Ash's Place

Chapter 8

Ash's POV

I am practically floating when Finn comes to collect me at the end of the dinner. A smile seems to have permanently etched itself onto my face. Xander offers me a quaint goodbye, with a promise to see me again tomorrow. Xander also shakes Finn hand and thanks him for escorting me back to my chambers. I think Finn returns the gesture, but I was too focused on Xander to really notice.

Finn wordlessly offers me his arm which I gratefully accept, feeling unsteady on my feet as if I have had too much to drink. I am not drunk; I am just dazed from the dancing and kissing and conversing with my soon-to-be husband.

Once we are out of the high hall and slowly wandering back to my room, Finn speaks up. His voice is low but sure as he says, "You had a good time."

My smile seems to impossibly grow, and a new blush stains my cheeks, "I did. Lord Canmore is wonderful."

"I'm glad," is his only reply.

Our silence stretches between us like a chasm, both breaking and steadying my heart. I can't marry Finn, even if he is who I would choose. I am marrying Xander and the sooner I let go of these feelings I have for Finn, the sooner I can be happy. Xander can make me happy. And Finn will still be here when I am married, so I don't have to worry about losing his reassuring company.

"Finn?"

"Hmm?"

"Does it upset you?"

He gives me a sideways glance but continues escorting me, "Does what upset me?"

"When I enjoy my time with Xan...Lord Canmore?"

He abruptly stops, swivels, and places his hands on my shoulders. I stare into his bright blue eyes that are brimming with an emotion that I can't quite place.

His voice is serious when he says, "You being happy would never make me upset. Even when I am not the reason for your smile."

"Oh..." is the only word I can make come out of my mouth as we continue to hold eye contact.

Then he breaks the tension with a flashy grin and a wink. He removes his hands from my shoulders, dramatically wiping them on the front of his vest, as if to rid them from the feeling of me and I shake my head at him. He sticks out his arm for me to take again and when I do, he starts walking. It doesn't take long for us to reach the door to my bedroom, and I turn to face Finn as he bids his goodnight.

"Lady Locklynn, I am glad you had a good time tonight. I expect Lord Canmore will want to see you again tomorrow, but he will have to wait until the evening," he pauses at my immediate frown and rolls his eyes with a smile, "You have magic training in the morning. You are required to be there at 8 a.m. sharp. I will be here to collect you then. Please be ready."

I sigh dramatically and flick the back of my hand up to my forehead, "If I must..."

"You must. And please don't use me as part of your demonstration this time. You know I prefer to have my feet on the ground."

"You deserved it last time," I reply, shrugging my shoulders.

"That may be so, but still, I would like to remain on the sidelines tomorrow."

"Fine."

"Goodnight, Lady Locklynn."

"Goodnight, Sir West."

He smiles at me again as he turns to leave, and I offer him a small wave before entering my room. As soon as I am ready to sleep, dressed in my silken pajamas, and laying in my bed, my hand touches my lips as the memories of Xander's kisses flood my brain. I can feel myself blushing again as that stupid smile snakes its way back onto my face, but I can do nothing to stop it and I realize I don't want to stop it.