Blue Moon

Chapter 8

The door closed behind them and Kael gazed out a window to see the silver moons slow ascent into the ever darkening sky.

“The moon is lovely out tonight.” Kael said with his voice rumbling lightly.

Lilia smiled moving closer to where he stood. “Yes it is, this is my favourite time of day. I absolutely love the night.” She said with a twirl of joy while throwing her head up in bliss.

Kael couldn’t help but share in her excitement. He too loved the night; the cold, fresh smells and sounds it brought, especially the feeling of the icy night air resting on his bare skin. It was when he felt most alive. The little memory he did have of his former life was often of him roaming a full forest in the dead of night Clad in thin cotton garments with a mauve hooded cape shielding him from sight, listening to eagle owls swooping low over head, he would try to mimic the avian predators in trying to be as quiet as possible while playfully following a doe foraging for her young. He remembered stopping and hearing the lower town slumber and suddenly heard his name piercing the silence but then the memory would cloud and fade and he would be left with a sense of fruitless longing.

“What are you thinking?” Lilia asked gently turning her head to look at Kael.

He slowly turned toward her and gave a soft smile. “I was just thinking of how beautiful you are tonight.” He said lifting her soft hand to his lips. He watched her cheeks redden ever so slightly. He then stepped back releasing her as she cleared her throat.

“I feel like having my evening meal. You are free to eat yours wherever you want, but I was wondering if you may like to dine in the courtyard with me.” She said trailing her gaze up to his face to look into his eyes.

Kael smiled. “I would love to.”

He was shocked when Lilia turned and willingly took his hand into hers to lead the way. He expected her to let go soon after but she did not. The fact that she would do this even with her mother lurking about touched him deeply. No one had ever simply held his hand without wanting something and she treated it as thought it was the most normal thing in the world. It was such a small and simple gesture however it was also quite intimate for him. He tightened his hold and felt Lilia squeeze his hand softly as she smiled back at him.

Kael inhaled deeply smelling sweet new scents. He looked around and noticed that they were in what seemed to be a grand kitchen. He had no idea what foods would give off these delectable fragrances and it made his mouth water just trying to think of them. Lilia released his hand as she glided forward to rest her arms casually on a white wooden table while she bantered with a middle aged man dressed in a white tunic. He had short brown hair flecked with grey with a strong jaw that was dusted with whiskers. His storm grey eyes lit up as he spoke to Lilia, all the while keeping check on how food his was cooking on the small fires around him. Kael put his clothing on a chair near the door and moved forward to join her.

“Kael, I would like you to meet my most favourite chef, Argos.” She looked to Argos and said “And Argos this is my... friend Kael.” They both chuckled at her hesitant use of the term ‘friend’ but Kael guessed they did have a bond of companionship. Argos turned and said loudly, “Well Kael welcome to my office where I create masterpieces with food and attempt to sate Lilia’s campaign to eat.” He gestured to his foods around him.

“It is an honour, sir, however I do believe you will never get to your goal as from what I can see Lilia is never, not hungry.” He said laughing.

“Hey!” Lilia shouted while punching Kael lightly. “What is this? You can’t both gang up on me! No fair. You should be happy I eat a lot otherwise you would have no one to test your new creations, and as for you mister” she said wagging her finger at Kael playfully. “You should be trying to stay in my good books. Humph.” She said crossing her arms over her chest with a wounded sniff. Kael leaned down towards her whispering in her ear. “But sometimes it’s so good to be bad.” He said huskily while placing his hands on her hips. He heard her sharp intake of breath and chuckled leaning backward to face Argos again while wrapping his arms around her waist holding her in front of him. They both looked at Argos finding him smiling broadly and shaking his head gently at them.

“What?” they said in unison.

“I’m just happy for you, that’s all. Its been a long time since I’ve seen two people enjoying each other’s company as much as you to do.” He said dreamily. Lilia smiled at him. “Thanks Argos, could Kael and I please eat in my courtyard tonight?”

“Why of course. Any requests?”

“Hmm” Lilia hummed tapping her chin thoughtfully. Her eyes grew as realisation dawned. “Oh I know!” she leaned right over the table to whisper something into his ear. He started chuckling again. “Consider it done my dear. I will have everything there in a short while.”

“Thank-you Argos.” Chimed Lilia.

“Yes, thank-you.” Said Kael.

“It is only my pleasure.” Argos said tapping his chest proudly.

Lilia hooked her arm in Kael’s after he fetched his bundle of clothing and he walked slowly along with her. She gasped and turned to face him. “I have just realised I haven’t shown you your room!” she said pulling him along faster. “It’s a short walk from my room... Here we are.” She put her hands on the brass handles. “I hope you like it.” She pushed open the doors open to reveal large room. It was breathtaking. The floor was covered with glossed black marble that ran into light grey washed walls and the wall behind the bed had been completely covered with horizontal bamboo strips. The bed was set in the centre of the wall. It was a four post mahogany bed surrounded by white silk drapes that tied to each post. It was covered with a soft thick black blanket with a lapis lazuli sheet underneath it. There were four black pillows and another two plush cushions matching the sheet. There was a black leather recliner overlooking the balcony which had the most immaculate view of the gardens. He looked to his right and saw a large wooden wardrobe, carved ornately around the edges. He moved forward and placed his pile of clothing inside it. Just to his left was a mirror and as he gazed in it he saw the roof had been decorated as well. It had dark blue drapery starting high in the middle of the roof and branching out lower to the wall making a strong contrast against the white between it. He turned to Lilia and said gently. “I love it, it is absolutely perfect.”

He watched her bounce slightly, clasping her hands in front of her body beaming brightly. “I’m so glad” she chimed, squealing with joy. He could not help smiling. He was beginning to love her occasional almost childlike movements.

“Now time to show you my little slice of serenity” she said already moving out the door.

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heya guys. sorry it took so long to upload... exams e.e ...... but anyhoo. im trying to make the chapters longer but i can only do that when my friend gives me my written pages back so i cant upload for atleast the next three days.. so yes nikki i need them xD luv ya all and thanks for all the support and comments. xXx as always feel free to comment and vote if you like it :) thanks a million!