Dearest Evelyn

-chapter 25-

I think about an hour later, when the dancing and music had died down, and people either began to leave or drift off to their own chambers, Hector finally spoke. He kissed me gently and then stood, pulling me up with him.

I stood embracing him for another few moments, knowing perfectly well this was probably the last time I’d ever do so with such tender love.

It almost hurt to think about.

He led me around to the courtyard, the closest entrance to the direction of my wing, and left to go through yet another entrance to his own wing and chambers. He left silently, and for the few heartbreaking moments that I watched his back walk away in the moonlight, I couldn’t breathe. He didn’t look back, and I didn’t expect him to.

When he finally disappeared around the corner, I turned to go inside. I walked down the dimly lit hallway to find Gwindire leaning against the wall before me, watching me with blank yet open eyes. I wondered for a quick second just how much he knew.

He stood up straight when I walked past him. He joined my side, taking my hand. I let him. “How was your night in the garden?”

I pursed my lips.

“I’m just asking.” He said after seeing my reaction.

We walked around a slumped over man, drunk and passed out. I could smell his stench even a few feet away. “We had closure.” I said to try and throw him off the track. It wasn’t exactly closure, but I had to say something.

“Hm. I trust you.” So he didn’t believe me.

“Thank you tough . . . for not getting overprotective and . . . .”

“Interrupting?” he asked.

“There was nothing to interrupt.” I quickly lied.

“Sure.” He let go of my hand and wrapped his arm around my shoulders. I realized I was being such a child. I was taking advantage of his toleration towards me. He didn’t have to put up with Hector and me, but he did. How could I be so selfish? Well, it didn’t matter. It was the end for Hector and me, so I could focus now on Gwindire. Like everyone kept telling me to do.

“I suppose Joanna and Terrin have already retired for the night?” I asked, trying to change the topic.

“Yes. I suppose we should as well.”

I gave him a quick glance.

“Not together, silly.” He smirked at me. “Not yet.”

I nodded. Duh, how stupid of me. He led me to my chambers. I paused with him outside of my door. He tucked a strand of loose hair behind my ear.

“Sleep well, Eve.” He whispered. He placed a kiss on my cheek, and I suddenly burned with guilt because I could smell that I smelt like Hector.

I nodded, looking meekly down at my feet.

“I love you, remember that.”

I looked up. He smiled at me, and turned and walked away before I had a chance to respond.

~

I couldn’t sleep well that night. All night I tossed and turned to dreams that drifted from Hector to Gwindire to Terrin and back all over again. It was taunting me, hindering me from the precious sanctuary of sleep. I sat up, unable to take my insomnia any longer.

I knew this was taking a big risk, but I slipped on my cloak over my nightgown. I slipped on my slippers- the stone floor being freezing, and quieted Geraldine’s curious whine before I slipped silently out of my room. I went to the end of my hallway and out into the wing. I took the west corridor and the staircase to my left.