CHAPTER 9
Iris stirred at the soft rapping that came from her door. She pushed away the impossibly soft fur blankets surrounding her and, inch by inch, shifted her legs over the edge of the bed. The fog soaking her mind cleared and Iris looked down at her bare form. She found herself blushing at her nakedness and immensely grateful the person at the door hadn’t let themselves in.
“Who is it?” Iris called at the person on the other side of the door, but her voice didn’t quite sound her own. She stood, slightly unsteady, and slipped into the niht gown hanging on a peg.
“It’s only me, Brett,” answered the voice.
Iris saw the knob start to turn and, though she now had some sort of cover, she still felt exposed on the light fabric. “One moment.” She called, frantically searching for some sort of robe. Her eyes found a wardrobe, something she hadn’t noticed the day before. She shuffled across the room and there open the doors. Inside she found a soft robe alongside clothes simple, functional, and exquisite.
She threaded her arms into the robe and tied it securely around her waist. After glancing down at her bare feet, Iris slipped each foot into its respective half of a pair of modest slippers. Finally comfortable in her attire, Iris hurried to her door and peeked through.
Brett glanced down at Iris and skilled when she open the door to reveal her fully. “Good morning - I trust you slept well?”
Iris smiled. “I’m assuming so. As far as I remember, I fell asleep a few moments ago.” Iris let the door hang open, but kept one hand on the handle if for no other reason that to give it something to do. She looked back up at Brett’s face. “How can I help you?” Iris had almost always ben there to take care of other’s needs. But, in that moment, she realized that maybe for the first time in a long time, someone was there just to help her.
“Actually, I was wondering if you wouldn’t like to go riding with Catherine and I. I brought someone I think you’ll be glad to see.”
Immediately Iris thought of Aden. He came! He was going to join her in this wonderful place! She even almost burst forward, but caught herself before she embarrassed herself too horribly. As calmly as she could manage while holding her excitement so close to the surface, Iris said, “I would love to. I suppose I should change into something a little more appropriate.” She almost blushed, but kept it just below the surface.
“That’s probably wise.” Brett chuckled. “Your wardrobe should hold everything you need. When you’re ready, ring the bell and someone will come to show you to the stables.”
She nodded and, as Brett was poised to leave, he turned and winked. “Don’t take too long.”
Iris held her head seriously. “I won’t.” She smiled, her eyes sparkling with anticipation. She closed the door on his departing form.
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Something Bigger Part 1
Genç Kurgu"We could run away." He'd suggested. But that was before the offer came. The offer that changed Iris's life and sealed the fate of more than a few. Aden should have pulled her away, he should have broken free of the hold. But maybe this was fate.
