The Fifth Daughter {Fantasy-Romance}

SIX

A trial

·・✩₊˚.⋆☾ ⋆⁺₊✧・·

M

AERWYNN WAS STUCK IN HER room all day, only called out for dinner, where she sat alone at a table so long she'd struggle to hear someone at the other end. At least the meals were good, fit for royalty even. Then it was back to her room for the night with the twin elf taking care of her before bed.

But no matter how many questions she asked, no one wanted to talk. She felt like a ghost, invisible and unheard. It had been three days without seeing Rhaenan or Valen. Calia checked on her once a day, probably to make sure she wasn't causing trouble.

As the sun cast its gentle morning glow through the windows on the fourth day, a rhythmic knock on her door jolted her from her reverie. "Come in," she called out, her curiosity piqued.

With a graceful stride, Astrea swept into the room, her wings elegantly folded behind her. It was evident she had flown up here, though she concealed her celestial appendages with practiced poise as she ventured further into the chamber. "Breakfast is served," she announced, her gaze sweeping over Maerwynn with keen interest. "You seem to be up and ready."

Today, Maerwynn had taken it upon herself to indulge in a solitary bath. She had chosen her attire with care: a verdant dress with flowing sleeves, accented by delicate metal bands adorning her arms and wrists, paired with a sleek black corset that cinched at the waist. Her hair cascaded freely down her back, a tangle of coppery locks dancing in the morning light.

"And Asterin?" Maerwynn inquired, noticing her absence.

Astrea offered a small nod. "She is attending to certain duties. Please, join me."

Eager to escape the confines of her chamber, Maerwynn followed Astrea out into the hallway, the anticipation of a new day stirring within her like a dormant ember reignited. She feared it she had stayed one more hour in that room, spiders would have webbed her to the walls.

Down the hallway of the topmost floor, they passed towering stacks of ancient tomes and scrolls, the shelves seamlessly melding into the stone walls or crafted from rich, dark wood. The hallways stretched deep into the heart of the mansion, illuminated by the soft glow of low-burning glass lamps.

Every few paces, a cozy reading nook emerged, adorned with sturdy tables, plush chairs, and inviting couches. Beneath them lay ancient woven rugs, their intricate patterns adding a touch of warmth to the cold stone floors. Fireplaces, intricately carved into the rock, provided a flickering glow, their grates designed to catch any stray embers.

Each day, Maerwynn found herself drawn to the study of this house, marveling at its design as she wandered the corridors. It was clear Valen enjoyed books and studying.

She also stole moments to explore the gardens, though she heeded Calia's warning to steer clear of certain paths, avoiding the treacherous thistles that lay in wait and something more perhabs.

Their journey led them to the dining room, where the wide doors swung open to reveal a figure seated at the head of the table. Maerwynn's heart quickened at the sight of him-Valen. She suppressed a surge of unexpected joy, reminding herself that he was no friend.

No, she corrected herself sternly. She wasn't pleased to see him. It was merely the hunger for human interaction after days of solitude. But he wasn't human; he was a Faerie, a High Fae at that.

But he was the closest company to a human. The pixies did things unnaturally and in most ways, very creepy and Calia was too absorbed in her own self righteousness. Rhaenan, was harder to see than a pink moon.