Chapter 11 #2
They all were. They’d found over twenty books containing witchcraft, and not one had a sleeping curse in it. She brought her gaze to what still needed sorting, and they were two-thirds of the way through it. They were almost done.
Her heart raced a little faster, and she placed the book in her lap, clutching its spine in squeezing fists.
I should’ve started earlier. Had she not delayed out of fear of him discovering her, she might not be running out of time so quickly.
If we don’t find the answer, he’ll bring other witches here, and I will be unable to bargain for my freedom.
Terror suffused her down to her very soul, causing her hands to tremble. I need to go home.
“Did you like it?” he asked, breaking through her quickly deteriorating thoughts of panic.
“Like what?” she whispered hoarsely.
“The meal I made. I’ve never cooked one before, so I was unsure if it would be good.”
“Oh. I didn’t eat it.”
“What?” He finally turned fully to face her. “Why not?”
Carwyn averted her gaze to the side. “I was unsure if I was allowed. I didn’t want to presume anything.”
He tsked before letting out a grumbling huff. “Fine. Any meal that is available, you are welcome to,” he said definitively, returning to his task. “I can see you didn’t like the garment I left for you.”
“More unsure as to why you gave it to me,” she threw at him.
“You complained of the cold, so I offered you warmth.”
“It’s of rather high quality.”
Just like this chair, and the cushion, and the luxurious furs. She’d seen there were easier-to-grab items in the sections of hoards he had organised. If he’d wanted her to have somewhere to sit, he could have grabbed something wooden and hard.
“Do you usually complain when someone offers you nice comforts?” he asked pointedly.
Carwyn’s lips parted; she was unsure how to answer. No one’s ever done so before. Unless it was from her sisters or mother, she’d never been given a gift, especially not from a male anything.
Was that what he was doing? Was he giving her gifts?
Which still begged the question... “Why?”
His head reared back. “Why am I asking why you’re complaining? Because that’s what you’re doing?”
Carwyn couldn’t contain her giggle even if she tried. She attempted to hide it behind her fist, but he still snapped his face to her with slitted eyes.
“No, I’m asking why you’re even bothering. You’ve mostly ignored me this past week.”
“Consider it a change of heart.”
She cocked a brow. “Yes, but why?”
He turned his face forward, hiding whatever expression he bore, but his voice was remarkably gentle as he said, “I’ve decided to no longer ignore what I can plainly see. You are kind. I’ve witnessed it in your care for my sister, as well as for myself.”
Warmth rushed into her cheeks just as her heart skipped a little, and she had to stop herself from patting at her blush to cool it. She never would’ve expected such words from him, and after so long of receiving indifferent callousness, it was rather jarring.
She laughed it off. “This better not be a trick, dragon.”
If he gave her these things just to take them away with a mean snicker later, she’d find ways to make his life hell. She wanted this chaise. She wanted it in her room so she could sleep on it.
“Kier.”
She tilted her head. “Pardon?”
“Not dragon,” he answered nonchalantly, reaching to the side to place a book down. “Kier.”
She clutched the spellbook tighter. “Is that your name?”
“Indeed, Carwyn, it is.”
Her lips parted in surprise. He remembers my name?
That meant he’d been calling her ‘witch’ just to be an ass! Ooh, she wanted to go over there and kick him right in the tail.
“I’ve grown curious as to who you are. Where is it you hail from?”
“I thought you didn’t want to know my history.”
He lifted a paw, pointed an index finger downward, and circled it. “Are you forgetting the part where I stated I’ve had a change of heart? That I’m curious? Do tell me of your history before I eat my tail in anticipation.”
Her lips quirked at that imagery. She would’ve denied him just to be catty and get back at him, but she was thrilled about the change. It was better than him being grouchy.
“I come from the southern border of Sylvania.”
“The northern country? You are quite far from home then. Why are you here in western Belsper then? As far down as someone can get, may I add.”
It was as if a pail of water had been dumped over her head, stealing all her gooey excitement. The truth was unpleasant, and it was an important secret.
“I was... on my way to visit a friend.”
Although she couldn’t really consider that batty witch a friend. She barely knew her. Or truly trusted her. But she was the only person Carwyn could turn to for answers, not to mention the witch had sent a letter hinting that she may already have them – even when Carwyn had never asked.
“I see. Not as riveting as I hoped.”
A small smile quirked her lips. “No.”
“You mentioned sisters?”
Carwyn tilted her head again. He’s being awfully... chatty. Other than arguing, she thought this might be the most they’d ever spoken.
“Yes, I have three of them. Valerie, Aldora, and Kaeylyn. I’m the youngest middle daughter.”
“Are they all like you?”
Her features pinched. “I’m not quite sure what you mean.”
He grunted. “Never mind then.”
Carwyn waited for another question, but none came. So she licked her lips nervously, having many of her own.
“How many siblings did you have?” she asked, wondering if he’d be annoyed about her ‘prying.’
“I had six, including Selene.”
“Selene?” she repeated, brows raised. He glanced over his shoulder at her, then at the entryway in answer.
So that’s her name. That’s who lay asleep up the tunnel.
The air suddenly became heavy with despondency, and she wished she hadn’t asked about them. He’s already told me they died. She should’ve known this was a sore subject.
“I was the last to hatch in my clutch,” Kier continued anyway. Then he gave a light chuckle as he added, “They made sure I knew it.”
Her eyelashes fluttered. Oh wow, his laugh is quite warm. It was the first time she’d heard it without an undertone of a mean jab.
“Tell me of your family and your home while I work. That is what you can do to help.”
For the first time since she’d been brought here, she truly smiled, but he never saw it with his winged back turned to her. Then she gave him what he wanted, hoping he’d eventually tell her about his life in return, so she could know him a little better.
Maybe he’s not so bad after all.
Apparently he just needed to decide she wasn’t so awful to be around. Moody jerk.