Ethereal Burn

Backside

By the time we finished dinner the sun had gone down, and with it, my energy. I was mentally and physically drained from today.

Before I was to follow Kira back up to my room for the night, Killian had surprised me with a gentle kiss to my cheek. He apparently needed to tend to a few things before turning in for the night.

I could hear Captain Rex in the distance as he walked alongside Killian, laughing with light jests about Killian's soft behavior towards his wife. The words shut up, followed by a loud thud echoed down the hall, the Captains playful whines, claiming to be heartbroken for being hit caused Kira and I to laugh quietly together, as we climbed the first set of stairs.

I secretly hoped the Captain wasn't hurt. But Kira thankfully voiced my thoughts telling me not to worry, their friendship went way back and this behavior was normal between the two. I was happy for them both, it must be nice to have long meaningful friendships.

Walking into the master bedroom, my eyes automatically glanced along the wall of stuffed animal heads. Those heads really do creep me out.

Kira quickly lit the fireplace and a few candles within the bathing room before the sound of running water was heard.

It wasn't long before Kira announced the bath was ready for me. I was yet again so grateful for Kira and her help, she knew I was exhausted. While Kira quickly washed my hair, I washed my body. Tonight I wasn't in need of a long soak, I craved for sleep.

As I dried myself Kira brought out another beautiful silk nightgown, exactly like the ivory one I wore the night before, just a light pink.

"Where did these beautiful nightgowns come from?"... I asked Kira curiously as I admired the fabric and color.

"They were made for the former Duchess, but she never got to wear them" ... As Kira spoke I could see a hint of sadness within her gaze. I was already aware that Killian's parents had died.

Servants in the Holbrook estate loved to talk, if you were quiet enough you could easily eavesdrop.

"How did she die?"... I gently asked

Kira sighed heavily ... "She took her own life, My Lady".... 

I closed my eyes, silently mourning a woman I did not know, but she was Killian's mother, still she was my mother-in-law, even if she was not among us anymore.

As I laid down beneath the covers, my body melted into the sheets.

The only noise was Kira moving around the room, tidying things up quickly.

Heavy footsteps were heard walking nearer out in the hall, I knew they belonged to Killian.

But the distant sound of a door closing caused me to frown slightly, as it wasn't our bedroom door. He was staying in the guest room again instead.

I rubbed my chest, confused as to why I felt disappointed that he had not entered our room instead. He was clearly giving me space, which I did want... didn't I?

"I will take my leave now Duchess Blackwood, sleep well".. Kira bowed respectfully with a smile before leaving.

I sigh out loud as I'm officially alone. My eyes immediately stare at the heads along the wall, their eyes watching me. I mentally debated just closing my eyes waiting for sleep to claim me. But the hairs along my body stood each time I stared at those heads. Even with there being plenty of light within the room by the fireplace, they still scared me.

Gazing out the window for a different view... at least there's no storm tonight. My head turned to look at the empty space beside me. My mind wandered to last night as I gazed at Killian's sleeping form beside me. It was comforting to have him near, at night.