Liora Skyheart - sweet enchantments

Chapter 25

Despite my desire to spend as much time with Liora as possible, I find myself drifting off much sooner than I'd like. I guess I'm just finally coming down from the adrenaline of dealing with the inspection... Not to mention almost seriously screwing up with Berian. I've learned a lot about the magical world in the last couple of days, but I have so much further to go... I'm willing to do whatever it takes to help Liora though. I blink awake in the sunlight streaming through Liora's bedroom window.

"Oh geez... again?"

Ever since the inspection, Liora and I have developed a habit of spending evenings talking in her bedroom. Which would be fine, except for the fact I keep falling asleep in her bed! I huff out a sigh, covers shifting as I slowly sit up. Just like always, Liora took the time to tuck me in... The thought makes me blush, but before my imagination can get too carried away, the door opens to admit Liora. She's carrying a tray with our morning tea and breakfast, and she smiles when she sees me awake.

"You're up."

"I am. I'm so sorry about falling asleep again. I never mean to! I always come in telling myself that tonight, I'm not gonna fall asleep in Liora's bed... And then I actually get in here and..."

I mime falling into bed, and Liora laughs softly. Liora reaches out, laying her hand over mine and giving it a quick squeeze.

"It's OK, Arinn. I really don't mind. You have been spending most of your time sleeping on a couch; my bed must be more comfortable."

"The couch is fine, I swear! but... well, I guess nothing really beats a bed."

Liora hums with agreement, before her gaze flicks away for a moment.

"And besides..."

She looks at me again and smiles, the expression soft and warm.

"There are worse things in the world than waking up to your company."

It takes me a moment to speak, briefly lost in the bubble of happiness that comment inspires in me.

"I feel the same way..."

Liora hands me a cup of tea, her smile growing.

"So you don't have anything to apologise for at all."

We make small talk about inconsequential subjects as we eat breakfast in bed, but eventually our conversation veers back to business.

"So everything's been cleared up with the inspection, right?"

Liora homes in agreement.

"Mr Sternfin's report cleared us of any possible charges."

"And even Aristeo's been quiet lately..."

"Apparently he found the time, however briefly, to focus on running his own business instead of meddling with how I run mine."

Liora gives me a quick smile, and I laugh.

"I'm just glad things seem to be settling down. Especially considering..."

There's something niggling at the back of my mind, something important, and suddenly I remember.

"Especially considering sweet enchantments anniversary is like five days away! We've been so busy with everything that I almost completely forgot!"

I look at Liora quickly.

"Are we still having the events?"

Liora's smile grows mischievous, and she pours me another cup of tea.

"After everything we've gone through, and how hard you fought for the cafe? Of course. I'd like to see deeproot try to stop us now."

After breakfast with Liora, I have a long day of organising the storage room ahead of me. And I don't have magic to help me do the heavy lifting! By the time we're done, I'm so tired that when I get up to the office and find the blankets, I've been using for my makeshift bed I'm missing... All I can do for a few seconds is blink at the couch in confusion.