When the heavy, steel barred gates slammed shut behind them, the vassal turned around elegantly.
"Follow me", he directed his voice at Iris. "Your nurse will be accompanied to her chambers. The King is waiting."
"Yes", said Iris, reassured now that she felt Nyx nearer.
The vassal bowed lightly, a faint rustle from his coat.
He walked in front of her, so that she could follow in his step effortlessly. They strode past long, cold halls that smelt of time. Some of the stone corridors were so high that the sound of their footsteps seemed to vanish before it could even touch the ceiling.
Iris tried to engrave all of it into her memory, as she had done in the past to find her way around the house. But the halls seemed endless and what lay behind her soon dissolved into the same darkness that engulfed the things that yet lay before her. How much longer until they reached their destination? She remembered seeing the castle from far, far away when she had still been such a small child. It was so long ago, she did not even know if this memory was real. But in it, the walls stretched infinitely, and the countless towers had pierced the clouds.
The vassal stopped abruptly.
"We are here."
Iris breathed out. Safety, at last.
The heavy door was opened and a gentle fire's light and warmth poured out of the room, together with the strong sense of his aura. Iris could clearly feel him standing on the opposite side of the room. Of course, these were his chambers. His aura was almost tangible.
"You may enter now", said the vassal.
Iris bowed and stepped inside. The doors were closed instantly.
Large arms wrapped around her within the blink of an eye. Nyx pressed her against his chest.
I missed you.
His heart beat calmly with a deep, clear sound, just like his voice that resounded so strongly in her heart, both soothing and so very flustering.
Come, he said gently, guiding her through the large chamber. Tapestry, fur and carpets held the warmth of the fire place within the stone walls and muffled their steps.
Besides you, no one may enter. Rest assured that you are safe here, Nyx explained.
"I feel safe", assured Iris, making a few steps around the room alone, while Nyx watched her every move with fascination. Even in a place unknown to her, she would still display ever so much grace. A true beauty.
He walked up to hear again, and embraced her shoulder to keep her close to his side. For now, it will be enough to remember this room in all detail. I will show you everything. But first..., he said, while softly pushing her toward the fireplace, sit with me for a while.
As he had her sit down right beside him, Iris began to feel a little uneasy. This was a man's room, after all. Nyx, now very close, casually rested his arms on the back of the canape. She could picture him perfectly: A crossed leg loosely on the other, he eyed her attentively. He was completely at ease, while she felt herself growing somewhat nervous. Literally everything that was happening was new to her.
Resting his face on his left hand, Nyx leaned closer.
Is there anything you need, he asked.
"No", she replied quickly. "Please do not worry about me."
Oh, I do, he said, even closer to her ear. She sat up a bit straighter. I worry all the time.
Dew drops ran down her spine, cold as ice. Iris had trusted and loved Nyx from the very beginning, but his presence right now was overwhelming. Nothing about him was menacing when he was only with her, but she still felt like a mouse standing in front of a ravenous lion.
Bringing you here was a selfish move of mine, he continued, his chest contracting a little. They can never know that you are blind, so by having you stay with me, I will burden you with the act. Especially while you are still only my guest, he added.
Iris listened in silence.
Starting tomorrow, I will show you more and more of the castle,until you can move freely in it. I will make it so your life will be as easy as possible. So that you won't wish to return home..., Nyx continued, his voice growing quieter with every word. He knew, what he was demanding of her was a virtually impossible task.
"Please", said Iris, cautiously touching his arm and finding her way up to his face. He pressed the palm of her hand against his cheek. Her scent was so dazzling. "Do not worry so much. Do not feel alone anymore. You let me choose, and here I am."
Still, Nyx said, I know how hard life is for someone like you, in our country that only knows strength and ability. If found out, they might even kill you on the spot. No matter who you are.
He sounded grim.
"My King... You are the most powerful being in this country, even beyond. Of course your people would expect you to choose a qu...someone who is--", Iris started, only to find herself unable to complete her sentence. The thought still seemed so presumptuous.
Nyx chuckled. You still haven't noticed, have you? He sounded bitterly amused.
He took her hand that was still caught between his cheek and fingers, and kissed its palm. I have no voice, Iris, she heard him say, his lips still touching her skin, unmoving.
At least not to the ears of the rest of the world.
YOU ARE READING
Without Words, Without Sight
خيال (فانتازيا)"And in the distance between these eyes that did not see, and this voice that did not resound, he put the flowers and fruit he had picked to describe the scent she had to him. As he put them all into her arms, she understood with a graceful smile. P...
