Sanctuary of my heart

Chapter three

The days that followed slipped by quietly, each one blending into the next. Kael continued to come by the treehouse, though we never talked much about it. He'd show up in the afternoons, sometimes with a book from my shelves, other times with a board game tucked under his arm. I wasn't sure what to make of it, but I didn't stop him either.

Our interactions fell into an easy rhythm. I would settle into my usual spot, diving into the world of whatever book I had chosen that day. Kael would stretch out on the floor or lean against the wall, reading silently or setting up a game between us. We spoke only when necessary—a comment about the book he was reading or a question about the rules of a game. Otherwise, we let the silence fill the space, both of us content to be in our own worlds.

In a strange way, it was comforting. I didn't feel the need to fill the quiet with small talk, nor did I feel pressured to entertain him. It was just... easy. Simple.
I found myself almost looking forward to those afternoons, though I refused to think too much about why. It was just nice, that's all—having someone around who didn't expect anything from me.

The board games became a bit of a routine, too. We played them mostly in silence, save for the occasional playful jab or sarcastic remark. It was different from the solitude I usually craved, but it wasn't unwelcome. It was like having a puzzle piece you didn't know you were missing, but when it's there, it fits perfectly.
And yet, I didn't let myself read too much into it. Kael was just passing time, like I was. We weren't friends, not really. Just two people who happened to find the same place to escape. It didn't have to mean anything more than that.
But as the week went on, I couldn't help but notice the small things. The way Kael's gaze would sometimes linger on the book he was reading, as if lost in thought. Or the way he would smile, just slightly, whenever I beat him at a game. It was subtle, almost imperceptible, but it was there.

Still, I kept my distance, mentally at least. Whatever was going on, I wasn't going to let it become more than it was. I didn't need to complicate things, not now. Not ever.
So, we continued like that, day after day. Kael with his books and games, me with mine.
Two weeks had passed in a blur of quiet afternoons and peaceful solitude. But when I finally made my way back to the house, the sense of calm I'd found in the treehouse evaporated instantly. I slipped into my room,changed and went to find something to eat. As soon as I got out of my room, I was hit with a whirlwind of activity, servants rushing around, decorators hanging garlands, and the distant clatter of dishes being prepared in the kitchen.

For a moment, I just stood there, disoriented. Then it hit me, Serena's engagement party. I'd almost forgotten about it entirely.
I slipped through the bustling hallway, hoping to avoid any attention, but I wasn't quick enough. Clara spotted me and hurried over, her face a mixture of relief and urgency.
"There you are, Lyra honey," she said, slightly breathless. She always talked to me as if I was her own child, but only when nobody was around. "I was just about to come looking for you. Miss Serena wants you to accompany me to town to pick up a few last-minute things for the party."
I opened my mouth to protest, but Clara's pleading look stopped me. I knew better than to argue, refusing would only lead to more trouble later. With a sigh, I nodded, allowing her to lead me back outside.
The trip to town was uneventful, but it felt like a chore. Clara chattered about the upcoming party, the guests, and how Serena had been so particular about every little detail. I nodded along, half-listening, my mind drifting back to the quiet of the treehouse.

It wasn't until we stopped at a boutique that I was pulled back to the present. Clara ushered me inside, her eyes bright with excitement. "Miss Serena insisted you have something new to wear for the party," she said, as she began browsing through the racks of dresses.
I hesitated, frowning slightly. "I don't need anything new," I mumbled, more to myself than to her. I had no intention of making any sort of appearance beyond what was absolutely necessary.
But Clara was persistent. "Nonsense, darling! You should have something special for the occasion."