9. Chapter Nine

We break past the forest's edge and emerge into a field of flowers in shades of blue and purple as far as I can see. As storm clouds gather above us, the sky becomes a living painting with shades of gray and lilac. The heavy smell of petrichor fills my lungs. I always looked forward to the sweet, yet slightly musty, earthy scent that preceded a rainstorm, but this time, so far away from the safety of my cottage, I am dreading it.

"Let's hope these clouds hold off fo' an hour or two longer," Nero says as he reins his stallion closer to our right. He looks up, studying the sky. "It looks like they are getting heavier by the minute, though. That chill in the air suggests we might be in for a bitterly cold and rough ride."

"We should be able to reach Lunaris before nightfall if—" Aramis pauses as a streak of lightning dances across the sky, followed seconds later by the loud rumble of thunder.

My eyes widen in surprise as a raindrop splashes across my face. A half dozen more pepper my arms before I cover myself in with the protection of my cloak.

"Shit." Aramis whistles and gestures to the rest of the group, the water wetting his blonde hair. "We ride on. There is no shelter from here until we get to Lunaris. If we hasten, we may make it there before the rain makes the ground impassable."

My mind goes to Edmund's wounds. Worry creasing my forehead at the thought of a rough ride tearing at his stitches warring with the thought of spending the night in the freezing rain. As if Aramis read my thoughts, he turns his head to the male at our left.

"Edmund?" He questions.

"I'll survive, your majesty," he replies with a nod of his head.

"See that you do." He shifts behind me before leaning forward, snaking one arm tightly around my midsection and directing his horse into a gallop on the open road. "Better hold on tight, Sybil."

I involuntarily shiver as the wind whips in my face as we gain speed while riding through the rain. Aramis seems more at ease around me since opening up about what awaits me in Shadowvale. Almost as if a small weight has been lifted off his chest, although part of me is still in disbelief at his change of heart.

As we ride through the hateful rain, I curse my wool cloak for doubling in weight as it starts soaking up the moisture, making me soon shiver. Praying Lemon stays dry deep within my pocket. I make sure what's left dry of my coat shields it from the rain. Noticing my discomfort, Aramis arches forward and pulls me close to him, trying to cover me as best as he can as we make our way to shelter. A fluttering sensation grips my stomach and I revel in the sensation of his chest against my back. His arms are no longer a cage but a warm embrace around me.

What have I gotten myself into?

***

A sigh of relief escapes my throat as I lift my gaze to the building towering before me, its windows glowing a cheery orange. Aramis and Nero make their way inside to secure us rooms overnight. This tavern is located near the center of the town. All the shops are closed as the storm continues to rage on. The alleys are cast in pitch black and shadows, heightening my imagination of what's hiding in the dark.

As I sit shivering on his horse, water dripping miserably off my body, they re-emerge from the tavern, followed by two stable boys.

"Looks like we're bunking up. They only have three spare rooms. Come," Aramis commands me, as he lifts me from the back of his stallion. As I take his hand, I barely manage to land gracefully on my feet right after dismounting from Percy's back. After hours of riding horseback in the cold, my legs are numb. Right now, I'd give almost anything to immerse myself in a steaming hot bath.

"What about Sybil?" Nero pushes his hair absently out of his face before nodding in my direction.

"She will be under my guard." Aramis' hand gently pushes against the small of my back. His rough and stern tone is in stark contrast to the intimate gesture. As he opens the door, he looks down at me, studying my reaction to his touch. "Just in case she gets some last-minute ideas and attempts another escape" He quirks an eyebrow at me, the corner of his lips turning up in a smirk. I know he is testing me, so I stay quiet. Turning back towards Nero, he adds. "Make sure the horses are rubbed down and fed. I've paid for supper and ale for the evening when you've finished."

Aramis tosses two keyrings at Nero, who catches them with ease before leading his horse along with the other guards. Crossing the threshold, we head upstairs. My stomach lets out an audible grumble as the smell of roasting meat mingling with fresh bread and mead wafts as we walk up the stairs. Inserting a matching key into the lock of a broad wood door, Aramis unlocks the door, pushing it wide open before dragging me inside.

A warm crackling fire illuminates and heats the small room. The space is sparsely furnished, with only a desk, an empty wooden tub, and a single bed that is barely big enough for two people.

Only one bed? And where exactly does he expect me to sleep? On the floor, like an animal?

Bustling behind me breaks my spiraling thoughts as servants appear in the doorway carrying steaming buckets of water. They brush past me, pouring their contents into the wooden tub before ducking out the door without a word.

"I hope the accommodations are to your liking, your highness." A willowy pale figure with blue eyes and waist long curly blonde hair appears in the door. Her arms hold a tray laden with soaps and oils. Her tight-fitting bodice leaves little to the imagination as she leans forward, her bosom nearly spilling out to set the tray on the table. "If you need any assistance with your ba—"

Her words stop short as her eyes fall on me, her nose wrinkling in shock and disgust.

"That will be all, Oletta." Aramis replies coolly and invites her to leave the room. He rests his hand on the door and slowly shuts it with a resounding click before turning the lock. The last thing I see is the outrage and humiliation on her face.

He leans his body against the door, gazing at me through hooded eyes. Aramis crosses his arms over his chest and a lock of blond hair falls into his face, obscuring one eye.

"You don't have to lock the door. You know I won't escape," I say as I make my way to the table and examine the variety of soaps.

The heat of his gaze rakes over my body. My pulse quickens in response.

"Standard procedure, I'm afraid," he says with a shrug.

We've had each other's company for the previous ten days, but this is the first time we're completely alone. I turn towards him and my heart races. How can he make me feel like a trapped animal and more alive than I have ever felt before?

"Bathe, and then we will eat." He adds, pushing away from the door and taking off his cloak before hanging it over a chair next to the fire. He rests his hands on the back of the chair, gripping the wood. My mind strays back to the memory of his hands gripping me the night he told me about Edmund.

"With you here? Watching me?" I reply defiantly, raising an eyebrow.

"We've been on the road for ten days. Trust me when I say you want to look your best when you meet the king and queen." His gaze leisurely travels down my body before meeting my gaze pressed in a sneer. "Lest they find you to be as truly savage as your kind's nature."

"What will it matter? Do you really think they'll care what I look or smell like?" I snap in return, bitter at the constant reminder of my fate. I try to find comfort in my newly found determination in proving myself innocent but tired as I am. My persistence falters and my anxieties rise back to the surface.

"Sybil." His voice holds a note of warning. I look up from his hands as he takes the few steps separating us. I tremble like a doe under the eyes of a predator as he deftly unclips the clasp holding my cloak together. It falls to the floor in a whoosh of wet wool. His rough, calloused fingers grip my chin, forcing my face up to meet his gaze. A flicker of confusion crosses his face, and I fight the urge to pull away. His look is intent, focused on me. I should fight, but just as I have before, countless times across our journey, I fall into that gaze, a familiar tug deep in my core towards him.

What am I doing? Why is it so hard to push him away? Unless he has an enchanting magic, I am unaware of…

A loud, unexpected knock at the door disrupts the silence, breaking the tension. Aramis releases his grip on my chin and steps away from me.

"Aramis, urgent news." From the other side of the door, Nero's muffled voice calls out. Aramis audibly exhales as he runs his hand through his already disheveled hair.

"I'll be right there," he replies before grabbing one of the soaps from the tray and depositing it in the palm of my hand, closing my fingers around it.

"I expect you to be bathed and changed by the time I return," he lectures. I'm tempted to roll my eyes at him. He points to the cloth bag carefully positioned by the servants on the small table by the bathtub. "I had Oletta bring a change of clothes for you. It's the best I can do at the moment."

Aramis is half-way to the door as he finishes his final instruction. The door slams behind him and the metal scrap of the key turning in the lock echoes. Voices murmur down the hall before I move. A mix of emotions overwhelms me now that I am finally alone, at last. The appreciation I felt for Aramis's kindness turns once again into anger and frustration. But even my rage does not last as it immediately turns to fear and sadness. I fall to my knees, landing on my sodden woolen cloak, tears falling from my eyes.

I bury my face in my hands and weep as exhaustion and the previous day's events sink in. Will I be strong enough for what's about to come?

Lemon peeks his tiny head out of my pocket before crawling up the fabric of my dress to nuzzle at my cheek. A tiny hiccup escapes me as I pull him into a hug.

"Oh Lemon. What are we going to do?" I whisper, holding him in front of me and peering into his dark, beady eyes. He sniffs the air, looking towards the steaming tub of water before looking back at me.

"You're right." I reply, finally standing, then gently placing him on the floor. "It's best not to look a gift horse in the mouth, even if said gift horse comes from an aggravating male."

I step into the water, sighing as I lower my body under its warm embrace. The tub is deep enough that the water comes all the way to my neck. I rarely let myself indulge in such a pleasure at home. Resting my head against the wooden edge of the tub, I let my muscles relax, breathing in the lavender scented water. Another reminder of home. At the thought, I close my eyes, hold my breath and sink under the water.

The cuff around my wrist floats and I wish the slippery water would aid in my plight of getting rid of it. I would not experience half of my aches if I only had my magic. Unable to withstand against the burn in my chest for air, I rise above the surface gulping in large breaths. The rain continues to pelt endlessly at the windows and roof. A loud crack of thunder sends Lemon hissing on the floor at my side as I accidentally splash him with water in my surprise.

I pray the lightning doesn't hit the building and set the roof on fire.

"You can do this, Sybil." I repeat to myself and try to believe it.

I grab the bar of soap and lather it in my hair. The rich scent of rosemary and lavender greets my nose as I massage the soap into my scalp.

"You will survive." I speak into existence, hoping the Gods are listening.

I make quick work scrubbing the rest of my skin until it glows rosy pink from my efforts. Stepping out of the tub, I dry myself off with a soft thick towel warmed by the fire before rummaging in the bag for a clean gown. Expecting to find a low-cut bodice just like the one Oletta was wearing, I am surprised when I pull out a thick cream chemise and drag it over my head, followed by a dark purple wool petticoat and blouse. I hold a matching corset in my hands before shoving it back into the bag, deciding that this was not the time or place for its discomfort.

I begin to pace the room. My bare feet are cold against the smooth wood floors as I try to imagine what I'd say to free myself once we are at the palace. A gentle knock at the door stops me in my steps and I turn to face the door.

Aramis.

"Sybil? I've brought ye some food." Nero's deep voice calls out.

"Come in." I quickly scoop Lemon from where he's fallen asleep on the floor and tuck him in my pocket before I reply. I hear the lock turn a moment before the door swings open and Nero steps into the room carrying a tray laden with a steaming bowl of stew, a pewter tankard, and a small teapot and cup. A smile tugs at the corner of my lips at the comfort foods.

"I remembered ye had a variety of tea cups stacked around yer house and I thought a hot cup of black tea might be the perfect cure to warm yer cold bones." He chuckles to himself as he sets the items on the small desk. Lifting the pot, he pours tea into the small cup before offering it towards me. "But who am I to tell a healer about cures?"

"It's perfect." I reply, my eyes welling at this small gesture of kindness. I walk over and lift the cup to my lips. Closing my eyes, I breathe in the sweet, mellow, and slightly musky scent of fresh black tea. "Thank you." I can't help the tears.

"I must return to our meeting, but there is a guard at your door, lass." Nero says at the door, slightly ajar. "I warn ye, do not try to escape. The castle might only be two days away, but it's a long road, and yer trials will not end at the castle gates." He makes a slight bow towards me before leaving and locks the door behind him.

"As if I can pick a locked door, defeat a guard, and get past the entire tavern without being noticed." I scoff as I consume the food and drink before it gets cold.

I am innocent. At this point, trying to escape would only paint me in a negative view. I will prove to Shadowvale of my innocence and then Lemon and I will go to Nova Esther.

I slowly drag my exhausted body towards the bed. The comforting sensation of the warm sheets envelopes me as I instantly drift off to a dreamless sleep.