Wife of Shadows

Chapter 4 - Saved by Shadows

 "Eidel!"

Eidel jumped, her attention immediately turning to Elise whom was getting frustrated. She was pursing her lips, staring grumpily at her. "You're doing it again," she fussed. It was the third time she had to speak up to get her attention.

"I beg your pardon, Miss Elise, I didn't sleep well last night, perhaps we should continue the lesson tomorrow," Eidel said giving Elise an apologetic smile.

This made Elise just look at her teacher with surprise and concern. It was very rare that she was excused from lessons for the day. Eidel was sure she always got some sort of learning. Though Elise like any child didn't shy away at the chance for lessons to be skipped for the day.

As Elise exited the study Eidle slumped in her chair. Her skull rested on the back of the chair as she seemingly stared through the ceiling. It wasn't a complete lie that she had told Elise. She did have issues falling asleep last night, never mind staying asleep. The memory of the creature that appeared in her room last night kept her up.

She pinched her eyes closed trying to remember the details of what she saw. A dark cloak, shadows, thin long fingers. Then the fact that they disappeared within a beat of a heart.

Eidels eyes slid open as she turned her head to the side, slightly shaking her head at herself. She was annoyed at her self. She was meant to be Elise's caretaker and here she was fretting over a creature who could have simply been a staff member.

After they disappeared she had gone through waves of emotions. First scared at the sudden intrusion. Soon disgruntled and ready to give them a mouthful should they return. Appearing unannounced in a ladies' room, the gall. Even if she was a servant. She could have been in a state of complete undress! Never mind spotting her in her evening wear.

Though with how they had jumped when they saw her. She had more than a strong feeling that they didn't want to be seen, and why that was. The brooding thought sat in her stomach for the remainder of the night and as she had slipped in and out of slumber. Waking at any creek of the castle.

Collecting the remainder of the lesson sheets from in front of her, Eidel snapped the book shut and went in search of Golan. He would be the only one she would be most comfortable asking about the intruder. Plus as a head of staff himself, he had a working knowledge of all staff on hand.

Arriving at Golan's office the door sat open, a clear sign of welcome. She knocked at the door frame, announcing her presence as she stepped in. The vaguely familiar sight of Golan's office was a comfort. It was a quaint, quiet space that the few heads of staff operated out of when not working in the castle themselves.

Golan looked up from scratching his quill on a ledger that was sprawled out in front of him. "Oh, Eidel," he said resting his hand but at her expression frowned. "Is everything alright?" he questioned.

Standing now at the side of his desk she sighed gently, half deciding if this was a silly thing to do after all. Troubling a head of staff with a problem she should have asked someone else about most likely, her conscience nagged at her.

Though seeing Golan's worried expression eased her nerves, if slightly.

Tilting her head to the side she gave an attempt at a smile, "Yes" she trailed off. Her smile slipped slightly to a straight line, "But no" she hummed.

Golan's foxy features pinched in concern as he placed his quill in its holster and he gestured for her to sit in the plush seat next to him.

"Thank you," she said and sat. The situation tumbled through her head, not sure where to start.

"It's unlike you to be troubled into silence Eidel. Does your troubles lay with lady Elise, is she well?" he questioned.

She gently waved her hand brushing off the notion, "No, no, she is quite well, thank you. You and the staff have been more than accommodating" she said. Gnawing at her lip she eyed the open door self consciously, "It's more of a private matter".