Ethereal Burn

Important

"Mama...Mama"... I whispered as tears streamed down my little cheeks.

Mother opened her mouth to speak as a tear fell from her sunken pale face... "My little flower, love will set you free"...

***

I awoke at once, the slight bouncing from the carriage bringing reality back to my senses.

"Duchess Blackwood?"... Kira's voice was both welcoming and full of obvious relief.

I sat up with a yawn stretching my limbs as I did, I could feel my hair halfway undone from its previous updo.

"Hello Kira, could you please help me take out the pins from my hair?"... I asked politely, I noticed how happy she was to help without any attitude or hesitation.

Once my hair fell down in waves I felt much better, comfortable. Kira lifted the cushion bench she sat upon, reaching in and brought out my hairbrush.

Why was it in there?

I didn't decline her offer to brush my hair, I knew my hair needed a good brushing.

"How long was I asleep for?"... I asked quietly, more so to avoid any awkward silence and for some reason talking to Kira felt natural.

"For a full day and a half Duchess"...

I spun around to look at her as if she was a crazed animal. There's no way I slept for that long!?... I've never slept that long before, not that Brenda would have ever allowed me too.

"How do you feel, Duchess Blackwood?.. Shall I call Knight Bram to check on you?"... I didn't miss the notes of concern in her voice.

I truly hope I haven't been a burden to anyone for sleeping so long. I don't want to cause any trouble or worry.

"No no, please, I'm quite alright"... My words rushed out in a plea, Kira frowned but slightly nodded in understanding.

Once she was done brushing my hair, I leaned back against the wall within the carriage, I was amazed by the size of it. It somehow looked bigger inside than it did from the outside. Everything was of the finest material, I smiled as my hand gently grazed the green velvet cushion. Beautiful.

"Duchess Blackwood I must announce to the Captain that you have awakened, Duke's orders".. She smiled.

"Oh, yes, please go ahead"... I wondered silently why it mattered

Kira lifted the curtains within the carriage letting in the afternoon light, I could tell it was a cloudy day, hopefully no storm passes over. Once Kira told the Captain I was awake, The Duke stopped the entire company.

I looked at Kira with wide eyes, why were we stopping!?.. Suddenly I could hear the knights outside talking, voices approaching nearer. I heard the name Duchess ring out several times.

Oh no.

A knock upon the carriage door was Kira's cue to open it from the inside. I gasped as all at once faces appeared at the carriage windows, and right outside the opened door stood The Duke with wide eyes as he scanned me from head to toe.

It was the first time I was witnessing any type of expression from him.

I did not know what this look meant.

Captain Rex's face appeared in the window beside the open door.. "It's nice to see you awake and kickin, Duchess Blackwood"... His smile was again, contagious.

The knights around the carriage voiced their agreement, some even saying how relieved they were, some asking if I felt okay.

"I feel fine, thank you, I'm sorry to have caused you all to worry. I didn't mean to be a burdensome traveling companion".. I thankfully didn't need to raise my voice since everyone was huddled so close around the carriage windows peering in at Kira and I.