Chapter 9 #2
“We’re not the source of the rumor,” Elowin interrupted.
“Rowan heard that story three days ago. Now can we get something to eat? I could chew the leg off this table, I’m so hungry.
” He shot a pointed look at Thanafern, who shrugged and pushed to his feet.
“I’m sure I can find something suitable for your simple tastes,” he said, the corners of his mouth twitching up in a smile before he disappeared in the direction of the kitchen.
I watched him go, somehow relieved that Elowin and I weren't the stuff of rumors after all and hurt that he’d been so quick to dismiss the idea of us courting—which was ridiculous.
He was obviously just doing his best to ensure the prince didn’t hear any whispers that might cause him to doubt my suitability as a prospective husband.
It was actually very kind and noble of him.
I should be happy—I was happy—that there weren’t stories about me swirling around the market!
I took a deep breath and straightened my spine, determined to enjoy my evening. And by the time Elowin and I had talked and laughed over a shared dinner of bread and cold meats and cheeses, I’d managed to bury the tiny seed of disappointment that Elowin and I could never be more than friends.
By the time we climbed the stairs that led to our rooms, it was late.
Teon and Rowan had joined us after dinner, and Rowan had given me a brown paper parcel that held no less than four sets of clothing, all of them as elegant and well-made as the ones I was wearing.
When I pulled out my purse to pay her, she shook her head. “It’s been taken care of.”
She didn’t say who had paid, but I wasn’t silly.
I knew it had to be Prince Aldian. Hadn’t he sent his own guard to fetch me?
So it made sense he would make sure my needs were met.
I would be sure to thank him when I finally met him—which, it turned out, wouldn’t be until the day after tomorrow now.
A messenger had arrived at the inn letting Thanafern know that the prince had been delayed again.
It felt as though I ought to be more disappointed than I was.
Of course I wanted to meet Aldian. He was my future husband.
But at the same time, once he arrived I wouldn’t be spending as much time with Elowin.
And I oughtn’t want to spend as much time with Elowin, what with all the kissing and the butterflies, but I did, precisely because of all the kissing and the butterflies, and—oh, I just wished Aldian would hurry up and arrive and take the choice away from me!
“Your room is along here,” Elowin said. “Number eight, Thanafern said.”
“Oh,” I said. “Are we not… sharing?”
Elowin raised an eyebrow.
“So you can protect me, I mean,” I said hastily.
Elowin looked slowly up and down the empty corridor. “Protect you from what, Sparrow?”
I flushed, because I didn’t have a good answer. “Um, bandits, of course.”
“Ah, of course. Those pesky bandits.” He smiled, but it wasn’t one of his broad, happy smiles. This one seemed a little regretful, if anything. We reached my door. “I’ll see you in the morning. Good night.”
He turned and began to walk away.
“Wait,” I said.
He paused and turned to face me. “Yes?”
I floundered for something to say that wasn’t please stay and kiss me some more. In the end I said, “It’s about my magic.”
He stepped closer, and the butterflies in my stomach swooped. He was so handsome. “What about your magic?”
“Only, it was stronger today. But maybe that was because we were right next to the shrine,” I said. “What if it was only temporary?”
He stared at me for a moment, and I saw the second he understood what I was trying to ask. He moved so his face was mere inches from mine, and I had to crane my neck to look up at him. “Would you like me to kiss you to check if it still works away from the shrine?”
“Yes, please,” I said, my face heating. “That is, if you don’t mind.”
“It would be my pleasure, Sparrow,” he said. He moved so his body bracketed mine, then cupped my face in his hands and gave me a slow, lingering kiss. His lips were soft against mine and I kissed him back, letting myself sink into the familiar shape of his mouth.
I shivered and let out a gasp when he ran his hands down my sides, his fingertips skating over the bare skin that the lace panels left exposed.
Elowin gripped my waist and kissed me again, more hungrily than he had before, and I felt my magic start to stir in my veins, building like a summer storm until once again there was a tingling under my skin and the rustle of wings.
We broke apart, reluctantly on my part, and Elowin held out his arm. “Look.”
Three massive dark-colored butterflies flapped their wings languidly—except they weren’t butterflies at all. It was an easy mistake to make, especially as the edges of their wings were outlined in soft, gleaming gold, but a closer look told a different story.
They were moths.
I stared, open-mouthed, and they flitted around for a few moments before dissolving into golden dust and then nothingness. “I don’t understand.”
Elowin gave me a fond smile. “Butterflies don’t come out at night. But moths do.”
“So it’s not the shrine doing this?”
“I don’t think so, no.”
Excitement bubbled up in me. My magic, which I had always worried wasn’t as impressive as my parents believed, was becoming stronger! In my delight, I leaned up and pressed a kiss to Elowin’s cheek.
Somehow, it felt more real than all the other kisses we’d shared.
Elowin must have felt the same because his breath caught and he stared at me, touching his fingertips to the spot. I held my breath, waiting for him to say something that told me he felt it too, but after a long moment, all he said was, “Sleep well, Sparrow.”
And then he turned and walked away, leaving me with a memory of gold-tipped wings and an unaccountable ache in my chest.