppermint tea would be wonderful.”
Blossom smiled. “I shall order a full tea service for you and Miss Kierana.”
Wren’s heart warmed. The darkness outside her window seemed less menacing with the kindness of her maid and friend.
“Thank you.”
Blossom’s simple gray dress puffed out as she curtsied. She left the room without another word. Wren set her attention back on her cooling bowl of oats and cream. She was scraping up the last bite when there was a knock at her door.
“It’s Kierana,” her new friend’s voice was muffled, but still recognizable.
“Come in,” Wren called and set her bowl aside.
Kierana swept into the room along with her worries. Wren clenched her abdomen against the emotion. Blossom’s feelings had mellowed over the course of the day and had become easier to manage. Kierana was Wren’s first true test of strength. She found herself lacking.
“How are you feeling?” Kierana asked as she rushed to Wren’s bedside after closing the door. “You look well, are you well?”
Kierana sat in the same spot Blossom had earlier. She wore a long-sleeved academy uniform, with a deep burgundy sash tied around her waist and layers of gold necklaces. Wren felt underdressed in her pale pink nightgown and matching robe.
“I did not think you a mother hen type,” Wren jested, hoping it would help ease Kierana’s mind.
The idea worked. Wren began to breathe easier and relax again as the anxiety lifted.
“I am not a mother hen,” Kierana groused. “You collapsed onto the floor as though you had been struck or poisoned. It is natural to worry about such an occurrence.”
“I am sorry to have brought you concern. It is rare, but sometimes I have spells like that. After a night’s rest, I will be much improved.”
Kierana frowned. “Do they have any cause?”
Wren grasped for a plausible answer. Her gaze fell on Heron’s statue, and she hoped her brother would forgive her for lying to his friend.
