Cinders

Chapter 5: The Unfurling Scheme

 I snap out my trance when the bell strikes noon, and hang the shirt I was washing to dry. Helen ushers us out and we start down the stairs for the lower storeroom. My eye downcast, I don't notice the Prince until it's too late.

"Ah, good," he says as we near each other on the stairs, a stack of books in hand. "Lyla, you can help me take these up to my study, if you would be so kind."

I close my eyes. This is ridiculous. For the past fortnight, he's found some excuse for me to accompany him to his study. He takes every opportunity to try and pry some snappy remark out of me, saying the most idiotic things.

I want to come back with some retort or another, but I...

It's not the same as it was. The events that led me to him occurred at Annette's expense. I am forever indebted to him and his friend for saving me from an untimely demise, but it is impossible for me to ever repay those debts. I don't understand what the Prince's angle is. I have nothing to offer him. I shake my head. He's been so kind though, and I—

"Lyla?" the Prince questions, catching my attention from where it had drifted off. "I know I'm not the most interesting person on this earth by any means, but you could at least pretend I am."

"Sorry, my lord," I say, reaching out to take some books. I briefly meet his gaze, his mouth in an endearing pout that I don't think he realizes he has. My heart is hurting.

Perhaps I am dying.

"Off to my study then," the Prince declares, and leads the way back.

Upon entering, he directs me to set them on top of an already teetering tower.

"This looks precarious, my lord," I warn him.

Watching as I manage to place the last book on top without toppling the stack over, he laughs, "Well, it seems to work out just fine."

I nod and stand with my hands folded in front. I catch the Prince's slight frown as he turns to look out the window. "Lyla, have I offended you in some way?"

He looks back at me, and I cannot break from his piercing gaze. He continues, "From what I recollect, it was you who offended I, before...everything. And I know the events that transpired must have affected you, but I think it is unfair to brush aside the offerings of a friend."

I am silent for a moment, unsure of what to say. All I can manage to get out is, "Yes, my lord."

Our eyes locked, I watch as his darken in an instant. His lips pursed, it looks like he is about to maintain the silence, but then he swiftly takes a step towards me, that same fire burning in his eyes like before. "No. Wrong answer. Try again."

Startled, I take a step back. "I—My lord."

"Again," he demands in the same resounding tone. His voice is rich and strong, and something akin fear sends my blood running and sets my heart pounding. I feel heat rise to my cheeks, thankful for once of the mask, as he steps around the table.

Frustrated and confused by the emotions swirling inside of me, I bite back, "Sir, I don't know what you want me to say."

"What I want you to say?" he asks, incredulous. "I saved you, and the Gods know I have tried to be your friend during a fragile time in your life."

"Fragile?" I spit the word back at him. "I am not broken. I have known Death long before Annette. I am just sick of missing my opportunity to join him."

He laughs mockingly. "A coward's answer."

"I am not a coward," I say, seething.

"It is harder to live than to die, Lyla. Your words are those of coward's."