Chromatically Cursed

CHAPTER 13

Song: Too Afraid to Love You by The Black Keys

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Killian

She relaxed into my embrace as we rode along. Being in the saddle was natural to her. When we started to canter, she automatically corrected herself and pushed down in the saddle. I continue to be impressed by her.

The palace is practically sunlit, with all the lanterns burning. I notice all the carriages entering the porte cochere, and I know I'm long overdue. We ride down the servant's path, tucked away by trees, heading to the back door that I frequently use. Roux should be there, anxiously waiting for my return. I'll send Emberly with her and then I'll head to my own quarters to get ready. I try to mentally prepare for the long night ahead of me. Lady Kinsley will be coming out tonight, and I'm sure she will weasel her way into a conversation with me.

Many servants are rushing about, coming and going, and I see the faint glow of Roux's fiery hair standing impatiently. Once we are close enough, she comes barreling up to me, clucking away, "Killian! You selfish man! Do you know how late it is? People have been asking about you and I've looked like a fool!"

I pull the horse to a stop and leave the reins in Emberly's hands, "Make sure he doesn't run," I instruct.

Emberly nods and I see her nervously eye up the squawking redhead beneath us. I slide off the saddle, landing right next to Roux. She continues to crow, "Where have you been? Jack said you disappeared after the speech, the failed speech I might add, and no one has seen you since. Governor Parks is stirring up all kinds of trouble-"

"Roux, can you take a breath, please?"

She takes a long deep breath. I wait for her to take another. She does and I nod, "Good. Thank you. Now, I'm sorry for making you look like an imbecile. But I had important things to attend to."

I reach up and take Emberly's waist in my hands, gently pulling her down. She cradles her stitched hand to her chest to avoid damaging it further. Roux's eyes grow wide in utter surprise. She watches as I lower her to the ground, and place a protective hand on her waist. Emberly shivers under my touch and she seems to lean into me a little. I can't help but revel in it.

Roux stutters, "You, y-y-you, you found her?"

"Yes, now please, take care of her. Put her in a room, somewhere on my wing, and help her get comfortable. She's had a day."

Roux nods, "Yes of course."

Emberly turns to me, "Are you sure I should be here?"

She's afraid. Her eyes are wide and she's curling into herself. I don't blame her. The urge to hold her comes over me, then the desire to stay beside her, but I push them both away. Instead I raise my hand and brush a stray hair from her forehead and tuck it behind her ear, "I'm positive. Roux will take good care of you. I'll check on you later, alright?"

I bring my head down to meet her downcast eyes. She barely nods and I touch her cheek in acknowledgement. Before I can change my mind, I dash inside, dodging all the different servants running about. I jog down the hallway, taking the stairs two at a time up to my room. Voices and laughter drift through the halls from the throne room and the ballroom. Soft violins play and I hear the giggles of young girls. I groan. Tonight will be a long night. I know my mind will not think of anything else besides the woman holding my soul.

I say a silent thank you to Roux when I see my attire laid out neatly for me to just throw on. Shedding each item of clothing from my body, I walk to the washroom and turn on cold water. My hands form a cup and I splash it on my face. It hits like ice and I savor it. I finally don't feel like I'm on fire. I lean against the sink, looking into the mirror. I have my father's facial structure, sculpted around the jaw, and a straight nose. I've always thought my forehead was a little on the larger side, but it seems to balance my prominent chin. I think my father was always a little bitter that I didn't inherit the Loxley green eyes, but I got my mother's rich brown, stemming from her poor heritage. Her downturned eyes always looked sad, but mine looked strong, like a leader.