The Seer of Iros

6.

Lillian

I watch Finch's attractive backside leave the dining room with a grin on my face. I really like him, I like him a lot and am very attracted. I thought of nothing but how much of a good time I had last night just drinking and talking with him. It felt natural. It didn't even feel awkward when he wasn't speaking earlier; it was like a comfortable blanket of silence. The only reason I even broke it was because I wanted to hear his deep commanding voice, so sexy.

I reach and finish off my coffee as Pat speaks up. Now he's one that can't stand to be quiet for more than five minutes or I think he'll burst.

"So the commander huh? I didn't think you liked those types?"

I finish my cup and then look at him. He's looking back with something in his eyes I can't quite make out. "I normally don't. There's just something about Finch I'm attracted to. Not to mention I think he's ridiculously handsome."

"You know that this won't go anywhere right? I mean for one he's leaving in two days and for two your father would never approve of a relationship with a soldier, even if he is the commander of an army."

I suddenly don't like Patrick's tone. Also he's never shown any care about my love interests in the past. Why now, why this one? He's honestly gotten on my nerves this morning. "What do you care, Pat? You've never bothered with my interests in other men before. Just let me deal with the fallout if there even is one. I'm just taking things very casually with him. I've only known Finch for not even 2 full days. Why are you trying to make me feel bad? Also who's to say father won't approve? He's always thought very highly of our armed forces."

"Because he wasn't born a noble Lillian. He's below you, you deserve much better than a farm boy."

"How did you know he's from a farm town?"

"I looked into him and the other high ranking men in his army before they came to arrive yesterday."

"Why the interest? Listen, I'm not hearing anymore of this. I like him, I want to spend more time with him, end of story." Really riled up now I stand and move to leave.

"Lilly, I'm sorry I didn't mean to make you upset, I was just trying to let you know the reality before you get too deep."

"Good bye for now Patrick." I say and practically stomp out of the dining room heading outside toward the stables. I think it's time to clear my head. I don't know why Patrick upset me so much. Maybe the feelings I have for Finch are actually more than casual? But how could that be when we've only just met?...yet I can't deny our chemistry. I've never felt so strongly about someone so quickly. It's almost as though I've known him for years as opposed to less than two days.

What really made me upset was the dig Pat made about where Finch came from. I find it very commendable that he was born and raised in a small farm town to then work his way up the ranks to the top. Any woman would be happy and proud to have him. Patrick almost seemed jealous which is ludicrous to me because I've always viewed him as a brother type of friend.

Shaking my head of those thoughts I enter our stables and smile as I walk up to my horse Isabelle, she's a white and brown spotted mustang and I've had her since she was a foal. I suddenly have the urge to see Finch again and I know Hayley will be fine on her own for a little while. I write a note and hand it to one of the stable hands to have it delivered to her letting her know I went riding. I'll meet her later for lunch and then we can shop until the boxing match later this afternoon.

Even if it's from a distance I find myself wanting to catch the glimpse of Finch. So I put on my riding boots and saddle Isabelle.

I ride out toward the army camp that sits just outside the outskirts of the city. They're in the large open field we use for festivals. As I get closer to the many tents I slow Isabelle from a trot to a walk. Many of the men and women in uniform seem friendly and curious. Some of them nod and wave as I go by. Then I hear it, grunts and yells that I assume are coming from the training grounds Finch and Talon spoke of.