Until Darkness Ascends

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

She found herself on top of a branch on one of the only remaining trees strong enough to hold her. She straddled it, leaning against the trunk as she read the book in her hands. But this book was different than the others. It wasn't history or fantasy. It was romance. A romance novel that said things she'd never read before.

She must have been so engrossed that she didn't hear her name called because suddenly Altair was in front of her. He had pulled himself up easily and knelt before her on the branch. The book flew from her hands, landing with a thud on the hard ground below.

"What is it about this book that has you so distracted?"

"Uh, nothing," she lied.

He didn't believe her, but he accepted it. "The parlor is ready for you and your suitors are waiting."

She nodded, throwing her leg over to jump from the tree. As soon as her weight left, hands wrapped around her, slowly lowering her to the ground. "It wasn't that big of a jump."

"Still."

Sitting upon the large chair positioned in the middle of the hall with the book stuffed between her hips and the arm, she suddenly realized just how long she would be required to be here. She knew she should be thrilled to meet these men, but honestly, she just wanted to continue reading that book.

She smiled as the doors open and the name was announced.

"Ser Niael of Quinton, Maiden."

The male was attractive enough. With blonde hair and startling blue eyes, to anyone else he probably seemed incredibly handsome. She could objectively say that he was, but he didn't make her hot like a certain archangel.

It didn't help that that archangel in question wouldn't take his eyes off her.

"Hello," she stood. "I am Cordelia."

Ser Niael took her hand, kissing her knuckles. She blushed from the contact, but still, something seemed...wrong. "You're beautiful, Cordelia."

"Thank you, please, sit." She sat back down as he took a seat in front of her.

"Is that a book?"

Looking down, she nodded, pushing it back behind her. "Yes, do you enjoy reading?"

"No, but a lady like yourself shouldn't concern yourself with such folly."

"Pardon?"

"You should be focusing on the art of women, Maiden. Sewing and domesticity. Women should not read. It corrupts their head and causes hysteria."

She didn't know what to say. Part of her, the trained part, felt that she should remain docile. The other part, the part that felt brazen, knew that she had the upper hand. She was tired of being an easily controlled female.

"Actually, I think it is males who cause hysteria within women." She stood, gesturing to the door. "And I quite enjoy reading. I will not stop because of the misogynistic remarks of, honestly, a mediocre man. Or any man for that matter."

She heard the archangels chuckle.

"Please see yourself to the door."

The day continued unremarkably. No one really took her interest. They all spoke down to her, speaking immediately about trying for children. By the end of the treacherous nine hours, she slumped against the back of the chair.