Crowns of Flame and Ice - Book One

(38) I Found You

I'd been staring at myself in the mirror for far too long now, Quilo was likely growing impatient. I'd never considered myself to be beautiful before but recently, when I'd been allowed to choose what I wore, I thought I could be. My emerald green gown hugged my upper body, plunging at the neckline to reveal the top of my breasts. The skirt floated to the floor, not ridiculously puffy like the dresses of the courtiers had been, but still wide enough that when I twirled around the skirt lifted slightly. A simple silver heart-shaped locket sat around my neck, the metal cool against my skin. I also wore silver earrings, my ring and the knotted piece of ribbon I'm sure most would find unappealing. But I liked it, so I kept it on. I'd left my hair straight, letting it fall to my hips instead of tying it up. A gentle tap sounded from the door, followed by Quilo asking "you ready?" I let out a deep breath, then opened the door.

My eyes immediately found Quilo's once I stepped out of the bathroom. Quilo wore a suit of deep green, the colour-contrasting his hair nicely. Throughout the fabric silver leaves and vines had been embroidered. They twirled and twined around his arms and shoulders. He looked incredible, so much so that I wanted to trace the silver with my fingers. Then I realised I could, that he trusted me enough to do so, so I did. The scratchy thread tickled my finger as I trailed it along his arm, then across his chest. I realised that among the leaves there were tiny little insects too, bees and butterflies, ladybugs and dragonflies. I marvelled at the skill it must've taken to stitch all of this by hand. "Beautiful" I rasped, my eyes meeting his. I wasn't sure whether I was talking about the suit or him as his sinfully blue eyes met mine. "I'm glad you're here" he whispered, "I'm glad it is you." I stilled, realising what he meant. He was glad that it wasn't someone else trying to touch him, glad it wasn't someone like one of my sisters. "I'd never..." "I know" He cut me off, a slight tremor to his voice.

I grabbed his hand from where it rested next to his leg, pressing a kiss to his knuckle. "I'm glad you're here too." I went to pull my hand away but Quilo held still, stopping me from moving. He stood like that for a moment, eyes fixed on me, on my lips. "Quilo" I whispered, "we need to go." He grinned at me but made no move to pull his hand away. He laughed when I gave him a look, "I'm sorry it's just... you look perfect." I snorted, there was no way I looked anything close to perfect. "it's true" Quilo murmured but dropped my hand, running his own through his hair. His muscle flexed with the movement, his shoulders easily filling out the shirt as it bunched. He caught me staring and smirked... God's help me.

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

The estate in front of us was absolutely stunning, in a slightly night kissed eerie way, but stunning. Quilo and I currently stood in a gap in the line of trees that circled the entire property, the moon shining overhead. A worn paved path led forward to a water fountain that gurgled before continuing up to the house. Cadle light flickered on the grassy bank on either side of the walkway. Faintly illuminating the way in the otherwise dark garden. A steep incline separated the garden from the house lined with shrubs and various statues. This place was old, I could tell in the fissures zig-zagging through the rock. I could imagine fairie folk dancing across the steps under the moonlight, wings outstretched. Had this place been old enough to see such a thing?

This was to be the last ball we attended on the trip, tomorrow we'd begin our journey towards the edge of Silkgrave where the translator lived. We'd brought all of our belongings with us, deciding it was best to move to a different location tonight. I'd have to tuck them somewhere, I really didn't want to be carrying all of this around with me tonight. I soft breeze skittered past my legs, fluttering my skirt. I wondered what would happen when we returned to the castle. Would they be angry when we told them there had been nothing to find? I had little doubt in my mind they'd kill me for the way I'd acted before we left, best case scenario they locked me away forever. I wasn't sure whether that was the better option.