A Witch's World

6) At The Heart

Layla:

The sound of water falling trickled to my ears as the beginnings of consciousness began to wake me from my sleep. I was aware of the oh-so-comfortable mattress beneath me and of the raise and fall of Matt's chest as he breathed deeply. I opened my eyes slowly as light filtered into my vision and I blinked a couple of times whilst I adjusted to the surroundings. Though this was the first time I was waking up at the Palace I knew instantly where I was, Matt's bedroom, it was hard to forget the elaborate decor that coated this room like a second skin. I raised my head slightly and looked at the gold encrusted clock that hung on the far wall. Ten to eight. I sighed and let my head fall back on Matt's bare shoulder.

We had gone to bed early last night, after having a hasty dinner which we ate in this room, both not feeling quite up to having a big family banquet quite yet. I had asked him whether he wanted to talk about his talk with the Queen. He didn't so I let it drop, though I was more curious then ever at what had been said between them, but I knew if Matt wanted me to know he would have told me, I know he doesn't have the best family life. Nate as he had promised stopped by after his shift ended, but couldn't stay too long unfortunately, I was really starting to like him.

My thoughts drifted to what we might do today. I knew Matt wanted to get out of the Palace for a while so maybe we would explore Rhistenia? He said he would give me a tour and I was so excited you have no idea. To be able to see people of your own kind not afraid to use their gifts in the public eye, that was the norm here. Ever since getting my magic I have always had to make sure I was never seen doing anything out of the ordinary, and even then I screwed up occasionally (which is why it was so handy to edit humans memory). Yeah, I had been able to use it freely at the Lake house, but that was when I was only with Matt and also the fact that I had the whole of the Deathstag after me, kinda put a damper on my mood. But here, there were whole communities of witch's and warlocks using magic in their everyday lives and having no consequence. I could use it with no consequence. I could walk out the Palace doors and create a giant marshmallow if I so chose, coming to think of it that it isn't a half bad idea...

A sharp knock interrupted the image of the large lumps of sugar and I turned my head to the door. Matt had stirred slightly at the sound but hadn't woken up. I bit my lip before coming to the decision of getting up to see who it was. I carefully lifted Matt's heavy arm from my waist and placed it by his side before creeping out of bed and throwing on one of Matt's large hoodies that lay discarded on the floor. The carpet felt like silk under my bare feet as I made my way across the room quickly and grasped the heavy bronze doorknob and opened the door. I poked my head out and saw a woman around the age of thirty. She was wearing a simple white shirt tucked into a black pencil skirt. In her hands she was carrying a silver tray, on which lay a sample of food. I had to physically stop myself from licking my lips at the sight in front of me. The woman smiled nervously and raised her head slightly, her brown bun bobbling slightly.

"The Queen thought you might want to have breakfast up here whilst you settle in," she said as she raised the tray to me.

I smiled as I took it from her, "Thank you."

I took a step back into the room as she closed the door for me and turned to face the bed. Walking over, I placed it carefully on the long cushioned seat at the foot of the bed before picking up a cube of melon and popping it in my mouth. I savoured the taste as I crept over to the bed and climbed on it. I hovered over Matt's dead like form and grinned before lightly pressing my lips to his. I saw his eyes flutter slightly and he smiled under me and kissed me back. I pulled away and rested my head on his chest.

"I do like it when you wake me up like that," he murmured, eyes still closed and his arms flexing around me.

"So do I. Just to let you know, breakfast just arrived."