From The Ashes

Part 10

Jacquelyn showed me to my room and it was more like a small house. I had a closet. Not just a wardrobe but an entire closet. A bathroom of my own and even my own fireplace which I immediately took advantage of. The bed was huge, with fluffy pillows and a canopy. I felt like royalty and I almost felt guilty staying there. I flopped on the bed and sprawled out. The room was starting to feel warm from the roaring fire and I really wanted to take a nap. I tried to resist but my eyes shut and I drifted into a peaceful sleep.

  I awoke to a knock at my door. I bolted out of bed, not knowing how long I’d been asleep and answered the door to find Jacquelyn standing in the hall.
  “It’s time for dinner.” She said with that perfect smile of hers. “The dining hall is on the ground floor all the way at the end of the main hall. Is um, that what you’re wearing?” She said. I looked down at my beige tunic half tucked into my leather pants.
  “Yep. I said, making my way past her and down the stairs. I was too groggy and hungry at that point to care about fashion. I walked through the brilliantly decorated hall and pushed open the door at the end of the hall.
  The dining hall was just as immaculate as the rest of the castle. A long mahogany table sat in the middle with enough chairs to seat at least thirty. Each table setting had almost more diningwear than I had in my whole kitchen. Every three seats or so a shiny, gilded candelabra flickered. Everyone was waiting on me apparently because all eyes were on me as I entered.
  My group sat at the table along with two other people who I could only assume are the other two mages. They sat on the opposite end of the table and didn’t speak.  One was a young looking boy, probably about seventeen, with sandy blonde hair and brown eyes. The other was an older woman with light brown hair that was slightly graying and her eyes were a soft blue.
  I took a seat between Cass and Eian and was happy to see that no one changed for dinner either, besides Mira who was wearing her favorite lilac dress.
  “Hey guys, sorry I fell asleep.” I said.
  “I can tell.” Oliver said. “Your hair is a mess.” I self consciously started smoothing down my hair. Cass leaned over to me.
  “Your hair looks fine. Oliver, don't be a jackass.” Cass said with narrowed eyes. Oliver scoffed.
  “What? I didn’t say it to be mean.” He said, folding his arms.
  “I’m so excited for my first royal dinner!” Mira said, easily diffusing the tension.
  My stomach rumbled and I was starting to get impatient. Finally, the doors from the kitchen swung open. Carts of covered dishes rolled in and it smelled amazing. The kitchen staff placed a silver domed platter in front of each of us. Then in unison they lifted them dramatically, revealing a roasted quail and potatoes. My eyes went wide and I was half tempted to dig in with my bare hands.
  “Enjoy. We will be out with wine momentarily.” Said the head chef. After Cass said a quick prayer we didn’t hesitate. We most definitely didn’t use the proper silverware but I didn’t care, it was the best food I’d had in weeks.
  “Oh my Gods! This is amazing.” Oliver said.
  “You like it buddy?” I asked Eian. He just nodded with full cheeks.
  We ate and drank wine and enjoyed each other's company. Shortly after the entree they brought out dessert, a lovely fruit pie of some kind.
  “And then, Cass fell in a thorn bush! It was hilarious. We had to pull thorns off him for an hour!” Oliver said, finishing another one of his stories of their childhood misadventures. I laughed and sipped my wine.
  “Wow, that must’ve hurt.” I said. He nodded and under the table I felt him put something in my hand. I looked at it, careful not to let the others see. It was a note that read:
Can I come to your room tonight?
  My heart dropped. He probably wanted my answer but I wasn’t ready. I still didn’t know what I was. going to say. I was torn between logic and love. But I knew I had to at least give him a chance to talk so reluctantly I nodded.

  Later that night I was in my room, trying not to be anxious about my impending visit from Cass. I stared out my window wondering what he might say. I thought he could be mad at me for making him wait so long and every second that went by I grew more nervous. I jumped when I heard a soft knock at my door.
  “Hey.” Cass said softly when I opened the door. “Can I come in?”
  “Yeah.” I said. He walked past me and took a seat on the edge of my bed. “What’s up?” I leaned against the wall and crossed my arms. Trying to look natural.
  “I wanted to see how you were doing. With the presentation and everything. Why are you so far away? Come sit.” He said. I went and sat next to him. My heart was starting to beat a little faster and I realized I was clenching my fists.
  “Sorry, I don’t know why I’m like this.” I said. He laughed lightly.
  “Reika, it’s me. Just because we kissed doesn’t change anything. So relax.” He said.
  “Yeah, okay. Um, well I’m a little nervous but Jacquelyn said it’s going to be safe. I’m also really happy everyone has food and warm beds. So I’m actually okay I think?” I replied.
  “I’m happy too. It’s nice here.” He said.
  “Are you missing your family?” I asked.
  “Sure, I miss mom and my siblings but I don’t miss waking up to screaming kids.” He replied. There were a couple moments of silence. I was trying to think of what to say next when Cass spoke up again. “Rei?”
  “Yeah?” I responded.
  “You’re really amazing.” He said. I was taken aback.
  “Amazing..?” I questioned.
  “Yeah. I mean you’re basically a mom to Eian. You keep him happy and safe. You’re an awesome fighter, and you're beautiful.” He said.
  “Well. Two of those things are true.” I said. Truthfully I wasn’t too concerned about my looks in general. Only when it came to Cass.
  “Will you stop that? Please? I think you’re stunning. Your hair is wild and this pretty deep red, it reminds me of fire and it matches your personality. You have such sparkly hazel eyes and cute little freckles on your nose.” He said genuinely. I was definitely blushing. I had never received so many compliments.  “So please..don’t keep putting yourself down.”
  “Thanks Cass. But, I know why you’re really here..” I replied. My heart was pounding. I didn’t want to reject him but I felt like it was the right choice.
  “What do you mean?” He asked.
  “You’re here for my answer. I know you’re probably mad that I haven’t said anything since..the other night.” I replied. I was staring at the floor til I felt a gentle, calloused hand lift my chin. Cass looked into my eyes.
  “I’m not mad. I told you that you didn’t have to answer right away. I’ll wait for as long as you need. You know how I feel so for right now that’s enough.” He said with a soft smile. I just stared back wondering how he could be so kind and patient.
  “Thank you..” I said. 
  “You’re welcome, Rei. Get some sleep okay?” He said. He stood and placed a light kiss on the top of my head. “Goodnight”
  “Goodnight.” I replied as he shut the door behind him. I sat on the bed processing the conversation. I had a feeling it was going to be another restless night.