The Woods

Chapter Twenty-Nine

The next day, I found that we didn't slip back into our usual schedules. Instead of lessons, we all ended up sitting in an airy parlour, sipping tea and lounging on the couches. It felt nice to just relax and gossip. I'd never felt more at home.

"Everyone's talking about Celaine now that she's eighteen," Casper said innocently. His brother raised an eyebrow.

"If you're asking whether Lord Benroy will keep pestering me, then yes, he will." While he sounded annoyed, there was a tinge of amusement to his tone.

"Move onto lighter topics," Merilyn yawned. She swung her legs so they rested on Casper's lap, and closed her eyes, almost as if she was going to sleep. "No one likes Lord Benroy, so let's not taint the peace."

I smiled slightly as I watched her. Her attitude fit her House so perfectly that I wouldn't have been surprised if she began purring.

"Is your stomach healed?" I suddenly asked, turning to Casper. I had almost forgotten the night he was attacked, and fought the urge to shudder at the memory of his bloody wound.

"Yes, it finished healing just a few days ago. Thankfully, our bodies are designed to heal swiftly. Not to mention Merilyn constantly following me around to ensure I didn't hurt myself." I chuckled, glancing at Merilyn who peeked an eye open and gave him a withering stare. He grinned in return.

I was about to make a comment, but found myself jolting in surprise as a sudden rumble echoed through the castle. Merilyn and Casper glanced at one another, before looking at Cain, who sipped his tea as if he heard nothing.

"I believe this will be fun," he said, shifting himself into a more comfortable position.

As soon as the words had left his mouth, the door to the parlour burst open, revealing Drake, who had a look of stubbornness gleaming in his eyes. Behind him, Lord Cawther, Lord Benroy and Celaine followed. Both lords looked absolutely furious, while Celaine cowered behind her father nervously.

"Don't you dare," Lord Benroy snarled at Drake.

He didn't even glance at him. As Drake approached Cain, his eyes landed on me for a moment, surprise flashing in them, before he focused on the king beside me.

"May I have your blessing, Your Majesty?" I didn't understand what he meant, but Cain seemed rather smug.

"With that entrance, how could I say no? You have my blessing, Drake."

Both lords snarled again and Lord Benroy grabbing Celaine's arm, making her yelp in surprise. "You have no right," he snapped. "I am her father."

"And I am your king." Cain's eyes hardened at Lord Benroy's grip on Celaine. "Let her go." His tone was cold enough for the lord to obey. Celaine rubbed her arm, which had red marks from her father's grip.

Drake looked absolutely delighted as he glanced at the two lords, seeming to not notice, or not care, that they were staring daggers at him. Without another word, Drake dropped to his knees in front of Celaine and help up a ring. It was crafted of silver and had a blue stone embedded in it.

"Celaine," Drake said quietly. She stared at him with wide eyes, a smile spreading across her face. "Will you marry me?"

It looked like she was at a loss for words, but she suddenly blurted, "Yes! Oh, Drake, of course!"

Drake slipped the ring onto her finger and grinned, wrapping his arm around her as he rose.

"I forbid it," snapped Lord Benroy.

"As do I." Lord Cawther was all but baring his teeth at the couple.

"Overruled," Cain said simply, sipping from his tea.