Chapter 37 #2
It makes sense. I cringe every time I see a smudge on one of Omos’s beloved books, because each page represents hours of painstaking work that no one seems to appreciate.
I eat a little faster, but the food is incredible.
We get simple things at Omos’s home, but he’s careful to make his supplies stretch as far as possible so he can feed all that cross his doorstep.
They have no such compunction here. As I finish off the apple slices, another priestess comes in with a plate of jam-filled cookie sandwiches, and tiny tarts with candied nuts on the top.
I eat one of everything, and it’s all so good that I continue eating.
Priestess Alithia continues to make small talk as I chew.
She tries to engage Kalos in conversation, but he ignores her and gazes out the window, clearly only here for my benefit.
It leaves me to chat with our hostess between bites.
Yes, we’ve met another Aspect or two.
No, we didn’t originally meet here, we met at one of his temples. No, I’m not from there. I’m from…elsewhere. I don’t say where.
No, I don’t know how many aspects are left or how much longer the anticipation will go on. (I lie about that, just because I’m not stupid.)
No, I haven’t met Belara’s Aspect.
No, we’re not upset that Kalos has no temple in Eagleton.
No, I don’t need new dresses or shoes from them. No, we don’t need coin.
Our hostess is so gracious and sweet and concerned for our well-being that I don’t realize just how much I’m eating until another priestess clears away the now-empty trays.
I lick my fingers clean and finish the last of the wine, my stomach hurting from being pleasantly full.
“That was marvelous. Thank you so much.”
“But of course. We are honored to serve someone chosen by the gods.” She gestures that another person should enter, and this time it’s a young priestess with a rose-petal-strewn finger bowl and towels.
I wash my hands in the bowl, yawning at how sleepy I am now.
“May I ask another question, if it pleases you both?” Priestess Alithia asks. “I do hate to pry but I cannot help but be curious. What are your plans?”
“Plans?” I ask, stifling another yawn.
She nods, gaze curious. “Once you’ve completed your great book. What will you do next? Do you intend to wait out the Anticipation? Or will you confront my lord Kalos’s missing aspects?”
I go blank. That’s something I’ve tried not to think about too much.
If I tell her that we’re just relaxing and enjoying ourselves, is she going to pass that information on to someone else?
Suddenly I feel like everything I’ve said today is a trap.
I’ve let my guard down over good food and a smiling priestess. “Um…”
“Do you really think that I would tell her my plans?” Kalos says, speaking up. His voice is absolutely withering. “Or you?”
Priestess Alithia looks absolutely mortified. She shoots me an uncomfortable look and gets to her feet. “My apologies for the questions of a foolish mortal. I know it’s not my business—”
Kalos interrupts. “No, it’s not.”
Oof. I felt that one in my bones. I know he’s saying this for her benefit, but I feel guilty all the same. How many times have I been the one subject to that cutting tone of his? I give her a smile of apology and mouth “Apathy” as if that explains everything.
“I’ll just see about getting that book for you,” she says, smoothing her skirts. She puts her shoulders back and lifts her chin with as much dignity as she can muster and exits the room.
I get to my feet, anxious, and start pacing. “Do you think this was a mistake?”
“In what way?”
His tone is tired, and I wonder if it’s more pretending or if he’s about to enter another fugue state.
God, the timing is terrible, but it’s my own fault for venturing so far from Omos’s safe little sanctuary.
I move to his side and caress his face. “Are you all right? Do you need a break? We can find a room at an inn if you don’t want to stay here or sneak into a stable. ”
“I’ll manage. I’m just…weary.” He manages a small smile for me and presses a kiss to my palm.
“As for if I think this was a mistake to come, no more than anything else. Staying in one place is just as dangerous as visiting new ones.” He reaches up and puts a hand at my waist, pulling me close and resting his head on my breasts.
Oh yeah, a fugue is coming. I push away the little tingle of panic in my brain and focus on him instead, because he’s miserable and fighting it for my sake. I run my fingers through his hair. I glance over at the door, hoping that the priestess returns soon.
She doesn’t, though.
The minutes tick past and there’s no sign of anyone returning.
I let Kalos hold me for a while, and he slips into a fugue state, staring straight ahead, eyes focused on nothing.
I straighten him in his chair, folding his hands in his lap and making sure he’s comfortable.
He’s in there, but I know from experience, he’s sunk deep inside himself.
We’re not going anywhere today. When Alithia returns, I’ll have to explain to her that we need to stay here overnight.
I head to the door of the small room. Maybe I can flag someone down as they pass by and let them know to find Alithia.
When I try the door, however, it’s locked.
Well…fuck.