Fire Angels

Chapter 12 Part 1 Parrus Proposes

What do the wealthy do in the morning? If my experiences in the White Tower of Lammerquais are any guide, their lovers slip from their beds at dawn and they go back to sleep to be woken luxuriously late by a maid who brings them hot chocolate and rolls in bed.

As well as rolls and chocolate however the maid brought a note which spoiled my breakfast. It was from Parrus asking me to meet him in the Green Morning room in an hour's time.

A dull sense of foreboding filled me as, following the directions provided by the serving maid, I made my way to the Green Morning room.

Parrus was already sitting within looking very elegant.

"Is that a new robe?" I said.

"Yes. You like it? Lord Sercel gave it to me. A very generous man. You must ask him for some new clothes too. Those are a little understated for the Elector of Magery."

"You know about that?"

"I called by your room last night to congratulate you, but you must have been asleep. I must say you are unexpected, hiding yourself away like that. What were you doing in Cardun?" He slid his arm around my shoulders. "You are obviously too modest and we must take you in hand."

His patronizing manner set my teeth on edge.

"Have you and Tomas been talking to each other?" I snapped pushing him away.

"No!" He looked startled. There was an uncomfortable silence.

"Dion," said Parrus. "Didn't you miss me a bit while you were gone? I missed you."

His arms were round me again, his fingers stroking my neck. He nuzzled my cheek. It was actually very pleasant. For a wild moment I wondered how it would be if I kept Parrus as a lover as well as Shad. But only for a moment. Any passion I had felt for Parrus had simply disappeared.

"Parrus. Don't."

"Don't be like that. It's been ages since I saw you. I've been longing to see you again. Come on don't tease me. Didn't you miss me?"

"Of course I missed you." Oh dear here I was lying to save his feelings. I must think of something more realistic that wouldn't lead to an unpleasant confrontation. This was pathetic. I had to do better. I leapt in.

"Look Parrus. I know we ... I think we should let things cool off for the moment, don't you? I mean its different here now. This is Lammerquais, not Cardun. People are going to notice and say things."

Parrus was silent for a few moments as if thinking deeply about something.

"Yes," he said slowly and deliberately. "Yes, we certainly don't want to set people talking especially now you have become so important. Here a woman has to be more careful of her reputation. That's why...." He took my hand with sudden formality. Dion, I thought about you a lot while we were apart. You know I'm fond of you and now things have turned out this way - well I think it would be a good thing for us to get married."

"What?" I cried. "My God Parrus, what are you talking about?"

He looked as shocked as I felt. It was one of those moments when you realize the other person is a complete stranger to you.

"I'm sorry," I said, striving for a less insulting reaction. "Its very kind of you, I don't.... I really don't think it would work out between us."

"What do you mean?" cried Parrus. "I thought this was what you wanted."

I had once, but I stopped thinking of Parrus in that way a long time ago, when it had become clear that I was just going to get hurt if I did.

"Oh Parrus I am sorry. I had no idea you felt this way. I thought it was just a passing fancy."