Fractured Kingdom

Scene 7

Kinsey ran some fresh water for Cadence and added bubbles to the water making it froth. She splashed the warm liquid with her hand and Cadence came up next to her gazing at the tub.

"Is that a hint of a smile?" Kinsey asked stroking her youngest sister's hair.

Cadence looked up and it seemed like a smile was playing behind at her lips like a child under a parachute looking for the way out.

"Ah, I think it is." Kinsey kissed the top of her sister's head and turned off the tap to the now full tub. "You get undressed and climb in. I'll be right outside if you need me. See, I'll leave the door open a slit. Okay?"

Cadence made a slight move of her head and Kinsey knew that was the extent of her communication. She moved from the bathroom into the spacious bedroom and shivered. The bathroom was steamy and warm and although the house wasn't cold, being clad only in a towel did have its drawbacks. Kinsey climbed onto the bed and under the covers to keep her teeth from chattering.

Kinsey didn't have to wait long for Anika to return. But her sister returned empty-handed.

"Couldn't find anyone?" Kinsey asked.

"Um, no, I did but she wouldn't let me carry anything," Anika replied. "Where's Cadence?"

"In the bath. What do you mean by, 'she didn't let you carry anything'? Doesn't she realize I'm essentially naked in this towel?"

Anika laughed and snuggled up next to Kinsey. "She seems to think we shouldn't be doing anything. She was a bit upset that you were trying to wash your clothes, Aiden did also."

"Really, so how long do you think I'll have to wait?"

Anika shrugged and yawned. "She's making us tea and said she'll bring us everything including night clothes. Then tomorrow she said we could go through the storage of clothes and find what suited us, fit us, you know."

"Tea sounds nice."

"Yeah, it does."

Kinsey could feel her sister relax against her, she was starting to slip into a semi-conscience state which was good. She too looked forward to enjoying a good sleep as well and leaned deeper into the plush pillows.

A muffled sound stirred Kinsey from her comfort. She sat up slightly to listen and heard the sound again.

"Anika, do you hear that?" Kinsey nudged her sister.

"Mmmh, hear what?"

Kinsey waited until she heard the noise again. Straining her ears. "There, that, it's like a soft hum."

"It's probably Mrs. Fleming."

"Who?"

"The lady who's bringing us tea and night clothes. She looks like the kind who might like to hum."

Kinsey listened again. The sound was a little stronger but still soft and gentle. It actually seemed quite near so she climbed out of bed. She was still wrapped in the towel but it was a bit chilly once removed from the warm comforter. The noise stopped but she still moved to the door to see if it was Mrs. Fleming. No one was coming up the stairs. She turned back into the room and the sound began again.

"What are you doing?" Anika asked.

"I'm listening, trying to find the sound," Kinsey replied. She stood still and moved in the direction the hum came from. It felt very familiar like the house and tickled at her mind like a distant memory beyond her reach. She moved to her left and shivered but not from cold.

"Anika, come here," Kinsey whispered to her sister. Her eyes were locked in the direction from where the noise was emanating. She hoped that her ears weren't playing tricks on her and the sound really was what she hoped it was.

Anika came up beside her. "It's coming from in there."

"I know, shh."

"Do you think-"

"I do, now shh," Kinsey replied. She could feel tears welling up in her eyes as she made her way to the bathroom door and pushed it open a crack more. The musical wordless lilting hum grew a little clearer. She and Anika leaned to the right trying to catch a glimpse. Cadence was playing with the suds. Some were on her slender shoulders and a small crown circled her head. Others littered the bathroom floor. But there was no mistaking the source of the hum, it was indeed their youngest sister.

A knock at the bedroom door caused Cadence's musical debut to cease.

Kinsey and Anika glanced at each other and smiled. Kinsey guessed that Anika felt as hopeful as she did and somewhat dismayed by the untimely interruption.

"Hello ladies," Mrs. Fleming announced as she entered the room with a tea trolley laden not just with tea but also small sandwiches, cakes, slices of fruit and even some cookies.

"This isn't tea, Mrs. Fleming, this is a small feast," Anika said.

"It's nothing after what you girls have been through, nothing at all. And you deserve, oh there I go again, well never mind me."

Mrs. Fleming wheeled the cart into the room and set it to a stop next to some chairs. She flipped up the white cloth draping the cart and pulled out a bundle of clothing.

"Now here you go," she laid the folded pile on the bed. "Who'll be staying in this room?"

"We will," replied Kinsey.

"But there's no need, there are plenty of rooms."

"We understand, but we'd rather stay together and this is more than enough space for us."

"Alright then, suit yourselves." She laid out each piece of clothing. "Choose which one suits you best. And give me your dirty clothes when you're done then tomorrow you'll come and see me to choose from the clothes in storage."

"We're fine with our own clothes," Kinsey replied. "We appreciate you washing them and the hospitality but there's no need to give us more than we'll use. Besides we plan to return home tomorrow."

Mrs. Fleming turned to pour tea.

Anika came up beside Kinsey and ran her hands over the soft material of the sleeping gown before her.

"What are you doing," Anika whispered.

"Do you really think we are here long term?"

Anika frowned. "No, I guess not, but the lady's only being nice and doing her job. Besides, I think Aiden may want us to stay here."

"Just because he calls himself our protector?"

Anika nodded.

Kinsey picked up a long sleeved night gown with a smaller version for Cadence. "I'm going to change and give this one to Cadence. We're staying the night and tomorrow, well, we'll see what tomorrow brings. But it will involve a discussion with Aiden and finding out his true intentions which will also most like involve the use of your skills." Kinsey winked at her sister.

"My thoughts exactly."

"Good, then we are agreed."