Ash and Sun

4.

Aeris

I awoke with the warm sun shining brightly on my face. Never in my life had I gotten such a good nights rest.

Through the window I was met with a garden that seemed to stretch for miles. Tall trees and flowers of every species filled the space. It was stunning.

Tespar's bed was the most comfortable thing ever. I hope he didn't mind me sleeping here. Even though Cassian said it was okay, he may just be trying to be nice and spare my feelings.

Thoughts of my parents and home came to mind, as they did every morning. My heart physically aches, but I have to keep going.

In that room, I couldn't sleep more than a couple hours without waking up from a nightmare.

I felt more refreshed than usual, which would be important for what was to come. Today was the day I would have to speak to the council and explain my situation.

I knew Cassian being there would help, but that didn't make it any less nerve-wracking.

What if they still decided to banish me after everything? After all, it was their land, and I was intruding.

I knew I didn't belong here, but I could only hope they extend the same amount of kindness that Cassian did to me.

Cassian.

His deep eyes popped into my mind. His gorgeous smile and wings were not far behind. God, what was I thinking?

Cassian saved me because he is kind, not because he wants anything to do with me. He must've felt obligated to bring me back here.

Still, I couldn't help but think of his words last night.

I wish I could keep you here all to myself.

What does he mean? It was all so confusing. This world, their people, their wings.

I knew I would have to get ready soon and try and look presentable, but I was hesitant to use Tespar's bathroom.

His room was grand with dark red drapes, silken sheets and black furniture. I felt like I was in a lair, instead of a room. I could only imagine how his bathroom looked.

Back in my home, we had rooms and bathrooms, but none this grand. We mostly used the river to bathe, as hot running water was scarce.

To me, this was a luxury. What did I do to deserve this? To deserve Cassian's kindness?

~

I got ready in a reasonable amount of time. I hadn't bathed nor washed my hair since I arrived, and doing so made me feel physically better.

Emotionally, I was still suffering, but there wasn't much I could do about that at the moment.

I knew there wasn't a way to hide my ears or my eyes, but I brushed my hair with Tespar's tools, and put on a fresh set of clean clothes that Cassian had sent for me.

I thought I looked decent, but what if it wasn't enough? What if they took one look at me and were so disgusted by me that I was banished?

I know Cassian said nothing bad would happen to me, but exactly how much pull does he have over the council members? He couldn't be above them, right?

He's the crown prince.

I recall Ala's words from last night, and Cassian lived up to that title. The confidence, strength and humility he exuded was staggering.

You have the crown prince arguing in your favor, you'll be okay.

Ala's words popped into my head once again. Did she really mean that?