A Court of Fire and Sun

chapter four

Esther

The Day Court was peaceful. Helion had been gone two days now and I was becoming more acquainted with my life here. I was almost sad I would have to leave the castle when Helion returned. But anything was better than the Autumn Court. I had already finished three books and I was working on the fourth and final book in the series.

I grabbed a muffin from a platter in the kitchen, a glass of juice and made my way to the yard. I had found a perfect spot in the back yard for reading. There was a small hill that dipped down and ended by a small pond. By the pond was a natural curve in the earth that was perfect for laying down in. It kept me upright in the soft grass, the perfect position for reading.

I loved being in the sun. I felt the rays soak into my skin and I was glowing here. Upon waking up today I even cried at my reflection in the mirror. I was beautiful. Life was good for the first time. I deserved it.

I laid down into my new reading nook and opened the book, taking a deep breath of the cool air. I felt at home. Something I never felt at the Autumn Court. The book was good. It was about a warrior woman who, despite all odds, made it out of her home full of poverty and conquered everything. She was badass. She led armies side by side her lover, the Queen of a made up land called Wryn. Reading the book was so enchanting. The woman and her Queen saved their whole world and the author didn't even kill any major character. A wonderful book.

I read well past lunchtime because I just couldn't pull my eyes away. Finally, maybe midday, I shut the book and stretched, wiggling my toes. I sucked in a breath and let out a happy sigh. What I wouldn't give to live the rest of my life like this.

I shut my eyes tight and laid still, wielding myself into taking a nap. I drifted off and dreamed of myself swimming in the pond I was next to when I fell asleep. I was wearing nothing and my whole naked body was exposed. Helion was in the water with me, if he was wearing clothes I couldn't tell. He waded through the water and held out his arm to me. I looked him over, taking in every curve and muscle of his body before grabbing his extended hand. When I took it he pulled me in quickly and close. My breasts were pushing against his chest and he was grinning. "Little bird," he hummed. My head dipped back and he was about to press his lips against my neck.

"Esther. Esther, wake up."

I shot up quickly, placing my hand where Helion had almost kissed me in my dream. Helion was towering above me and I felt my face turn a deep shade of red. "Sorry. I was just reading and I must have fell asleep."

"That book put you to sleep?" He eyed it curiously. "That is one of the best series I ever read and here you are, snoozing."

I grabbed the book and Helion offered a hand to help me up. I looked at before deciding to take it unlike I did the other day. "It's wonderful. I don't think I have ever read something so intriguing." Speaking to Helion about the book made me suddenly remember. "Oh. I have this," I held out a small sheet of white paper. "It's a list of words I've read in the book that I don't know. My aunt didn't teach me everything and I couldn't find a dictionary in your house anywhere."

Helion read over the list, his lips lifted in a small smile. "Contrary could mean two different things; opposite of or even unhelpful. So if it says 'The Queen doesn't care of the Kingdom she leads. She is contrary to her people and all those who live under her..'" He paused. He had quoted the book directly and I couldn't help but grin.

"That makes sense. Don't you think Lutherin is an ass?"

Helion snorted, folding the sheet of paper up and handing it back to me. "Lutherin is the worse. Wait until the end of the book."