Heirs to a Nothing Throne

Chapter 16

I dreamt that night, but afterward, I could barely remember what about. I was around family, my family and someone else's. I guess it was my wedding, but I didn't recognize my bride. For some reason, I sat down in the pews and watched, though, watched as someone else stood up and took my place. And then someone else, and then someone else. And then someone else.

Something smelled delectable. My eyes opened to a dark room, only ashes remaining in the fireplace. Light streaming from an open doorway drew my gaze to it.

I let a groan slip out as I attempted separation from the couch, although I fell back into it after a moment. I didn't want to get up. I allowed myself another minute of rest before forcing myself off with another groan.

My bones cracked as I stretched. I felt out of place in this cozy room after spending so many nights under the stars. Sauntering over to the light, I heard someone singing from past the doorway. I walked through a hallway with two doors, one closed and the other letting light out, which was what I had seen from the living room.

I blinked several times to adjust when I entered. The room was a dining room on one side and a kitchen on the other, divided by a peninsula that had tall chairs neatly arranged before it, opposite the kitchen. It featured a large wooden table and five chairs, four on each side and one at the head, with a cloth draped over it cleanly. A burning candle sat on top. The kitchen side was more interesting. A small, raised basin and a simple stove were the main features, the latter being built with a fire below and a raised metal piece over it. There were knives, pots, and pans neatly arranged nearby. Theta was currently at the stove, her back to me, hair tied up behind her head.

She turned around and stared at me with tired eyes. She was heaping hash browns into a small container from the stove. "Uhhhh... Stephan, right?" she said, her voice seeming disinterested due to exhaustion. "Good morning."

"Morning, Theta," I said, unmoving.

"Sit down," she said. "This is the last of it." I took a seat at the table, and she lowered a plate in front of me with a small serving, followed by a fork. From what I could tell, all of the utensils were made from bone.

She dropped herself in the chair across from me, along with a breakfast of her own, and began eating as well.

"You're the first one awake," she said, looking across at me with a large bite in her mouth.

"Guess so," I said, swallowing my first bite. It was the best thing I had tasted since we lived under Timore. "I suppose the others are just worn out."

"Hey, I'm worn out too," she replied, providing evidence with her tone. "I stayed up late last night because... well, I guess I was just processing the day. I was giddy. Couldn't sleep." She laughed. "That sounds dumb out loud."

"Of course not, I can't imagine your situation. But yeah, you look like you could use a bit more rest," I said.

"It takes effort to keep my eyes open."

"Don't suppose you've got coffee?"

"What? Never had it."

Of course, they don't have coffee beans here. "It's kind of nasty."

"Oh."

"I could go for some right now."

She laughed. "Even though it's gross?"

I smiled. "Well, you put up with it. It helps you stay awake." Silence returned for a few seconds before she spoke again.

"You know, I am grateful. You guys are letting me leave this island with you. I really am grateful."