Lady Eilean

Chapter 41

Sitting in front of my vanity, I looked at myself in the mirror. Candlelight reflected a shimmering haze across the glass, smoothing my complexion and blurring the edges of my visage. I unwrapped my hair from its bun atop my head and shook loose the snarling curls. Black as night and as unruly as ever, my hair tumbled down across my shoulders. A couple of blossoms from my wilting flower crown joined the cascade.

"Hello, fairy queen," I giggled at my reflection.

Drunk enough after a long day of laugher and revelry, I studied myself, tracking the changes over the past few years.

Hard work on the land and around the castle had made me broad and strong, but the strength complimented my height — something that had always felt cumbersome and unseemly. The slight line of muscles along my arms, shoulders, and back gave my shape intention and purpose. My cheeks were bright pink, though if that was from my hatred of hats or the flush of wine, I couldn't tell. My eyes, in a shifting blue-green, sparkled with merriment. Sharp cheekbones still seemed too formal and striking, sitting in a high curve that bisected my face, but the surrounding countenance was softer, happier. Lessening the intensity I had possessed as a child.

At twenty-one, I felt a far cry from the gangly and silenced girl of thirteen with her shorn hair and coltish limbs who only looked at herself to find areas of improvement. If asked right then, I would have told anyone that I was the most striking woman I had ever seen. Serene contentedness fell over me, and I winked at my reflection.

Standing so that I might undress, I spared a last look in the mirror to admire the way my bodice and skirt created a fashionable illusion around my body. Untying the skirt, I let it fall into a nest around my ankles. Next, I loosened all the lacing on my bodice, cursing the chore after falling out of the habit after two years in pants and loose shirts. I made quick work of the petticoats and stays, and I kicked off my shoes once I was down to my shift.

I was reaching for the rope to call a maid to draw a hot bath when a knock from the door halted me. The raps against the wood were faint but in his familiar pattern.

"Come in, Alex," I called.

There was a muffled complaint and some scuffling from outside the door, so I opened it myself. On the other side was a drowsy, drunk Alex. Lopsided flower crown drooping across his brow and carrying a tray overflowing with food. He wore a large, lazy smile and looked quite pleased with himself.

"I come bearing refreshment," he said, stepping into the room.

"Thank goodness, I'm famished." Despite the feasting, my stomach growled at the sight of the food. I followed him to where he placed the tray on a low table in front of the fire.

Apples, scones, cured meats, hard cheeses, and honey were arranged on the platter. A pot of coffee perfumed the air. Cups of dried fruits were placed in any open space on the board.

"Oh you magnificent creature," I said, gleefully taking a triangle of cheese and biting into it.

"I didn't know what you were in the mood for, so I grabbed a bit of everything." Alex looked up at me as he settled down onto the rug in a cross-legged position and blushed, smiling. "Do you want your dressing gown?"

"What?" I asked, confused. Looking down, I remembered I was only in my shift, which was made from thin, translucent fabric. Laughing, I walked to my wardrobe and wrapped a silk robe around me. "Am I offending your modesty?" I asked as I knotted the sash.

Alex's smile turned into something wicked and sharp that sent a thrill up my bones. "Perhaps you had a different sort of refreshment in mind, Eilean?"