Veridia

Chapter 7

Aethiria, present

Aleksander left Geneva stock still, like a deer caught in headlights. Geneva felt his warm breath on the curve of her neck, his body inches away from hers.

And no matter how hard she tried to push a certain golden-haired boy out of her mind, he kept coming back.

Geneva wandered through the halls of the castle, absentmindedly trailing her hand against the smooth glass walls. She didn't notice when Andrei fell in step with her, only startling back into the present when he tapped her shoulder.

"Earth to Geneva." Andrei gave her a gentle smile as Geneva stared at him in surprise.

"King Volkov's inviting you to dinner. He also told me to get you a room in the castle and help you set up."

Geneva nodded at him, following Andrei as he led her up the stairs.

The silence in between them was comfortable, and Geneva wanted to wallow in it, for it to cover her up so her mind would be blank and devoid of a pair of ocean-blue eyes.

Andrei eventually led her to a small chamber on the fourth floor.

"This is your room until further notice. It's actually right above my room, and next to the two Prince's chambers."

Geneva tilted her head at him, a furrow appearing in between her eyebrows.

"Why is my room so close to the royal's? Shouldn't King Volkov be keeping me away from them?"

Andrei shrugged.

"Beats me. Anyway, there's a bed in there, and a bathroom. There's also a wardrobe for you to pick out of. You might want to freshen up before dinner."

Geneva glanced down at her dirt-stained black tunic and pants.

"Sure. See you soon, then?"

"You bet."

Surprisingly, Andrei pulled her into a hug, his arms wrapping around her waist.

"I missed you," Andrei mumbled.

Geneva slowly curled her arms around Andrei's neck, reciprocating the hug. It felt so good to be held by someone, to relax and know that someone cared about her.

Andrei pulled away, shooting her another grin her way before walking back down the hall.

Geneva stared at his retreating figure, heart swelling with gratitude.

She gripped the doorknob of her new room and twisted it, pushing open the door.

Geneva let out a very undignified squeak as she surveyed the space. It was huge, at least compared to the little sliver of space she had back in Terramore. It was funny how she had only spent a few hours in Aethiria and already felt that it was more like home than Terramore ever did. There were huge windows on the far wall, with a walk out balcony that had a view of the garden. It was dark out, but the fire-lamp in the room lit up the whole place. Geneva undid her braid and walked over to the balcony. She set her blade down beside the bed, and took a deep breath of air. Her raven colored locks tumbling down to her waist, drifting in the slight breeze.

Shining lights in the distance reminded her of what she had left behind, but Geneva only saw what was in front of her.

Goodbye, Terramore.

~~

King Volkov had really been too kind. Her room had been equipped with a bathtub the size of a pool, and Geneva took a long soak in the rose and apple scented water. After, Geneva looked in the closet and saw about thirty dresses, each frillier and more girlish than the next. Geneva (unfortunately) was schooled in palace etiquette, and she knew that she couldn't wear a knee-length morning dress to the King's dinner.