Beguiled

Part Four

They trudged slowly back through the woods. Iris stayed at Colin's side as he strode slowly, making sure as to not trip over unearthed roots. Unlike with Ashili, Iris felt uncomfortable in their silence, she didn't yet know him. She chanced a quick glance at him before looking at to the ground before her, "Might I ask what you were doing out here?"

There was a pause, as if he were thinking, "I wanted to venture from home. Tensions are running high in the palace. The King has been demanding."

She paused as well, but only briefly, "What is your place there?"

"I am the King's advisor. His right hand man, so to say." He allowed a few more steps before admitting, "He put the task on me, it was not by choice that I became so."

Her spirit deflated for him, "I am very sorry you must deal with such matters." Then she had her own admittance, "I am glad I did not come into his presence."

Colin nodded, "He throws the balls for the household and their guests. He has never wished to attend." A few more steps. "Consider yourself fortunate. Most do not fare well with him."

She let that statement be, not wanting to talk ill of the King. If matters were truly as he said, she wished to stay out of it. She idly thought that he must be strong willed to put up with such disarray.

They continued on in silence once again until they came to her home. She held the door open for him and he stepped though, glancing around, "You live in the dark?"

He sounded bemused. She flushed in embarrassment as she shut the door. Turning to face him he was waiting patiently for direction. She smiled meekly before speaking softly, "Her room is upstairs. Are you able to take her?"

He smiled in return, his eyes shining with amusement, "I can manage."

He turned and ascended, and she followed. Once at the top she led him to the aforementioned room. He set Ashili down gently before examining her, "She's alive. From the look of it, she'll sleep through the night." He faced Iris, "You did well in healing her. I'm impressed with your power." He took two slow steps toward her, "I've... never met a witch."

Iris smiled, yet there was something in her eyes that spoke of offense, "I prefer sorceress. Witch sounds... degrading."

He stopped short, "I apologize. I've never met a sorceress. I must admit it's thrilling."

She smiled further, "I've never met a man so enthralled. It flatters me."

He stepped closer, his voice quiet, "So you've revealed yourself to others? I was led to believe magick is kept secret among those who wield it."

Her heart beat faster in response to his approach, yet she remained calm, "Only you."

He stopped before her, close, "Why?"

She blushed, "I wished to intrigue you."

"And that you have," he whispered.

The atmosphere was stifling, his closeness gave her chills. The room was quiet and she could feel the tension vividly. They stood for a moment too long, and when he didn't make a move to capture her within his strong embrace, as she'd hoped he would, she turned to leave, albeit bashfully. She could feel him following as she descended the stairs a bit faster than she had intended, her heart beating heavily. Why did she feel this way while only having met him the night before? She didn't know this man and yet he was in her home. Ashili wouldn't approve, but she had no voice at the moment to scold her. This man had tended to her. If she were to awake she should be grateful.

Iris intended to lead the noble to the door, to thank him and bid him farewell, but his soft voice stopped her, "We never did have that dance."

She froze, then she turned. After a prominent beat of her heart she inquired with faint humor, "You wish to dance in the quiet?"

His expression was kind, serious in soft intent, as he once again approached her, "I do."

He reached her and silently, surely, took her hand in one of his, placing his other carefully onto her waist. Enamored, she slowly brought her free hand up to his shoulder, placing it lightly. He smiled and began to lead her with ease. She regarded him with parted lips and searching eyes, her body fluttering with a soft ache that overwhelmed her. He was so kind, so sweet that it made her stomach coil. But setting that feeling aside to the best of her ability, she danced with him.

Suddenly he dipped her, causing blood to rush to her head in adrenaline induced giddiness. She grinned as he pulled her up. And then, before she could prepare herself, their lips were close, and time stopped. They lingered, the tension thick. Surely he would kiss her. But to her disappointment he pulled away, "I must return home."

She deflated, though she hoped not too visibly. Perhaps it was repayment for how she left him. Their hands fell away and she released an, "Oh." Then she recomposed herself, "Of course."

He smiled kindly, "I have the feeling we shall meet again."

She smiled with a nod before he turned and made his own way to the door, leaving her.

Night came quickly, and once again she could not sleep. She thought about how she might she him again. She wondered if it was an invitation. She tossed and turned, cursing herself for thinking about such a thing so late at night, it was best saved for daydreaming. And then her thoughts turned to Ashili. Would she awake? Had it been a curse meant to kill? Was she now on the brink of death? But just as she had begun to wonder, she heard the shatter of glass down below. She sat up, her heart spiking with fear. Someone had come in through the window. The fear rendered her body useless as she then heard someone running up the stairs. Without thought she stood from the bed, prepared to defend herself. But the intruder never came. Then she realized. They must have gone to Ashili's room.

She sprung through her bedroom door, turning to run down the corridor to the chamber at the opposite end. When she reached it the door was already open, and when she turned, she saw him. She was too late as he plunged a shining knife into Ashili's chest.

Her eyes went wide, and that's when the hooded figure turned his head, his cold eyes peeking through from behind a black mask. A beat passed before he faced her, throwing his hands out in front of him. An intimidating ball of purple light flew toward her and, adrenaline fueled, she lifted her hands to catch it, but she only had so much strength before she called out, "Reditus!" and the sphere soared back in his direction. But the orb never hit him, as he folded into himself, disappearing in a puff of black smoke.

She stood there for a moment in shock, attempting to subdue her racing heart. But then she gasped, rushing to Ashili's side. With her body shaking she patted at her mother's chest in panic, her lips quivering and her eyes brimming with tears. She fell to her knees, clinging on to the now deceased witch's arm, hanging her head and crying.

But she couldn't wallow through the night, and she couldn't stay there. So she stood, taking one last look at Ashili before making her way hastily down the stairs.