Embers to Flames (Fates Entwined #1)

Chapter Four

I try my best to sneak in through the door at the back of the kitchen then quickly hang up my coat and knapsack. Nervously chewing on my bottom lip, I slowly make my way towards the foyer, determined not to draw any attention to myself.

However, the door between the kitchen and foyer betrays me with a loud and piercing squeak as I push it open. The sudden noise immediately catches the attention of Lord Erhorn, Lenna, and Ava, who all turn to face me with curious expressions.

My cheeks flush with embarrassment at my belated arrival and less-than-stealthy entrance. The room is filled with an awkward silence as I try to compose myself and apologize for my disruption.

Then he turns to me.

Those eyes, a striking golden hue, shimmer with an intensity that captures the light like molten metal. Not quite amber, yet not entirely red, they are a mesmerizing blend of both—piercing and radiant, like liquid gold. They stare at me— through me .

“Dear Uncle, you had told me her name was Rose, but not that she is as beautiful as one.”

I blush at the sound of his voice. Deep and forceful, with a hint of tenderness. I must be in a trance because I barely notice what I should have been enthralled by from the beginning.

His wings .

White and feathery, shimmering like silk. They are folded against his back. Having seen him fly overhead of me, I knew the wingspan was long. But now having seen them up close—even tucked in—I can tell they are massive.

Lord Erhorn clears his throat and steps between us.

“Rosanhi, I would like you to meet my nephew. This is Theodas.”

I blink and bring my attention back to the room.

“Welcome to Kaladis… uh… Lord?” I’m not sure what his title is, and I can feel my cheeks flush even more from embarrassment for my lack of elegance.

“Just call me Theo. I’m not one for titles. ”

He runs his fingers through his luscious pearl-colored hair. The light catching its shimmer as he extends his hand to greet me. I take it eagerly, feeling a spark of electricity shoot through my fingers at the touch. The static shock makes me flinch.

“Oof, sorry about that. It’s the wings. They sometimes… uh… build up too much energy after such a long flight,” he says with a coy grin.

A bashful smile graces my lips, and my eyelashes fluttered as I looked up at him. “It’s no problem— Theo .”

Lord Erhorn breaks up the awkwardness, “Well my boy, I’m sure you are drained after your trip. Rosanhi will show you to your bed chambers.”

Lenna and Ava are still standing in the background. Both holding lopsided grins on their faces. Lenna pulls in her lips to keep from snickering as we walk past her and towards the stairwell.

“Here you are.” I say as I open the door and glide into the large bedroom. I motion to the left of the room, “You have your own bathroom, and the sheets are fresh. Is there anything I can get you?”

With a flick of his hand, a tray of brightly colored fruit appears. Berries of various colors glisten as if they have just been freshly washed after picking. He chooses a plump red berry from the cluster and pops it into his mouth. His tongue running over his lips in satisfaction.

I don’t realize I am holding my breath at the sight of it. I’m not sure if my infatuation is with this sultry display of consumption or the fact that he just made the tray appear from nowhere.

“I think I’m all set.” He says and notices my unintentional gaze. “Would you like one?” He’s already picked another berry and is bringing it to my lips before I get a chance to decline.

I hesitate but then nod slightly. He gently presses the berry to my lips, and I part them, allowing him to place the fruit into my mouth. I close my eyes, savoring the flavor of it. It is as if I had never tasted berries before—even though I had—this berry is something different. This is quite literally the sweetest berry that has ever pleased my tastebuds. My eyes open slowly, and I peer up at Theo. He stares down at me for a moment and then slowly backs away.

“They’re from my city, Paeris. There is a small grove along the coastline that grows them.”

“How did you… I mean… did you just…” I can’t find my words.

He looks at me blankly, “Oh, the tray? Magic of course. Although I assume I wasn’t supposed to do that in front of you. Don’t worry. I didn’t conjure it from nowhere. I told you; they came from the grove near my city. ”

“I thought Elves wanted to keep their… err… talents… a secret?”

“We’re supposed to. Something about you makes me forget my place I guess.”

My pulse quickens.

“I really should be going. I’ll need to get dinner started for Lord Erhorn. You should rest.”

My feet stumble over each other, my hands flail in a desperate attempt to catch myself as I lurch towards the door. In a blur of movement, his strong arms wrap around me and pull me back into an upright position, I steady myself and take a deep breath, grateful for his quick reflexes.

“Sorry… I’m… such a klutz, but um… I’ll see you at dinner.” I scramble to gather my bearings and scurry out the door, closing it behind me.

Holy shit.

I put my head in my hands and sigh deeply.

By the Gods, I haven’t felt anything like that in ages.

I let out a hushed giggle and try to relax as I make my way down the hallway towards the stairs.

Lenna and Ava are in the kitchen preparing dinner. I walk in and Lenna immediately rushes to me.

“Gods above! Did you see him? Did you see those wings? ”

“What wings?” I say looking at her perplexed in obvious sarcasm. She slaps my shoulder and starts laughing.

“Seriously though? Did you see them?”

“Of course I saw them, but they’re just wings. Now come on, Erhorn will be wanting dinner on the table before midnight.”

On the outside, I try to act like Theodas isn’t such a big deal, but the taste of that berry still lingers on my lips, along with the feeling of his warm and strong embrace as he caught me mid-stumble.

Inside, I am a mess of butterflies and teenage-level swooning. But I’ll be damned if I let it show. At least, not until I can scream into my pillow later.

We have dinner on the table just before sundown. Erhorn and Theodas sit at one end of the long banquet table. As I serve their plates of food and pour their wine, I can overhear them conversing about the realm and its current state of affairs.

“We’ve had an influx of crime in the last year or so. Reports of missing Elves have been coming in every day, and I fear the situation is worsening,” I hear Erhorn say. “I’ve already had a conversation with the captain of the guard to recruit more males from the training camps. I would like you to get with him as well and help choose the greatest warriors. I do not foresee these vagrants slowing down.”

Theodas stares at me, but I refuse to let him see that I am aware of his gawking.

“Of course, Uncle. Whatever you need. I am here to offer up my assistance.”

Theodas continues to watch me with a wry smile as he chews his food. I refuse to meet his gaze, but instead I turn to Erhorn, “If there is nothing else, My Lord, I will retire for the night. Lenna and Ava will be here to clean up.”

“Very well child. Do send my regards to your grandmother for me, won’t you?”

“Yes sir. Good night.” I bow slightly and turn to leave the dining room but pause when Theo’s voice bellows through the room.

“An influx of crime and yet you allow your wonderful servants to travel alone?” He shook his head in comedic disbelief.

“That just won’t do. Might I offer you a lift?” He sticks out his thumb and motions towards the wings. I hesitate to respond.

“Um… No, no. I’ll be alright. Thank you though.”

“I do insist. If you will excuse me Uncle.” Erhorn lifts his brows and smirks slightly as he chews on his venison.

“Mm-hm, be sure not to drop her. She’s my best employee.” I stare wide-eyed at them both, unsure of how to respond. I don’t have a chance to say anything before Theodas leads me out of the dining room with a hand on the small of my back.

“Get your things and meet me out front.” He orders in an excited tone.

I don’t dare protest.