Sharp Flowers

Part 20

Morning comes, like any other day. Sunshine, the smell of rations cooking, and folks sharpening the weapons for whatever may come or not come. Dew rests upon the grass, tickling and chilling my feet in the cool morning air we all breathe. Yet, on this morning, I find eyes more on me than on their plates. I glance down at myself, dressed no different and walking the same as them, finding silence with each passing step.

"Raven, morning," Elfie greets me. Finally, someone speaks to me.

"Morning," I greet them, offering a small smile.

"Raven, Miss Wrenwood-," Volker corrects himself. Oh. "Morning."

"Morning Volker, how are you?" I ask him.

"Good. Miss Wrenwood," Volker answers, very stiff and rigid-like. I frown; my nerves are uneasy. Felicity lets out a long, dragging sigh as if annoyed.

"It's awfully quiet today, isn't it?" I note.

"Quiet? I guess it is," Elfie murmurs. She looks to Volker, but the man is about as tight-lipped as other nearby groups. Not that I've heard Volker say much before, but among a collective silence, it is dreadful. Felicity groans again and pinches the bridge of her nose.

"They want to know why you hid who you were," Felicity inquires and the tense shatters like glass, spreading uncomfortable shards all around. I press my lips together. "Too late to be silent now," and Elfie's eyes blow up wide. Felicity takes another deep breath. "To them, you are far from the person we thought you were. They're just in shock," Felicity notes, "As stupid as that is," she scoffs and looks around at the people. "Your title has changed. And that's all," she adds.

"Miss Wrenwood," Volker starts, and I hold a hand up.

"It's just Raven," I remind him with a gentle smile.

"Well, thank you," Volker tells me. I cock my head to the side. "The council is far from complete. But, it helps to have another representative to call shots and make decisions. It's better than listening to the captains arguing," Volker admits and shakes his head.

"Volker's right. We need stability," Elfie admits, giving me a fleeting glance. Felicity puts a hand on my arm and gives me a knowing nod. I wait for her to say something, expecting equal part on my end, but she only looks me in the eye. Something about the looks feels maybe understanding, and that alone is the most reassuring thing.

"Ladies, I have some matters to see to," Volker dismisses himself. He nods, and we, in return to see him leave. Felicity looks back at me with a wide grin.

"What, what's that look for?" I scoff at her.

"You know," Felicity starts and gives Elfie a look. "This couldn't have anything to do with your walks with Kisomen, could it?" and at that, I feel my face flush. Under their giggling and glances, I can't lift my eyes. I can't quite place how they know, but if they know, who else does?

"Are you and Sebastian together?" Elfie inquires. I dare look up at a group of knights sitting in the shade with Sebastian at the center. They watch him, eager to learn from the young King himself and find some recognition on their name. "You're not afraid of him?" she inquires, and I shake my head, captivated by Sebastian out in daylight. While he's avoiding direct sunlight, seeing him so clearly and true is quite the sight.

"He was once human, too," I note with a shrug, "And he's kind," I add, unable to find words and get my lips to move.

"So then, would you allow him to warm your bed then?" Felicity goes on, and a chill runs down my spine.

"Shh, what if he can hear you or something," I blurt out, my eyes darting between her and him, praying internally that he's not that good. Oh, goodness, what if he heard her? I think I might die. Felicity and Elfie, on the other hand, find it hysterical. Glad they find my misery so enjoyable.