Tessellations [BOOK TWO]

Chapter Eighteen

author's note: alright, it's been a while and I've revised a few small details in the plot. (for example, Bird's been sneaking away to the training fields for days now to practice fighting with two soldiers, Arye and Dueven, without Jasper's knowledge. I have also - either temporarily or permanently - removed the dessa/caleb relationship problem subplot, just because I felt that it didn't fit the direction I wanted to go with this story.) there shouldn't be any other major differences but if you notice some small ones, that's why! I will also be updating the recent chapters to include the new revisions, if you'd like to go back and re-update yourself. as always - love u all and thanks for reading!

But all things fade and I transcend
As we come to a bitter end

The sky paled to a silvered blue as we returned to the castle, but the sun hadn't yet risen. We passed through the castle's front gate, nodding a somber acknowledgement to the guards as we went by. They inclined their heads in return.

"Good luck finding your way back," I told Lily and Channing. "I've got to see Jasper, but I shouldn't be long."

We separated, and I began to search for Jasper's room. I was sure he'd be awake, but I still hesitated to contact him telepathically. I was sure I'd be able to locate him on my own.

Rounding a corner, I was unexpectedly met with a familiar figure, her pretty face souring at the sight of me. Crwys. She was angelic in a faint rose gown, with soft trails of gossamer sweeping down from her shoulders and arms. I reigned in my surprise and forced myself to be polite. "Morning, Crwys. I didn't expect to see you this early."

"That's Lady Crwys," she said with unveiled distaste. "Can I help you?"

The question was so starkly ironic that it took me a moment to form a response. I frowned. "Could you tell me where I can find Jasper's chambers? I'm a bit lost."

She scoffed. "Why ever would you trifle yourself with something like that?" Then her lip curled. "More pressingly, why on earth would Jasper trifle himself with someone like you?"

I stared, incredulous and dumbstruck. If it weren't for Jasper appearing next to me in a golden cloud, I think I would have hit her.

"What's this?" Jasper asked, raising his eyebrows. "Crwys? I didn't expect to find the two of you together."

Crwys smiled sweetly. "Such a dear little friend you have, Jas," she said. "Northern, if I'm correct?" She looked at me and dimpled. "It shows."

I was furious. Jasper didn't seem to notice. "She is a wonder," he said. "In any case, Bird, I was looking for you. Unless you're occupied?"

I shook my head, tight-lipped. "Not at all."

Jasper took my arm. "Such a rush!" said Crwys with a jesting laugh. "It's been ages since we've spoken properly, Jas. Perhaps you'd like to come for tea sometime?"

A curl of ghostly magic hung at her fingers—white, like candle smoke. Her eyes glittered with false charm.

Jasper seemed unfazed. "Perhaps. Until next time, Crwys." We vanished.

The corridor melted away, replaced by the brisk air and bright colors of the training field. The sky was a pallid blue color, painted peach along the horizon. I looked at Jasper, surprised.

"Really?"

He ducked his head. "You were right. You need to know how to defend yourself, and it's stupid of me to pretend otherwise."

A smile broke out on my face. "And all it took was a near kidnapping to knock some sense into you."

He snorted and pushed me away playfully. "Come along."