13. Chapter 13
13
A blinding headache continued to pulse at the base of my skull, but I pushed it aside as a healer examined every inch of my body, testing my patience.
"Levon, truly, I'm fine," I spat out, irritation coating my words. I watched him pace back and forth while the healer finished an unsuccessful diagnosis, merely guessing at the cause of my convulsions. I rolled my eyes dramatically. "I'm fine!"
I stood up, spun around, and began waving my arms, trying to convey my truthfulness and dismissing whatever had just occurred. But deep down, I couldn't shake off the fear and confusion that gripped me.
Earlier on the lawn, as I had gradually regained my senses, I found myself lying there, frozen in a haze of fear and confusion, unable to articulate the strange sensations coursing through me. It felt as if my very being was under attack and if something or someone was intimately aware of my thoughts and feelings.
The underlying feeling of being watched, of something knowing me deeply and thoroughly, sent chills down my spine. I couldn't shake the eerie sense that I was no longer alone in my own mind, and the fear of the unknown gripped me tightly, making it hard to breathe. But the feeling intensified, churning my stomach until I retched last night's dinner over Levon's black boots. His eyes were the only thing that helped pull me out and return me to whatever reality I was in.
"Keep an eye on her," the healer cautioned, eyeing Levon with a knowing look. His balding head spotted with sun-induced freckles creased. "If another episode happens, you might want to reconsider—" he hesitated, his gaze shifting to me through his spectacles.
I narrowed my eyes at both of them, feeling a surge of anger.
"Thank you, Chayler," Levon acknowledged quickly but sternly, as if he knew the healer on a personal level, as he began escorting the man out.
I watched them through the glass window as they exchanged a few more words before Levon returned. Confusion and frustration clouded his face, dimming the brightness of his eyes.
"Why didn't you tell me?" he snapped, running his hand through his hair, concern etched in his eyes.
"Tell you what?" I shot back, my patience thinning.
"About these…episodes."
"Levon, I assure you that you don't need to reconsider. I don't know what just happened, but I'm fine!" I insisted, and I meant it. "I've been through and seen a lot worse. I've never had that happen before." He looked at me flatly, clearly not believing a word I said. "Truly, I'm okay."
He stood there, scrutinizing me, searching for an explanation beyond my own. His features softened, but his jaw remained tense, and his fists clenched, betraying his growing worry. After a long, heavy sigh, he extended his hand.
"Come, let's wash up and go have some fun."
After freshening up, I slipped into a new gown I had found hanging in the armoire. It was a creamy white with quarter-inch sleeves and delicate scalloped edges. The snug bodice flattered my form, tapering just below the knee. The skirt was layered with shimmering tulle, intricately plaited to swirl gracefully with every movement. With my hair left cascading down, I made my way out the door.
My headache became dull, slowly easing its claws while a growing fear persisted with each passing moment. The vision, or thought—whatever it was—danced throughout my mind on its own accord. I struggled to push it away, but it stubbornly embedded itself deeper, staining my memories with its inky darkness. A chill ran down my spine, hinting at something deeper, something more menacing unfolding within me.
I inhaled, trying to shake the dark feelings.
Levon was in his study a few doors down, shuffling through a stack of misplaced papers. He wore a dark tunic with a navy blue sash wrapped around his waist, the rich colors complementing his hazelnut skin. As he looked to me, his teeth gleamed brightly, his smile so infectious it made me suppress a grin of my own. The warmth in his eyes and the crinkle of his smile softened the intensity of his earlier concern.
"Ready?" I asked, stepping into the study, twiddling my thumbs nervously. Levon finished organizing a few papers before extending his arm.
"You look lovely, my lady," he said with a playful twinkle in his eye.
"Thank you," I replied, feeling a flush of embarrassment rise to my cheeks. Compliments from men were not something I was used to.
He nodded with a smile as we walked down the grand staircase and out to his waiting carriage.
The ride was swift, and when Levon instructed the footman to halt just outside town, a surge of excitement coursed through me. Stepping onto the rocky pathway leading into the bustling streets, I was instantly enveloped in the vibrant energy of the place. The only experience I had gotten close to something like this was the parties Jesri threw, which were often enough that I truly didn't mind not going into the markets. Yet, this was completely different, with various smells, colors, views, and so many different people who didn't know my history. And there were no judgmental stares to contend with.
We passed by a line of carts filled with peculiar fruits and spices, which made me want to linger a little longer and touch the rough edges and patterns painted on each cart.
Voices echoed off each other like thunder, and money was passed back and forth like a secondhand. Laughter bubbled up from every corner and wiggled its way into my heart—like butterflies dancing through the swarm of people in all shapes and forms.
Levon chuckled, drawing me towards a nearby cart laden with delectable treats. The array of puff pastries, bonbons, chocolates, truffles, and tarts on display immediately seduced my senses. Levon exchanged a few coins with the cheerful vendor, selecting an assortment of sweets before handing me an elderberry tart. Its rich flavor sent my taste buds into a delighted frenzy.
He led me from one cart to another, each offering a unique array of goods. At one, vibrant flowers caught my eye, their colors so vivid and unfamiliar that I struggled to find the words to describe them.
"Levon!"
We halted and turned, spotting a tall man pushing through the crowd towards us. Levon's grin widened at the sight of him.
"Edmon!"
The two embraced, clapping each other on the back like longtime friends. My heart tinged with a surprising surge of jealousy for his easygoing life, with friends and people who admired him for simply being who he was.
Edmon stood almost a foot taller than Levon, lean and lengthy. His ruddy brown hair kept falling into his face, adorned with a scattering of freckles that mirrored those on his forearms and hands.
"I didn't know you were back already," Edmon said over the bustling crowd.
Levon grasped my arm, pulling me into the conversation. I fought to keep my footing, feeling my cheeks flush with embarrassment and irritation rising within me. I flashed a strained smile, hoping Levon would sense my subtle frustration.
"Allow me to introduce Lady Eliah."
Edmon's smile widened as he offered a brief nod. "It's a pleasure to meet you. I've heard tales of your bravery already."
I willed myself to remain composed, hoping my cheeks wouldn't betray me, and silently wished Levon hadn't spread stories about me to everyone he knew.
"How lovely to learn that I'm so well-known already," I remarked, shooting Levon a sarcastic grin. He chuckled and tightened his hold on my arm.
"Join us for dinner tonight! I'm certain Lady Eliah would love to hear of your tales," Levon stated with a smile.
"It would be my pleasure, but Ma's been keeping me busy with lists since I returned," Edmon replied, holding out a long parchment covered in tiny handwriting. "Preparing for the start of the courtship parties," he added with a touch of sarcasm, patting his chest and fluttering his eyes.
Levon's smile widened. "Invite her and Mel to join us then!"
Edmon gave him a knowing look. "We both know how that would turn out. Perhaps after the preparations are done."
Levon nodded, patting him on the back. "Good to see you again, Ed."
"Keep out of trouble with this one, my lady," Edmon teased as he walked away with his long list in hand.
Levon shook his head, chuckling, and pulled me closer as the crowd grew busier.
The way Levon carried himself around Jesri's estate seemed a world apart from the Levon who greeted Edmon, and I couldn't help but view Levon in a new light. My mind traced back to when he claimed to have been a guiding light to men he had worked with.
How had he gone from that position to the one he was in now, and with an estate like that? I had underestimated him, assuming he was similar to Jesri and Calum, knowing Jesri wouldn't associate with someone as low class as Edmon, and the thought unsettled me. Levon defied my expectations of men, and I couldn't help but chuckle at my flawed perceptions.
He continued guiding me toward another line of carts and more people waving handkerchiefs, hats, spoons, and a dozen other things to buy.
As we ventured further, the crowd gradually thinned, and we found ourselves navigating stoned walkways, powdered with dirt and dust that caught in our throats.
A large fountain lay at the open center yet ran dry with decaying coins turning to rust. Doors could be heard opening and shutting, while carriages and horses could be heard off in the distance trotting along. We walked past a large window with a gorgeous emerald gown stuffed for presentation. My eyes expanded at the silkiness of such a dress, reminding me of the gown I now wore.
"Thank you for the dress," I expressed, tucking back strands of hair that danced in the sudden breeze. "I don't remember when someone got me a gown other than to be a showcase item."
Levon's smile faded, turning somber. "I plan to buy you many more, even if your eyes are the only ones that see them."
"No. That's not what—"
"It is already in the works," he said, cutting me off.
I smiled, unsure how to thank him for such kindness and not wanting to continue the conversation.
He cleared his throat. "Shall we?" He extended his arm.
We proceeded until we arrived at a small café with two weathered tables basking in the sun. Levon opened the door, and a bell chimed softly. Aromas and warmth enveloped us, stirring my appetite.
"I hope you're hungry because Mrs. Bleel's cuisine is exceptional."
I nodded, excited to eat somewhere other than within the confines of Jesri's glamorous dining room.
He brought me to an open window with food on display, where a few lingering people were sitting lazily at the few open tables behind us. Levon quickly ordered food before we sat at a table closest to the door.
Levon glanced out the open windows, seeming off from his previous joyful presence.
"I have to meet with someone to take care of something," he said, rising from his seat. "The food will be out soon. Please don't wait for me to eat. I'll be back shortly."
With that, he left the room, leaving me alone to contemplate his sudden departure. It dawned on me that this entire outing might have been arranged so he could meet with someone. I couldn't help but notice the shift in his demeanor after the healer's visit, and I prayed it wasn't concerning me.
The room fell into a hushed silence, broken only by the soft clinking of the cutlery as a generous plate of boiled potatoes, roasted dove, and creamy vegetables was placed before me. The rich aroma filled the air, but my mind was too preoccupied to appreciate it fully, noting that only a plate for me was served.