Page 42

A va slept off and on for almost two days.

She would awake for brief moments to see to her needs, take a bath and apply the balm Kai had left, and wolf down the tray of food that was always left for her.

Then she’d crawl back under the covers and lose herself to exhaustion once more.

Luna kept her company whenever she could but was now hiding as Ava emerged from her bathroom, Cirilla waiting to help her dress.

Raine was taking her on the tour this morning.

“Off with your robe, girl.” She waved her hands.

“Okay.”

She walked to the bed where Cirilla had laid out her clothing and took off her robe.

The attendant handed her a cotton shift she pulled over her head and helped her don the rest of her outfit.

She wore an ivory shirt with long sleeves that puffed near her forearm before the cuffs cinched around her wrists.

The shirt had a leather tie below her collar bone, the small gap showing a hint of cleavage, something she was pleased to realize had not completely disappeared despite her starvation, and there were green leaves embroidered around the hem of the sleeves .

Cirilla helped her slip on an ankle length mahogany skirt that flared slightly at the base and was embroidered with matching leaves along the hem.

She cinched Ava’s waist with a wide leather belt and then asked her to sit on the bed and handed her woolen stockings and brown boots that Ava donned quickly.

She gestured to a stool seated in front of the full-length mirror. “Sit. I shall do your hair.”

Standing back up, she walked over to the stool and sat down, Cirilla behind her. She brushed Ava’s hair as she spoke. “Did you get enough rest?”

“I think so. I feel much better.”

“Kai is very talented,” her attendant replied.

Ava regarded herself in the mirror, touching her fingers to the fading bruise on her cheek. It seemed Kai’s balms and magic had erased most of her bruising, leaving faint remnants of her injuries which should disappear in a couple more days.

“So… do you like it here?” Ava asked. “Do you enjoy your job?” She felt awkward having someone wait on her and didn’t know how she was supposed to act.

“It’s an honor to be a staff member here. We’re paid well and treated even better,” Cirilla explained.

Ava relaxed at her answer. She didn’t like the idea of poorly treated servants waiting on her hand and foot.

Cirilla finished her hair and left the room.

Ava rose and stood in front of the mirror, evaluating her attire.

It was strange dressing like someone out of a history book, but she admitted she looked pretty, and the clothing and shoes were more comfortable than she had expected.

Still, she noticed the weight loss she had experienced over the last couple of months.

Her collarbone was too prominent and waist too small.

She was happy to eat real meals and was looking forward to regaining her old body, missing the strength she felt with her athletic thighs and curvier figure .

Turning from the mirror, she walked into the living area and ran right into Raine.

“Whoa there,” he said as he steadied her, gripping her shoulders. “Are you in such a hurry to see me, dear? I was just on my way to knock on your door.”

She laughed. “Sorry, I wasn’t paying attention.”

Raine took a step back and turned to Casimir who was standing near the fireplace, dressed in a similar fashion to when she saw him the other night, except his hair was pulled back and he had his boots and weapons on as if he was headed somewhere.

He nodded at her, and she smiled reluctantly back before returning her attention to Raine.

“My dear little human, you clean up well,” Raine crooned. “Look at you. You look beautiful. Doesn’t she look fantastic, Cas?”

Meeting her eyes, Casimir answered. “You look nice.”

“Thanks,” she said awkwardly.

“Well, if you need anything,” Casimir said, turning to Raine. “I’ll be in the training ring.”

Raine walked toward the dining table covered in food while Ava followed. “You’re kidding, Cas. We’ve only been back a couple of days and you’re already training? You’re allowed to take breaks, you know.”

“Deidamia doesn’t take breaks,” he said as he left the suite and closed the door.

Raine pulled a chair out for Ava. “Please, sit. I swear he would train himself to death were it possible.”

Ava sat down. “I take it he’s kind of an overachiever?”

“You have no idea.”

Ava looked at the fares arranged on the table before her.

There were mounds of eggs smothered in a cream sauce, bacon, sausages, and small round yellow and orange fruits she had never seen before.

There was also a large platter of fruit-filled pastries dusted with powdered sugar.

A rainbow of flavors, the sights and smells had her stomach growling, and she couldn’t wait to dig in.

“Help yourself. I heard you’ve been asleep for almost two days. I’m sure you must be starving,” said Raine as he loaded his plate.

Ava smiled and piled a heaping scoop of eggs, followed by bacon and fruit on her own plate. “This looks amazing. Thank you.”

“Don’t thank me, I’m not the chef. However, those pastries are from my sister, Fanya’s, shop. We’ll swing by and introduce you.”

He poured her a cup of tea and she sipped it, humming with pleasure as the floral notes danced over her taste buds. Birds chirped as they darted among the flowers on the open balcony and the sound of running water trickled outside.

“How do you like it here?” Raine asked, interrupting her thoughts.

Ava smiled. “This city is stunning.”

“It truly is. Do you have people waiting for you back home?”

Her smile faded. “Not anymore,” she whispered.

A tear fell and she wiped it away quickly. If he noticed, he didn’t comment on it. She took a bite of a pastry. Flaky and sweet, it was filled with delicious red fruit that melted in her mouth.

Raine regarded her before softly responding. “What does that mean?”

Her heart lurched, unsure if she wanted to say anything. She took another sip of tea and set down her cup, looking off toward the balcony.

“I have no one left.” She sighed. “No family. The only person I had was my friend, Eleanor.”

“What happened to Eleanor? ”

“She killed her.” She didn’t try to stop the tears this time. Let them fall, the release she needed.

“Who?”

Meeting his eyes again she replied, “Deidamia.”

Raine’s eyes widened. The air in the room shifted and the vines writhed, fury radiating off him at the mention of her name.

“I started to fall for a man I met. And it turned out to be Andras.” Raine frowned, waiting for her to finish.

“They were in my world somehow.” She shook her head.

“I didn’t know. He was in disguise and tricked me.

I got my friend killed, then was captured and tortured for weeks. And now I’m here. With all of you.”

She wasn’t ready to reveal the rest. She would wait for the meeting tomorrow to tell them about her heritage and family, still afraid they wouldn’t believe her.

Raine was speechless but had regained control and sipped his tea. “I’m sorry. That you went through all of that. That you were tricked. I would never wish Andras or Deidamia on anyone,” he said as he handed her an extra napkin to wipe her eyes.

“Thank you,” she replied as she wiped her face and took a breath. “You’ve been kind from the beginning. You and Kai and Jorrar. Thanks to all of you.”

He nodded. “Thanks for telling me. I won’t say anything until the meeting, I promise.” He stopped and looked at her. “Just one question.” He tilted his head. “Rumors say it was you who opened the portal. How?”

“They cut my hand and used my blood…” she whispered.

Raine shook his head. “That’s not possible. Humans can’t do that.”

She remained silent.

“Look,” Raine continued. “I understand the desire for secrecy. You don’t trust us; we don’t trust you.” He tucked a strand of hair behind his ear. “After what happened to your friend, I get why you’re reluctant to talk.”

Ava sighed. “Yes.”

“Just know while Jorrar and I are more understanding, the others don’t take kindly to untruths.”

“I’m not lying,” she said. “I just haven’t told you everything yet.”

He huffed a laugh. “Well, some would consider that lying by omission.”

“I’m sorry, I?—”

Interrupting, Raine replied, “It’s okay. Let’s drop it for now. We’ll know everything soon enough anyway. Now that I’ve made you spill your guts, let’s go have fun. I want to show you the castle and the city.”

She smiled with relief at the subject change. “That sounds nice.”

They spent an hour wandering through the bright stone castle, Raine pointing out highlights throughout.

He showed her the staff wing, the kitchens, the grand dining hall which served as the ballroom for events, medical wing, cellars for storage of food, and the library.

Ava took it all in, in awe of the size of the castle despite its cozy feel.

Almost every room and hallway had those open glassless windows with the flowers and vines she had seen throughout the rest of the castle.

The temperature was perfect; she never noticed a room too hot or too cold.

Each staff member, guard or other individual they passed were respectful, nodding at them as they strode by.

Her favorite room by far was the library.

It was spacious and dark, massive shade trees blocking the sun from the open windows to prevent the books from fading.

Three stories high, oil lamps flickered between the wall-to-wall bookshelves, providing a comfortable glow to read by.

Alcoves were filled with plush settees and chairs, desks and tables, the perfect place to get lost in a book or conduct research.

She couldn’t wait to spend time in here, hoping she could find something she could actually read.