A Court of Stars and Memories

53. Stories of the Past

    Mitsi's heart pounded as she mounted the stairs to her room, a tray of food in hand. She was grateful that Mina and Micah had already gone to their rooms, and although Azriel and Seren had returned home and were lingering in the library, Mitsi had managed to sneak in and out of the kitchen without attracting their attention.

    She couldn't believe she'd persuaded Lysander to stay. What was she thinking? Where was he going to sleep? Oh, she had not thought this through in the least. But what else was she supposed to do? Everything she'd said was true. It was too dangerous for Lysander to attempt to make his way home tonight.

    Mitsi fought to hide her blush as she reached her room and let herself in, taking care to close the door once more. She set the tray down on the writing desk and stole a strawberry for herself. Mitsi glanced at the bathroom door which was shut. The sound of running water reached her ears and her blush deepened.

    Mitsi drew a measured breath and shook her head. No, I'm not even going to think about what he's doing in there, she scolded herself. Mitsi swallowed hard. Mother above, why tonight? Of course this would happen immediately after I admitted to myself that...

    The water stopped and Mitsi caught herself. She glanced down, taking in her pajamas. She'd selected a long-sleeved shirt and a pair of pants tonight, wanting the extra warmth. Mitsi pursed her lips and sat down on the small sofa before the fireplace, crossing her arms. It wasn't long before Lysander emerged from the bathroom, dressed in another pair of clothes.

    It was just a simple shirt and a baggy pair of gray pants, but somehow, the outfit made him look even more attractive than the leathers that flaunted every hard plane of his body. Not that his pants hid anything now. Mitsi swallowed hard as he combed his fingers through damp hair, then tugged lightly on his earring.

    Lysander caught sight of the food and grinned. "I brought some for myself too," Mitsi explained quickly. She joined him when he reached the desk.

    "What did you do while I was gone?" Lysander asked. He bit into one of the sandwiches and watched her curiously.

    "Just the usual. Mina and I went to the orphanage a few times and did some training together. Nyx took care of my training in the afternoon. Oh, and Venelia invited me over yesterday, so I spent some time with her and the Twins." Mitsi averted her eyes, her skin prickling beneath Lysander's gaze. "How was Ridgeback?"

    She listened quietly as he recounted his days spent in the warcamp, and the events of the afternoon. When Lysander described the landslide and how he and Corbin escaped it, Mitsi had to squeeze her eyes shut against the mental images.

    She couldn't help but think of how much worse it could've been. Suppose they'd been badly injured, or even crushed? Suppose they...suppose Lysander, had been killed!

    "Mitsi?" She blinked her eyes open and lifted her head, recognizing the note of concern in Lysander's voice. "Are you all right?" He asked, taking a step towards her.

    "Yes, I'm fine." Mitsi twisted away and resumed her perch on the sofa. "I'm just...I'm glad you're all right. I..." Her throat bobbed and quietly, Lysander sat down beside her. "I knew something had happened. I don't know how, but I did. I was worried that you might've been injured, or even killed."

    "You knew?" Lysander repeated.

    Mitsi met his gaze and studied those glowing streams of green and amber. "Yes. I'm not sure how to explain it. It was just a feeling, but one I couldn't ignore or deny."

    Lysander hesitated, then replied, "I know what you mean." His voice grew softer. "I've felt it too." Before she could ask the question brewing on the tip of her tongue, he added, "But I'm all right. There's no need to worry any longer. I'm here and I'm safe. I'm not leaving."