Charades

Chapter 20

     I woke up alone on the couch. I was in my dress, but a few buttons were still undone, and I sat up quickly, fear slamming my heart against my chest. Had I dreamt what happened? Had Ronan come back, or was it a figment of my imagination?

     I sat there for a moment in a daze and then jumped when the door fly open. My eyes darted to the door and I froze when Ronan stepped in, his eyes on me, full of the love he carried the entire night.

     "Hey," I squeaked out. "I thought I'd been dreaming."

     Ronan smiled a shy smile and went over to me. He fell next to me on the couch, his eyes unwavering, but his hands shaking. My hair was a mess and my clothes were't put on right, but Ronan was looking at me as if I was an angel, so beautiful his eyes were fixated on it.

     "Sorry, I went to ask Indira to join us for lunch," Ronan said. His eyes glanced at the clock that was stuck on eleven. "We need to make a plan and I think Indira will help."

     "What plan?"

    "You can't stay here. You and I both know that. And we need to figure out what we should do."

     My heart sunk. Memories of the night vanished, disappearing into the air and out of my reach, and my eyes lingered on the ground. But then Ronan touched my chin and lifted my face so that I would look at him.

     "Everything will be okay," Ronan said. "And we'll be with you every step of the way."

     My eyes flew wide as I wondered what that meant. As I hoped, it meant what I dreamt, my heart blossomed with hope. 

*****

     Ronan cooked us some stew and fresh bread and I set up the dining table, awaiting Indira and maybe even Devan. We were quiet as we set up the table in the tiny kitchen that was connected to the living room. And soon, there was a knock on the door and I rushed over to open it.

     "Amara!" Indira shouted.

     She launched herself at me and embraced me. I held her back just as tightly.

     "I was so scared!" Indira said. "Ronan told me what happened - about how the soliders came for you because of me. I'm so sorry."

     I shook my head. "That's not your fault. Please don't feel guilty."

     Indira's face was still full of remorse and I led her to the dining table. There was a lot we had to talk about.

     The both of us settled down at the table and Ronan placed food on our three plates before joining us. His body was tense and I yearned to reach over and massage the tension out of him.

     "Is Devan coming?" Ronan asked.

     "No, I don't think so." Indira sighed. "I don't think he wants anything to do with Amara."

     Ronan said nothing. Although I knew Devan hated me, a whirlwind of hurt hurtled at me and knocked me off my feet.

     "So, Indira told me you plan to go to Graythrone," Ronan said. "Where exactly is it?"

     "Up east. It's only reachable by train from here," I said.

     "I think we should go there."

     I froze. My heart leapt to my throat and all I could do was stare at Ronan, as if he had grown a second head. He was expressionless. His eyes so sure, I could do nothing but stare for a moment.

     "Wait, really?" I asked. "You would leave Edolas?"

     "I'm happy here, but maybe I need a new scene," Ronan said. A hint of a smile began to tug at his lips and I broke into a smile. "I've heard good things about Prince Flynn. He's lively and kind. A fun mix."