Forbidden Flames

Chapter Thirty Eight

Entering the castle, August helped me off Macy as an excited Cassian came running up, pulling me into a tight hug.

"You're finally back!" he shouted, his enthusiasm infectious.

"It was merely a few days," I replied, laughing as we interlocked arms.

Roland was there as well, pulling August to his side, the two of them immediately falling into a conversation about who knows what. Our mini vacation was over, and now we were back in the public eye, with all its attendant responsibilities and dangers.

I watched Roland pull August away, their heads bent together in serious discussion. It was a reminder of the many challenges we still faced. With a sigh, I headed upstairs with Cassian.

"Collette will be back tomorrow evening, but it's been so boring without you," he dragged out the last words, his frustration clear.

"Wasn't James here?" I joked, nudging him playfully.

"Yes, but only for a day. After that, I was forced to hang out with my stupid brother," he groaned dramatically.

I laughed, feeling a sense of normalcy in Cassian's antics. "Well, I'm back now. We can catch up and make up for lost time."

Cassian's eyes lit up. "You need to spill everything!"

I smiled, appreciating his attempt to lift the mood. "Alright, I will."

As we reached my room, I glanced back down the hall, wondering what August and Roland were discussing. The weight of our return was heavy on my shoulders, but I took comfort in Cassian's cheerful presence.

"Come on," I said, leading the way into his room.

We sat down on the couch as Cassian got comfortable, eager to hear about my short adventure. "Don't make me wait any longer," he dragged out, making me laugh.

"Are you two together now? What happened? How is my aunt? Did you meet my uncle?" He fired off a billion questions as I laughed, trying to remember them all.

"Yes, I met your uncle. He's not as evil as everyone says," I smirked. "We just enjoyed time together. His parents were very welcoming, and that was truly it, Cassian. He was busy most of the days," I explained as he rolled his eyes.

"Well, are you two at least courting?" he asked, and this time I shook my head.

"I'm not sure... I've expressed my feelings and told him I want to be with him. But it's like something is holding him back. He's so worried about me being pulled into his drama, but I told him I can take care of myself," I scoffed, venting.

Cassian sighed, leaning back into the cushions. "August has always been overly cautious. It's part of his charm, but it can be frustrating too. He just wants to protect you."

"I know," I replied, feeling a mixture of frustration and affection. "But I wish he'd see that I'm not some delicate flower. I can handle whatever comes our way."

Cassian nodded thoughtfully. "Then what makes me more confused is we've shared a few kisses here and there but... I'm not sure. I—I want more from him," I whispered the last part as Cassian raised his eyebrows.

"My innocent best friend wants to get down and dirty?" he shouted, and I leaned over, covering his mouth.

"Cassian, hush! We are not married yet, so of course not, but I just want him to see me in a more mature light," I explained as he nodded.

My mind often drifted back to that day in the barn. The day he treated me like a woman... it played on repeat in my dreams as I yearned for it again. But August had only ever held himself back even more since then.

Cassian leaned back, his expression thoughtful. "You know, Lilith, August probably sees you as more mature than you realize. He's just... scared. He's carrying a lot on his shoulders, and sometimes it's easier for him to retreat into what's familiar rather than face the unknown."

"I get that," I sighed, running a hand through my hair. "I just wish he'd let me in more. It's frustrating, feeling so close to something real and then having him pull away."

"Maybe you need to show him that you're ready for whatever comes," Cassian suggested. "Not just with words, but with actions. Prove to him that you're not just some girl he needs to protect, but a partner who can stand by his side through anything."

His words resonated with me. I realized that I had been waiting for August to make the move, but maybe it was up to me to bridge the gap. If I wanted him to see me as an equal, I had to show him that I could handle the responsibilities and dangers that came with being in his life.

How do I do that?" I questioned as Cassian held a smirk on his face.

"I have a few ideas. The first would be your combat skills... tomorrow morning you and I will join the soldiers for their practice," he suggested, causing me to laugh.

"Cassian, you are the least athletic man I know," I joked as he rolled his eyes.

"The point is! We will learn how to properly wield a sword, then he can't worry for you that much," he added as I nodded.

If I can prove that I can fight by myself, maybe that'll lessen his worry.

"I like the sound of that," I said, feeling a surge of determination. "I'll show August that I can take care of myself and that I'm not just someone he needs to protect."