Without Words, Without Sight

12: Warmth

Iris returned to the King's chambers accompanied by the Master. He had been going on about his plans for her education until they had reached the door. Iris had tried to suppress her own thoughts and listen diligently, but there were so many things coming at her at once. She would be married more than soon. She would learn from a soothsayer whom Nyx was not on good terms with, but she was still determined. This was the best way to be of help to him and also to move about freely again. She wanted to see her beloved nurse. The Master had said she was fine, but she still wanted to talk to her about so many things. Exhausted, she walked into the room alone, as even Aren was not allowed to enter. Rank was not a question when it came to this space, after all.

"I will see you very soon", he had greeted her and left. She could feel him moving away a little bit better already, but after a few seconds, the sensation of his presence was already gone. She still needed to practice a lot. Disguised by the flow of air the shutting gate had triggered, she let out a deep sigh. The warmth of the room was embracing her, the fluffy carpets shielding her cold feet from the stone tiles. A soft croak reached her ear.

"Daray?" Iris felt more awake again when she heard the familiar voice of a friend. The King's crow perched on the lower end of the bed, waiting for his Master. Iris walked up to him.

"How did you get in here?" Daray croaked and shuffled closer, putting his head into her palm. She caressed his feathers lovingly.

"Nyx must have brought you here earlier", Iris concluded. Daray made a noise that sounded like a yes. Iris laughed.

"Will I be able to understand you, too, once I have perfected what Master Aren will teach me?", she asked him absent-mindedly. She could feel the bird's will, but she wondered if it also had words to speak. Daray grumbled and dug his head deeper into her palm. He had taken a great liking to this small, blind woman.

"Daray, do you trust Master Aren?", the words slipped from her lips. She blushed at her own naivety. The bird halted for a moment, then pulled back its head and nibbled at her index finger. Iris had no idea what this was supposed to mean, but it tickled. Cheer up, Daray seemed to say.

"Will you help me with something, my friend?", she smiled again.

Use a living thing for starters, Aren had advised. It will be easier this way. Walk around and concentrate on their aura. Trace it as you walk. Do not move too quickly at first, give yourself time. And don't overdo it, these things are very exhausting. I recommend you get some rest today, you have done enough.

But Iris was eager to learn. She walked around the room, trying to keep the bird within the focus of her inner eye. The tiny creature did not nearly radiate as much light as Nyx did, but maybe this was better anyway.

After a few minutes she already felt worn out and sleepy. The bird seemed to have noticed, flew up and sat down on her shoulder, rubbing its beak against her cheek.

"You are right, I should stop", admitted Iris. She flopped down on the canapé next to the fireplace and let the blazing heat warm her body. She had not noticed, but she had been freezing all this while. The heat stroked her face and with every wave she felt drowsier. And yet falling asleep was impossible. Too many thoughts came crashing in again, now that she did not put all her mind to one task anymore. Would she be able to learn all of this in time?

What business did he have with you?
Nyx' voice suddenly resounded right next to her ear. She was still sitting by the fire, leaning on the armrest. She had been so deeply lost in thought, she had not even noticed his arrival.

"My King", Iris said, still drowsy, but rapidly coming to her senses. He sounded upset, even angry.

What business does Aren have with you, when I had sent the vassal, Nyx repeated. He was fuming. Iris did not panic, but it really was not a nice feeling, either.

"He knocked on the door the way the vassal was supposed to---", Iris began.
Of course he knows. He just went and read his mind, this old geezer, Nyx cursed. He was sitting right behind her, his body towering over her back like a wall.
"He said he would teach me", Iris said more calmly, for she could feel that his anger stemmed from worry and greed. "So that I can be of help to you", she added, turning around a little.

You are of enough help already, Nyx grumbled.

"He also said that if I were to master his art, then I could move about without need for help. And that no one would ever notice my eyes do not see", she tried to calm him. She did not yet dare mention that she would also hear other peoples' voices. This would only feed his jealousy, and she herself disliked the thought, too.

I don't like it, Nyx said, a little more tranquil. I don't trust them.

"And yet he saved me today. If it had not been for his guidance,they would have known I was blind immediately. He showed me my dress in a vision and told me what to do, and---", the words suddenly gushed out of her mouth. She had wanted to speak about it to someone too badly.
Nyx chuckled under his breath. Her liveliness had eased his worry. She was alright. Iris' flow of words stopped when he rested his chin on her shoulder, his breath running down her chest.

How was the fitting, he asked in a low voice, slowly caressing her neckline with his lips. Did you like the dress?

"It is too beautiful", Iris said, relieved when she felt his calm side take over again.

You smell wonderful, he added, changing the topic. Iris shivered. The tip of his nose moved to and fro between her shoulderblades. He took in her smell in with a low groan.

And you're still cold, he then stated, putting his big hands around her, pulling her into him. The gentle warmth from his hands and chest flowed into her whole body at once, warming her up completely. To think his very life was running through her! Iris'muscles went limp within the blink of an eye. She snuggled deeply into his torso. His breathing was quiet and his heart pounded only inches below hers. It felt incredible. Iris smiled, an overjoyed expression from ear to ear.

"Nyx", she whispered sleepily.

Mh?

"I love you... so much...", she mumbled, before falling asleep.

Nyx' heart jumped with joy. It was the first time she had used nothing but his name to address him. How was it that such a tiny creature could sway his heart so much? He would not allow anyone to corrupt her. He would have to have a word with Aren.

But for now, he just wanted to hold her. She looked so beautiful, sleeping in his arms easefully. He did not even dare move to the bed for fear of ruining this sight. Still smiling, the echo of her words lingered on her red lips. He wanted to taste them. He wanted to have her all to himself. Holding back was driving him crazy, but he was a man of honour. So he just kept sitting there, lost in silent adoration, memorizing every inch of her body.
Her chest looked so soft as it slowly moved up and down, releasing her sweet scent. Stretched out like this, the neckline of her dress revealed more skin than usual. The black velvet clung to her stomach and thighs closely, revealing the curvy, full lines of her bosom. The long skirt now played around her slender, swung legs. He closed his eyes. It really drove him nuts. He wanted her so much. He would have to put up with it a little longer.
Safer not to look, he grinned to himself and instead enjoyed the warmth her body gave in return for his own.

If this is what you felt for mother, Nyx thought, then I am beginning to understand.

And then, he, too, fell asleep.