Soba: I have changed the ages of the kids, if anyone actually remembers, but in case. Leon is now twelve, Efrain and Theo are ten (few months apart) and Sarah will be eight. (Who I probably forgot when I introduces the kids)
Orange and red hues shined through the window, casting the cream sheets in a fluorescent glow. Reaching over, Lydia felt the empty spot behind her, the indent where Asher had laid cold to the touch. The lingering kiss he placed on her temple she had woken up to as he whispered to her before he quietly left the room. It still felt surreal not to wake up to him next to her. The blanket was warm and comfortable as she pulled it closer under her chin.
The morning chatter could be heard from those that passed by the room or the maids who knocked on doors, announcing the person's meal.
She didn't want to get out of bed; however, the knock at her door had her softly sliding her feet over the edge, pulling the blankets back as she called for Maria to come in.
"Good morning, Lydia," Maria greeted; her confused glance around the room had the room feel as if it dropped temporarily at the emptiness of it.
"Good morning, Maria. It'll just be me for the next two days. You won't have to worry about Asher until at least the third day," she said with a tense smile.
"No problem. I can have a bath drawn for you. You look like you might need to relax before I bring up your breakfast."
She didn't know what she would do if Maria weren't the kind person she was. Be lost in the whirlwind of two-faced people?
It was pleasant to have another woman she could rely on and talk to once in a while.
Maria exited the room for a moment, calling for other attendants to help bring up warm water for a bath.
Lydia had gotten out of bed and swung the cloak placed on the hook by the bathroom, closing it around her pajamas like a bathrobe.
Pales of water were brought in one by one, steam rising from them, dumped into the tub with the sounds of it hitting the porcelain as they walked out with only a nod of their head and a small smile.
"Thank you, Maria."
"It's my pleasure. Relax and take your time. I'll knock before I bring in your breakfast," Maria mentioned, taking her leave.
The steam from the bathtub entranced her after the door closed before she undressed, neatly placing the cloak on the chair by the tub. She could feel the warmth as she stepped closer to the tub, lifting a foot as she slowly climbed in, the warm water seeping through her skin, relieving the tension that had built up over the last few days.
Sinking into the tub, she couldn't help the low moan as her muscles loosened. She placed her arms along the rim of the tub, letting her hands dangle in and make ripples in the water as she glided her fingers across the surface.
Her mind wandered to everything she had to do and didn't want to do that day. It felt lonely having to walk the streets without someone by her side now, and Sebastian didn't count. He hid in the shadows, following silently like the wind blew through one's hair. It almost made her want to call out his name and see if he'd answer, but she held back her curiosity about the questions she wanted to ask. She wasn't even sure he'd answer after the dismissal from Theron last night. They seemed strict on what they would reveal and keep close to themselves, and Sebastian didn't seem like the type to go against Theron's word.
Lydia lifted herself out of the tub once goosebumps formed along her exposed skin to room temperature, the water feeling cooler than before. She dried off with one of the off-white towels, wrapping it around herself as a knock came at the door.
YOU ARE READING
Ash and Fire
Fantastik*Currently being heavily edited* Chapters 1-4 are edited as previews. Marked with * When Lydia's life is threatened, she seeks guidance from those who saved her in a world she doesn't know. Not one to leave something solely to people she didn't full...
