The Incandescent | Book 7 | The Fairy arc trilogy

Chapter 28 ~ The Tiramisu Reverie

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~ Planet Monshalow ~
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Killian could not find a reason to distrust Crimson. He watched him intently, his eyes like a laser cutting seams on a garment. His hands were folded across his chest, his face scrutinizing.

He truly is trustworthy, Killian thought as he watched the young man calmly pour cream into a mixing bowl. I want this man to become Mara's husband.

Visions of a sparkly white dress and saffron roses appeared in his mind amid perfumed vanilla tea and amaretto cake, as Killian began mentally planning Mara's wedding, until Mara's voice interrupted his daydreaming.

"Father, could you please hand me the plate on the high shelf?"

"Of course, my dear Mara," said Killian, reaching for the plate she needed. He smiled as he handed it to his daughter. Locks of black hair fell into his face. He pushed his hair back, surprised when Crimson handed him a red ribbon.

"Sometimes I tie my hair back in a ribbon when I work on fashion design, or when I cook or bake," Crimson told Killian. "If you want, I can tie your hair for you."

Before Killian could respond, Mara cheerfully encouraged, "Please do! Father would appreciate it."

Killian felt Crimson's hands move through his longish black hair, neatly tying with the red ribbon. His touch was warm; a Phoenix was never cold, always warm in body temperature.

Mara and Crimson stood together as they inspected Crimson's handiwork of Killian's hair, nodding in approval.

"I shall give you an emerald green ribbon, since that is your favorite color," Crimson said thoughtfully, making a mental note. "My grandfather does the best haircuts."

"He shall have to come to Monshalow if he wants to cut my hair, since I am banished from Iredescent," Killian said tersely. "I already have a hair salon whenever I need a haircut."

Crimson considered Killian, thinking the banishment was no longer necessary, since Killian was no longer an Iredescent criminal. Mara already explained her family situation prior to Crimson's arrival. Crimson felt Killian had a justified reason for the murder of Vinessa.

"As a Phoenix, I have the authority to revoke your banishment. If you desire, I can – "

"No," Killian said sternly, interrupting Crimson. "I have no desire to return to my former home planet. I am happy with my life. This is my home. I have everything I need here."

Killian waited until Crimson finished baking before he transported some of Crimson's tiramisu cake and initiated a surprise comect call.

"Hello, Casim. Normally I would advise against speaking with you, but since today is a wonderful day to share desserts, I will allow you the pleasure of such a day."

"You do realize you are possibly on the line of treason by speaking with me."

"I was a former Iredescent criminal. I think I qualify as a Monshalowan rule breaker."

"Deliberately going against the Monshalowan Fairy Queen's wishes, I see. Rogue human, are you? Perhaps you should – "

"Reach an accord like my wife did? Enjoy the desserts, Casim." Killian hung up the call.

Casim shrugged. "Well, that was interesting."

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Crimson stood overlooking the last slices of tiramisu cake, tied with ribbon. The ribbon was cut, of course, to allow each person to have a slice. Each person had a different colored ribbon so there would be no stealing from each other, as Erasmo tended to do.