The Whispers of Shadows - A&A One Shots

a trip to the summer court - pt 3

Laid across the sand, Aurora was sure she was in bliss. The sun was a beautiful warmth that covered her entire body, the sand warming under her back. The entire morning was spent at the beach. She was so enthralled with running through the water and sprawling out on the sand that she didn't join when Tarquin called for lunch. Aurora felt guilty when she saw the two guards standing at the base of the stairs, obviously appointed to watch over her as she played in the sea.

"Do you have to stand and watch me? Can't you go get yourselves water and food?" She asked, tilting her head up to look at their figures looming behind her. One male kept his eyes on the sea glittering beneath the midday sun, the other was watching her. They didn't respond, only kept their posture stiff. She frowned and rolled onto her stomach, the sand falling from her skin.

"Are you not allowed to talk to me? Everyone is up there eating. You've been boiling under the sun all morning, go get water." The guard watching the sea shifted his eyes to her.

"We cannot leave our post," one male spoke in a gruff voice. Aurora's frown deepened and she sat up on her knees.

"Not even to get yourselves water? Surely you're dehydrated by now," she responded. The guards shifted on their feet. "If I return to the palace, will you have free reign to get yourselves food and water?"

"We can request a change in shift," the other guard spoke. His brown eyes looked tired. Aurora gave a quick nod and rose to her feet, gathering her linen clothing and sandals in hand. The sand still stuck to her skin as she pulled them on, but she'd just return to her room and rinse off later. After she was dressed, she turned back to the guards with a smile.

"Come on, then. Let's go get you some food," she chirped, practically skipping up the steps. The guards followed behind, sandals scuffing against the stairs. As they reached the top, Aurora paused. Tarquin was making his way out of the back entrance to the palace. A soft smile settled on his lips as he approached.

"Aurora, hello. I see you're enjoying your time here," he spoke smoothly, hand gesturing to the sea. Aurora nodded as the guards fell in step beside her.

"I am, thank you for allowing us to come visit." Tarquin gave a nod, stepping closer.

"You're welcome anytime. Lunch finished just moments ago, everyone returned to their rooms to clean up for the afternoon. I came to find you, are you hungry?"

"Actually, I was hoping for my friends here to change shifts. They've been watching over me all morning and I think they're about due for food and drink," she grinned, motioning to the guards beside her. Tarquin's eyes twinkled as he nodded.

"Right, then. You two go rest, I can watch over Aurora until she returns to her rooms." The guards both gave a quick bow and rushed off through the palace doors. Suddenly aware of how alone they were, Aurora cleared her throat. Tarquin returned his gaze to hers. "I had food and wine left out for you. I can join you while you eat."

Aurora swallowed and glanced down at herself. Sand coated her feet in the sandals and was crusted into her drying hair. "I think I should bathe and change first, I'd be dragging sand through your home."

"Nonsense. Sand litters every inch of this place, you won't cause any difference in that. Come, join me," Tarquin grinned, offering his arm. With a shaky breath, she slid her hand onto his warm skin and allowed the High Lord to lead her into the palace. They walked through a set of doors that led to a large sitting room, and then a corridor that led into a dining room. The placemats were empty, except one bare plate and a few platters with small sandwiches and fruits. A half empty bottle of wine sat in the center. Aurora gave Tarquin a quick smile as she pulled her arm away and sat herself in the chair. Tarquin sat across from her, pushing a pitcher of water towards her.