The Woods

Chapter Fourteen

I did manage to find my way back to my room that night. It took an hour or so, but I eventually found myself in the hallways of red and gold, and by recognising a few paintings, soon found myself in my room. The whole day had exhausted me, and it didn't take much for me to collapse on my bed and fall into a deep sleep.

I awoke to something crinkling under my cheek. Half asleep, I lifted my head to see a note on my pillow. It took a few moments for my eyes to focus, but I soon recognised Casper's handwriting.

No lessons with either of us today.

Do as you wish, but I suggest you avoid Dimah for a while.

-C

Simple enough instructions, though he likely knew the risk of letting me do what I wanted.

I glanced at the window, noting the fat beams of sunlight with dust motes floating aimlessly. It was late enough that I knew I should've gotten up, but for an odd reason it took a lot of willpower. I felt a sort of calm that made me want to lie in bed and think about nothing.

But the memory of my conversation with Casper slowly came back to me, and I realised I still had so many unanswered questions. I never managed to find the library the night prior, and had no answers, but what if I asked someone directly? Celaine was the obvious choice – she would keep my questions and tell no one. I would also need to ask her where the library was so I could find it again.

So, letting out a defeated sigh, I climbed out of bed, wincing at the cold tiles against my bare feet, and began to get ready for the day. One of the maids had been kind enough at some point to bring me more casual clothing, so I soon found myself in a simple cotton dress, which was still finer than any clothes I had seen before leaving my home. From what I had seen, it seemed that even the maids' clothing was made from fine silks; something I wouldn't have even considered just weeks ago.

I shook the thought from my head, finished tying my hair back with a ribbon, and slipped out of my room. I wasn't hungry, so I avoided the dining hall, rather heading towards the gardens where I usually saw Celaine walking.

I tried to hide my disappointment when I didn't see her and decided to walk for a while, in hopes she would show up. I needed answers to my questions, and it frustrated me that Casper refused to tell me anything. And it made me wonder whether Celaine would tell me anything either. What if Casper had thought ahead about me asking her and told her to not reveal anything? The thought didn't make me feel better about anything.

"Good morning," someone said. I turned to see Drake standing beside me and I fought the urge to jump in surprise. He wore a simple suit, and his unbound hair, reaching his shoulders, barely hid a sort of mark on his jaw. "I'm sorry if I startled you."

"That's alright," I mumbled, unsure of what to do with myself. Should I have curtsied? Celaine did the last time I saw him, but that could've been because of his father. Drake's eyes seemed to glint with amusement, as if he could read my thoughts.

"If I am correct, you are looking for young Celaine."

"I am," I replied. "You haven't seen her, have you?"

"She is with her father. I don't think she will be available for a long time; she is still young and must learn certain things." Even as he saw my disappointed face, he smiled. "Would you join me for lunch, Fida? I would like to speak with you, if you accept."

I stared at him for a few moments, unsure of what to say. He seemed friendly enough; nowhere near as intimidating as others I had met, so after a few moments of hesitation, I nodded.