Descendants of the Kings (Book 2)

Ch 18.2: Bad omens

"You know, I've never been to this part of the castle," Aedion commented, as they neared the top floor of the detached tower.

The old wing was unused, annexed to the main castle by a small internal bridge. Their footsteps echoed off the cavernous walls, colder due to the lack of magical heating. Even the flooring was different--rough grey stone, rather than the checkered tiles of the main part of the castle.

"No one comes here. The rooms are all closed off. I like it, it's very quiet. This was the original base for the castle before it was expanded many centuries ago." She paused. "I think the remodelling was done by King Blaidd II."

"Looks like someone has been reading up and exploring," Aedion said in amusement.

Ella shrugged with a small smile. "I had to do something in my free time, no?"

Aedion watched curiously as they stopped in front of large oak double doors and Ella pulled out a key on a silky cord from inside her dress pocket. His curiosity grew as she shot him a sly smile and pushed the doors open to reveal the inside.

She pulled her lips into her mouth and bit back a smile, watching as Aedion slowly entered the room and dropped his head back, staring at the surroundings in awe.

It was rare to see him surprised by anything, and she would have paid in gold to have a painting of his expression. Chin tipped back, eyes wide in delight, mouth slightly parted. Gaze bright and awed, avidly drinking in the beauty.

The tower was nothing short of fantastical. Three floors worth of bookcases spiraling around the high, circular room. Wooden balconies decorated each level, upheld by massive wooden pillars. Guarding over it all, painted on the domed ceiling, a lush mural of an enchanted forest, half day, half midnight.

Aedion's gaze snagged on the mural, on the vivid forest greens and the calm swaying of the crystalline waters. He stared at it as if it had been painted by the gods themselves. When he finally looked down, he met Ella's gaze with bright, wonderstruck eyes.

"So this is where you run off to sometimes," he murmured, still raking his sight over every single detail.

"I thought you might appreciate it. I find that coming here makes me feel better." She traced a finger over a wooden railing, carved with hyper-realistic vines and flowers. "There's something about temples that give me peace. Even after they're long gone. I wanted to share it with you."

Aedion's jaw twitched. He stared at her, a mixture of conflicted uncertainty brewing at the surface. "Why?" he uttered roughly. "Why do you continue to treat me kindly? I've done nothing to deserve it."

The vulnerability in his semblance was enough to make her chest ache. Ella simply tilted her chin high. "Once upon a time, a man was kind to me when I needed it most. He didn't mind that I was cold with him, because he understood that I was hurt. He understood, even when I often said and did things I shouldn't." She paused, a whisper of a smile coming through. "Even when I kicked him or threw my dagger at him."

"I think the man probably deserved those sharp words and blades. I don't imagine he faulted you," Aedion murmured finally, a glimmer of appreciation and something else passing through him.

"Even so, I think returning the gesture is due." Ella dipped her head to the side. "Don't you think?"

Aedion's chest eased with a deep breath, and without waiting, Ella signalled for him to follow up the narrow stairs. She didn't speak, as he warily fell into step with her. She allowed him to gaze at the different works of art, the small figurines, and the old baubles stacked in glass cabinets.