Chapter 4 #2
We all got up, and the four of us headed back around to the entryway of the house.
Fayanna looked around curiously, and I tensed as she took in our simple home.
It had two main rooms, with a kitchen leading into the dining area and a small lounge with a rug on the floor and a homemade wooden coffee table at the end of the room.
There was one hallway leading to the bedrooms and bathroom.
Everything was wooden, and the walls were made of logs that we had used magic to melt together.
"This is wonderful," she said, smiling as she gazed around with stars in her eyes.
"It's nothing compared to the palace," I said, eyeing her.
She turned around and smiled at me, and I swear my breath caught. "It's better," she said.
I didn't believe that. I was sure the castle was beautiful and cushy, but it was sweet of her to say it anyway.
"Go take a seat in the living area. I'll bring you some tea. Do you take honey?" Quillon asked her.
"Yes, please," she said.
I led her into the small lounge and offered her the single chair. Instead, she sat in the middle of one of the couches and patted either side of her. I glanced at Rafferty, who shrugged and took the seat beside her. When I sat down, her hand wrapped around mine, and it felt like coming home.
I squeezed her hand gently, and she leaned against my shoulder.
I sighed and rested my head against hers.
I couldn't explain it, but it felt like I had known her for years rather than meeting her just today.
I glanced over at my brother in every way but blood and saw him stroking her hand with his thumb.
I wanted to check in with him, to make sure his curse wouldn't activate, but I knew now wasn't the time.
Quillon returned with tea for all of us and handed the cups out. The air was filled with the sweet scent of herbs and fruits we had grown ourselves. I took a sip and sighed as the hot liquid slid down my throat. "Delicious as always," I said.
"Thank you. Now, let's all be honest with each other. All three of us feel a draw, a connection, to you, Fayanna. We could try to deny it, but every time I do, it hurts my heart, so I refuse to keep doing that," Quillon said.
He was saying more than I expected, but he wasn't wrong. We all looked at Fayanna, and she wore the biggest smile.
"You guys feel it too?" she asked, as if she couldn't quite believe it.
"Yes."
"Absolutely."
"No doubts in our minds," we said in unison.
She smiled and squeezed my hand, and likely Rafferty's too. "I feel the same way. Maybe once we finish the training, we can go back to the castle together?" she said, hope lacing her voice.
I looked at the others. It had taken us years to reach the level we were at, and even then, it still wasn't close to what the Crown expected for the princess. I didn't think we could truly meet those expectations. Not the way they wanted us to.
"As fun as this is, let's move on to lighter topics. Tell us about your life," Rafferty said, saving us from answering.
I watched her as she spoke. She was incredibly expressive, her face reflecting every emotion as she felt it. No wonder her magic was cursed, alive with so much feeling.
We kept talking, and by the time the sky darkened, I felt like I knew everything about her. She was perfect. So amazing. I could hardly believe someone like her even wanted to spend time with us.
We talked until the sun began painting the sky pink, the colour seeping through the clouds like oil. Fayanna yawned, and I looked at the others. They both nodded and stood.
"Where are they going?" she asked me once they were out of earshot.
"You'll see," I said, smiling at her softly.
Rafferty and Quillon returned carrying their mattresses, and then Rafferty headed back to grab mine.
Quillon shifted the table aside, and I rose reluctantly to help make space.
When Rafferty came back and set my mattress down, it didn't quite fit, so I stepped forward and pulled the couch back, Fayanna still seated on it.
She gasped softly and glanced over her shoulder, surprise flickering across her face.
I felt myself tense as I worked, muscles straining as I dragged the couch farther back.
When I finished, she quickly looked away, colour rising to her cheeks.
I couldn't help but chuckle. She was impossibly charming without even trying.
"Alright," Quillon said, breaking the moment, "I'll get the blankets so we can all rest."
He returned a moment later with the animal-skin blankets we'd made ourselves and laid them out carefully. Then he looked at her with a gentle smile.
"Go on. Get comfortable."
She smiled back and rose to her feet. I had to force myself to look away, grounding myself as she settled in. She climbed onto the mattress with an ease that made the room feel suddenly smaller.
Rafferty froze for a moment, as if caught between thought and instinct, then moved beside her without hesitation. I stepped forward instinctively, concern tightening my chest.
"He might hurt you," I said quietly. "His curse—"
"He won't," she said calmly, meeting my gaze. "And even if it's difficult… I accept all of you. Your curses included."
Quillon inhaled sharply, and the room went quiet, heavy with meaning. No one spoke. There was nothing left to say.
Something fundamental shifted in that silence.