"What would you do if I told you I was cursed?"
CASSIAN X OC
IN WHICH SHE IS HER FAMILIES BEST KEPT SECRET, AND ITS CASSIANS JOB TO FIGURE HER OUT.
PRE ACOTAR - ACOSF
'"I hear your ship is coming in. Your tears a sea for me to swim, and I hear a storm is coming in. My dear, is it all we've ever been?" ~ Anchor, Novo Amor
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THE HUNTING WITH CASSIAN HADN'T BEEN AWFUL. She was getting better with a bow, despite not having the heart to actually hunt anything. (Much to Cassian's frustration). They had food at the camp and the deer had done nothing to her. Simply innocently eat the grass in the clearing of a once peaceful forest.
"Kindness breeds kindness" her mother had said to her once, when she was about seven and was needing her hair brushed after a day out in the windy moors with Luka. "You must always live by that, my sweet darling."
Florence had, from that day and for the rest of her life she would. It was a simple saying, one passed through so many lips it probably rendered it partially inadequate as a teaching. Yet it stayed, tucked into her heart. The part of it where paint brushes and an old manor kitchen resided.
They hasn't returned yet, her family. Despite the rising dawn two days later. It would take a while. She knew that. She wasn't stupid, the worry creeped in anyway. Held tight to her through the silence. Cassian kept her company, talking through battle tactics and telling her funny stories of his youth with Rhysand and Azriel. At least the night court no longer seemed like a far away evil section of hell; although she had promised Rhysand a few weeks ago never to mention such kindness to those outside the inner links of their friends. It was fair enough, she understood the need to protect people.
She had been staring at the letter in her palm for five minutes before she finally opened it, putting aside the small bowl of dried porridge the chef had patched up for her this morning on the dried log she sat on. It was closing in on November now, and her hands seemed to be so damn cold all the time as she held the letter. Florence made a mental note to request mittens upon ber families return.
My darling,
Life is well here at the manor, we have a new stable hand. An older man around my age named John who is very approachable and speaks only with kindness. (As a true gentlemen above his station ought to! Although don't tell your father I uttered that). Briar longs to join you and has grown rather dreamy in your presence. It is annoying chef.
I do hope to hear from you soon, it worries me greatly when I can't assure your safety.
Archer took the pleasure of writing to me to assure me of your protection and so I must ask, how are you finding this Cassian male?
Remember to stay by the fire and stay dry. I can't have you catching that awful fever again. Stay clever, Your caring mother.
"Fever?" The voice caught Florence off guard, making her jump in her seat and let out a small (embarrassing) scream.
Cassian chuckled in response, moving from his place leaning over her shoulder and onto the log.
