One Eternal Ember

Chapter 12

Delano doesn't cover my eyes with the blindfold this time as we walk through multiple corridors. I try not to interrupt the silence between us, but I can't help feeling awkward. He seems content to remain in silence, which bothers me slightly. I've never been one for much conversation, especially with someone who worships The Capital, but we've been walking for five minutes. I refuse to let my eyes roam, with the thought of the blindfold being used again. There will be more time to study the corridors, just not here with him and his absurd need to blindfold anyone and everyone.

We finally ascend two flights, and end up in a tower in which I can assume is the eastern wing of the Castle. We stop in front of a long corridor, decorated with dim torches along the walls next to the windows. The ceilings are high, and adorn chandeliers. Our boots sound soft on the red velvet carpet, which could only cost a fortune. There are four doors along the hall, and Delano stops at the door furthest from the stairs.

"This is your quarters, you may decorate them as you please. You'll be staying here for awhile so get comfortable. Lilith is next to you, and there are more people who will be staying in the other rooms. You will meet them tomorrow. Get some rest, and do NOT leave your quarters until morning when you're escorted." He leans on the wall and crosses his arms.

"Am I a prisoner with class?"

Delano snorts and rolls his eyes. "There is no such thing as a prisoner with class." He looks me up and down, then makes eye contact with me. "I'm serious about not leaving your quarters Kasdeya. This Kingdom is a many great things, but there are things no one wants to see roaming around at night."

I huff a laugh, "If this is your way of telling me you like to stalk around women's quarters at night it's oddly unsurprising." I really do wish I knew how to shut my smart ass mouth. Castiano would laugh himself sick if he were here, then give me a lecture about the way I'm acting when I have no idea what I'm here for in the first place.

"This isn't a joke human woman."

"What isn't a joke?"

"Just give me your word you won't leave."

My word? I nearly snort. If he knew who I was he wouldn't ask for my word. It means nothing to me on more than one occasion. I glance to the ceiling, then back to him. I don't owe him a promise, or my word. I hate the Capital, and he serves at their feet while citizens starve. A bitter taste fills my throat, and it feels a lot like ash. I clear my throat, and open the door to my quarters.

"It's not like I have a lover to meet in the garden at midnight, Captain. So I'll be staying in tonight. Thank you for the escort." I reply flatly, turning to him after I step inside.

He glares at me his nostrils flaring. "I suggest you learn how to act professional before tomorrow. Gods know you'll need it before what you're going to go through." A bitter smile forms on his face, and rage straightens my spine. "I'll send my regards from the Gardens." He then spins around, and struts down the corridor, disappearing down the large staircase. My eyes squint, and I release a sigh. I close the door, and lock the hatch, finally turning around to look at where I'll be staying; for however long I'm here.

My eyes widen, at the impressive sight before me. A large fireplace sits to my right with a red velvet couch, large bookshelves to my left, along with large windows. High vaulted ceilings with wooden beams. A desk sits at the windows, with pens, paper, and more books. I walk into my quarters more and glance to the bed directly in front of me. The large bed is a bright red, with silk red sheets, and high bed posts. Silk hangs from the top of the bed posts, creating curtains to hide the light. My boots scoff on carpet, and I look down to see a black carpet with exquisite patterns, swirls, and stars. To the left of my bed is a bathroom, which I enter quietly. The bathroom is large as well, with a mirror to the right, a large sink, a large tub to the left, and of course the rest that bathrooms hold. I smile to myself as I exit the bathroom, and glance to the right of the bed. Tucked in a cubby is a large wardrobe.

"Not too bad for a prisoner." I whisper to myself. I walk to the wardrobe, and open the large doors. A gasp leaves my lips before I can comprehend I even had air in my lungs. Before my eyes hang beautiful gowns, all of bright colors, reds, blues, greens, purples, and even silver and black. I trail my fingers along the soft fabrics, my hands snagging on one made entirely of black silk. I smile and release a little laugh. "A classy prisoner indeed." I release the black silk of the beautiful gown, and grab a fiery red nightgown from a drawer.

After drawing a bath, and finally cleansing the dirt from the day off my skin, I wash my long silver hair, reveling at the way it shines in the torch-light. I give myself twenty minutes to relax, then rise from the bath and drain the water. I step out to brush my teeth, comb the knots out of my hair, and slide the nightgown on. After a few minutes of staring at myself in the mirror, I finally slide into the cool silk sheets. Sleep comes in a rush, and I greet it with a smile.