Embers to Flames (Fates Entwined #1)

Chapter Eight

The last stars fade as the edge of dawn creeps upon the horizon, and I’m already stirring, the anticipation of the day’s journey weighing heavily on my mind. The smell of Meemaw’s honey butter biscuits hits me, and I remember choosing to stay with her last night. It’s good that Eulee is staying with her while I am away. I can’t stand the thought of being so far from either of them.

Come to think of it, I’ve never been so far away from them.

“One of these days, you’re going to have to tell me just how you manage to make your honey butter biscuits without access to any honey.” I declare slyly as I strut into the kitchen .

“One of these days… I just might.” She replies smugly. Her light blue apron is splattered with bits of flour. “Now sit down and eat, it’s nearly dawn, and you still have to catch the boat.”

Ugh… I completely forgot that I won’t have the privilege of being flown to work this morning.

“Are you sure you’re going to be alright while I’m gone?” I ask, worry coating my voice.

“I’m seventy-five years old my dear—I’m not dead.” Meemaw giggles. “Besides, you’re leaving me with the greatest protection I could ever need.” She replies with assurance, pointing at Eulee who is lying on her bed in the corner, observing us both as we talk. She picks up her head and cocks it to one side as if she knew we were talking about her.

“Yeah, I guess you’re right.”

I kneel down and wrap my arms around Eulee’s neck, burying my face in her soft fur. “I’m going to miss you girl,” I whisper, my voice cracking with emotion. Eulee lets out a low whine and licks my cheek. “You keep her safe, you hear me?” I say firmly. Her ears perk up and she gives a small bark of understanding. I smile and scratch behind her ears. “That’s a good girl.”

I stand and wrap Meemaw in a tight embrace. “I love you. Please take care of yourself.”

She pats my back reassuringly. “I’ll be just fine. It’s only for a little while. You just focus on your trip and getting back home safely.” I nod, blinking back tears .

Meemaw walks me down to the docks, the early morning mist hanging over the water. We walk down the weathered planks and find the helmsman patiently waiting. We hug tightly and then I pat Eulee on the head one last time before stepping onto the boat. Pulling away, I keep my eyes fixed on the pair of them. Eulee sits dutifully next to Meemaw. We wave to each other until they finally disappear from view, swallowed up by the fog. The boat picks up speed, water splashing against the bow. My adventure is beginning, but a piece of my heart stays behind on the shore.

I arrive at Erhorn’s mansion just as the sun crests the horizon. Lenna and Ava are already there, loading up the carriages with the last of the provisions. Lenna turns to see me and swats Ava on the shoulder to get her attention.

“Well, well,” Lenna drawled, “looks like Miss Punctuality’s crown is slipping. That’s two mornings in a row we’ve beaten you here,” she quips, her tone dripping with irony.

“ Ha-ha … you’re hilarious — I didn’t realize anyone could be that hilarious this early in the morning.” I snip back, scrunching my eyes closed and sticking my tongue out at her. I hadn’t realized anyone else was around us. Then… hot breath traces its way up my neck and around my ear in a whisper .

“If you aren’t careful, my sweet—someone might think you are searching for something to lick.”

My eyes pop open wide, and I can feel blood rush to my neck and cheeks as they flush with heat. I can’t see it, but I’m certain my face is as red as a ripe cherry in the summer sun. I pull my tongue back in my mouth and turn my head to find Theo—standing there with a smile as bright as the midnight moon.

“Oh, for the love of—” I muttered, stomping towards the carriage. “Is everyone a comedian this morning?” I spit the words as I stomp towards the carriage, flinging open the door. I take a step inside, and promptly slam it behind me.

Erhorn opens it a moment later, “Good Morning Rosanhi… are we all set?” he asks, poking his head into the carriage. Lenna and Ava are behind him in an instant. They both curtsy and then proceed to step inside, taking seats opposite of me. Erhorn steps inside and sits next to me. Theo, I’m assuming, is riding up front with the coachman.

Good, the less I must look at him, the better.

“What about Mikyl?” I ask Erhorn as he gets settled in his seat.

“I arranged for him to leave last night with the guards. It’s best if we don’t travel together,” he reassures me, giving my knee a gentle pat.

I do my best to block out the world around me and lose myself in my book. We’ve been on the road for what feels like an eternity already. Under normal circumstances, I would have finished this book by now, but my concentration is shot. The constant jostling of the carriage on the uneven dirt and cobblestone road may be to blame. Or perhaps it’s the incessant giggling of Lenna and Ava as they play clapping games to pass the time. And let’s not forget Erhorn’s obnoxious snoring. But despite all these discomforts, they were not the true cause of my lack of focus.

What am I doing? I’ve never been this kind of woman.

I can’t stop thinking about Mikyl and the things he had said down in the dungeons. I do love him. He’s my husband. He has been the only man I’ve ever loved.

Why can’t I get Theo out of my head?

My mind races at the memory of my face buried in his chest. Breathing in that earthy scent of a summer storm with a hint of musk.

No! I must stop this!

The sudden halt of the carriage jolts Erhorn awake. He pokes his head out of the window and yells to Theo, “What seems to be the problem?”

Theo gracefully lands on his feet with wings outstretched.

“It’s the bog, Uncle. It’s flooded the path to Eirina. The carriages won’t make it through the Dillon Hills. We’ll have to turn back to Hogsden for the night and wait for the water to subside. ”

“Oh sure, let’s just waltz into Hogsden with our entourage of Elves and expect to find room and board,” I say in disbelief.

As if that won’t draw any attention or cause any trouble at all!

But Erhorn just gives me a reassuring look. “It’ll be alright Rosanhi… I promise.” Erhorn looks at me and I have no choice but to reluctantly go along with this crazy plan.

We make our way into the town of Hogsden just after nightfall. As our carriage enters the small village, the residents scurry to their homes, pulling their children inside and closing the curtains to their windows. I’m not surprised. Many Humans have an ingrained fear of Elves, so seeing one with wings is a completely new experience. Their initial shock and awe is understandable. The carriage comes to a stop in front of what looks to be a tavern. There is a sign in the front window that reads, “ Rooms for Rent.”

“I’ll go in and reserve a couple of rooms. Rosanhi, you and the girls stay out here with Theo until I return.” He looks at all three of us sternly. “Do not leave the carriage. You understand?”

“Yes sir.” Lenna and I say in unison. Ava nods her head in agreement. Erhorn exits the carriage, speaks to the coachman quickly and then proceeds inside. Theo has jumped down from the front of the carriage and is strutting around taking in the look of the town. The village appears deserted, except for the occasional flicker of torchlight that illuminates the old half-timbered houses. The shadows cast by their sloping roofs add an eerie touch to the darkening sky. Many of the homes are overgrown with ivy and brambles, the stone walls that once protected their inhabitants now crumble in silent decay. The gated entrances hang off their hinges, creaking mournfully with each gust of wind that sweeps through the desolate streets.

Theo looks back in the direction of the carriage, through the darkness of night, I can still see his eyes—glowing fiercely. Erhorn returns, mumbling to himself incoherently.

“Ok girls. Here’s the sleeping arrangements. The tavern keeper has three rooms. Two with large beds and one with two small beds. I am going to assume you three would like to stay together.” He says, handing me a key. “Theodas will room by himself, and the coachman and I will take the room with the two smaller beds. Sound good?” We all nod our heads in agreement, “Good. Now let’s all go and get settled and we can meet back down here in the tavern for some supper.”

When Erhorn said, large beds… what I think he meant was large enough to hold two people. Not three. The sturdy wooden bed sits in one corner; its straw mattress covered with a hand-woven blanket. Beside it, a small table holds a beeswax candle. The dimly lit, cramped space reeks of ne glect, mildew, and the remnants of smoke from a fireplace that hasn’t seen a fire in ages.

“We’ll make it work!” Lenna says, trying to be enthusiastic.

“Let’s just unpack and get ready for supper. I’m starving.” I declare throwing the small trunk containing my belongings at the foot of the bed. I begin to rummage through it looking for a change of clothes to wear to dinner. I pull out a green, long sleeved cotton dress. The trim is minimal with simple embroidery on the cuffs and neckline portraying flowers—roses—outlined in white stitching.

This will work. Simple, but refined.

It is just a tavern after all… not like we’ll be dining with the King down there.

Lenna, Ava, and I make our way downstairs and find Erhorn, Theo and the coachman are sitting at a rough-hewn round table in the corner of the small tavern room. I’m the final person to sit down, and the only available spot is next to Theo. I let out a small sigh as I take my seat next to him. The warm glow of the hearth and the rich aroma of roasting meat and freshly baked bread tingles all of my senses.

The tavern keeper, a robust figure with a ready smile, presides over the bar, polishing glasses and making small talk with local patrons. A local bard sits close to the fireplace, playing a lute and setting the tone for—hopefully—a peaceful evening .

The tavern servant carries over a few mugs of ale for the men and cider for us girls; followed by a tray of buttered bread and cheese.

“I’ve ordered us some meat pies; I hope that is all right with everyone.” Proclaims Erhorn, taking a sip of his ale.

No one says anything. We sit in silence for a couple of long minutes, unsure of how to react to our surroundings. Well— most of us—are unsure. Erhorn seems quite content with himself, humming along with the tune of the lute player.

Something feels… off.

“Sir, pardon my saying, but I honestly did not expect to be so welcomed here. What did you do?”

Erhorn gives off a low rumbling chuckle. “Dear child... what makes you think I did something?” He looks toward Theo with a twinkling eye. I sense his sarcasm and decide not to comment on the matter any further. Why ruin a good thing? Lenna and Ava look as though they are having the time of their lives. Erhorn is practically dancing at the table.

Then there is Theo, who is stuffing bread into his mouth and washing it down with his ale. A bit of butter sticks to the outside of his lip and I giggle at the sight of him having not noticed.

“What are you laughing about? Hmm…” He says to me, the butter still on his lip.

“You just have a bit of…” I raise up my hand, placing my thumb against his lip, slowly wiping away the dab of butter. My eyes lock onto his and stay there for a moment. It’s as if th e rest of the room has emptied and the only two people left are Theo and myself. He takes my hand in his and holds it for a moment before gently wrapping his lips around the tip of my thumb, sucking the butter off. His tongue is a curious interplay of textures, both warm and wet. His taste buds are soft and gentle. A slightly ticklish sensation rushes through my hand and up my arm.

The servant sets down a plate in front of me, not so subtly reminding me that we are not in fact alone. I abruptly pull back my hand from Theo’s grasp and look up at the others, expecting to have had an audience, but no one has been paying any attention, to Theo—or to me. Erhorn takes a mouthful of his meat pie and lets out a loud, “Mm hmmm.”

I don’t think this night could get any stranger.

Lenna and Ava fall asleep fast. I, on the other hand, lay there, a cramp beginning to form in my side from the lack of space. I turn over to try and relieve the ache. The fire we lit just before going down for supper is now beginning to die out. The embers crackle and glow red hot. I watch the tiny flames still trying to emit some light in this dark and damp room. I close my eyes, trying to force myself into sleep, but my mind will not stop. All I can think about are his lips, his arms, his scent.

I need to talk to him. He needs to stop this .

Slowly, I rise up from bed and tiptoe my way to the door, grabbing my wrap on the way out to cover up my thin nightgown. I lift the latch slowly and it lets out a soft creak. Ava turns over in her sleep and I stop moving to make sure she doesn’t wake. When I’m certain I haven’t been caught, I make my way out the door and down the hall. Straight to Theo’s room.

With the very tips of my fingers, I tap gently on the hard wooden door, hesitant, but still hopeful for an answer. The door swings open and Theo stands in the archway, wearing only his trousers. His chest is bare. His feathery wings seemingly weightless behind him.

“Well, well… this is a surprise. What might I be able to do for you this late evening?” Theo takes a step back and motions for me to enter. “Please come in, I was just about to pour myself a cup of wine.”

Entering his room is like entering another world. I’m not sure if we are even still in the same tavern. A marble hearth takes up half of one wall. The fire within it dances, casting shadows upon the stone floor, warming the room so much so that my skin begins to turn flush with pink. The other walls are adorned with woven tapestries. Scenes of chivalry and battles once won. Dominating the center of the room is a grand canopy bed with carved posts made of oak. Crimson velvet curtains cascade around the crown of the bed. The mattress, plumply welcoming with down feathers and silk sheets. I stand in awe at the scene before me .

“No way this is what your room looks like.” I say… my mouth still agape in disbelief.

“Well… no. Not when I first got here. I had to make some err— adjustments .” He pauses before continuing, “It just wasn’t fit for an Elf of my—stature.” He begins to speak more quickly, “I wouldn’t have even fit on the bed that was provided for me. Wings and all… you know…” He rubs the back of his neck, I’m sure he’s wondering what I’m thinking exactly.

Gods he looks so sinfully innocent, biting his bottom lip like he is.

My eyes begin to wander the span of his bare chest. Bulging muscles ripple beneath tanned skin, bearing witness to immeasurable strength. So, firm—yet so refined.

I want those arms around me again—and my face buried in that smooth bare chest.

Theo lets out a low giggle and soft snort, “Was there something I could umm… do for you, Rose?”

Where to begin?

“I just… I couldn’t sleep. Too many people in one bed. Besides, I thought we should discuss… this…” I wave a hand motioning between us. “Well, whatever this is that is going on between us—it can’t happen. I’m married. You’re an—Elf. It’s forbidden.” I take a long, deep breath. There, I’ve said it. He looks at me perplexedly before turning to take a cup of wine from the table behind him.

“I’m not sure I understand what you mean. I thought we were friends.” He remarks slyly, handing me the cup .

“Friends? Right…” I reply, unsure if this is him being sarcastic or serious.

“I’ll even prove it to you.” He remarks, setting down his cup and prancing over to the bed, pulling back the covers. “Sleep here tonight. With me—err—next to me.”

No. Way.

I shake my head letting out an uneasy soft laugh. “That won’t work.”

“It won’t?” he asks with a grin. “Sleep next to me. All night. If nothing happens, then we are in fact… only friends.”

I swirl the rich, ruby-colored wine around inside the cup I still hold in my hand. Watching it swish around the inside edges. Contemplating. “Fine.” I concede with a heavy sigh, downing the last of the wine in one swift gulp and placing the empty cup on the table with a resounding thud.

“Wonderful.” Theo says.

He walks to the other side of the bed and crawls in. His massive wings are tucked in behind him as he positions himself on what he has deemed his side of the bed. I toss my wrap onto the end of the bed and remove my slippers before edging myself in under the sheets.

Oh, my Gods.

I have never felt a more comfortable bed.

“See?” Theo starts, “Just sleeping. Simple.”

I lie there with my back to him. The softness of the bed has me almost asleep. When suddenly, I feel a calloused and warm hand on my arm .

“Are you comfortable?” He whispers.

“Uh huh.” I mumble.

He proceeds to move his hand from my arm to the spot just between my shoulders. My nightgown has left that spot bare. He begins softly rubbing in circles.

“Does this feel good… my friend?” He whispers.

I’m no longer half asleep, but my eyes stay closed. I just want this moment. This one right here, to never end. I can feel the warmth of his body move closer to mine. His hand continues rubbing with gentle pressure. I let out a soft moan as his hand glides lower now, slowly, hesitantly. As if he is waiting to see if I will object.

I know I should, but I do not.

I mold the contours of my body to fit seamlessly against his angles. He moves his other arm under my head so I can rest against his shoulder. My hair spills like a silken waterfall against his bare chest. I roll over to face him and his arms encircle me, protective. I nestle against the rhythmic cadence of his heartbeat. Words are unnecessary, our bodies converse in a language older than time. His thumb brushes my cheek, wiping away invisible worries. I respond with a contented sigh, my fingers tracing the contours of his toned abdomen, each muscle defined.

Beneath the covers, our legs have tangled together. His calf brushes mine and I shiver, not from cold, but from the electric current that leaps between us. As we drift toward sleep, our hearts beat in unison and our breath synchronizes. I bury my face in the crook of his neck, inhaling the essence of him.

Theo presses a kiss to my forehead, a vow etched in tenderness. I cling to him tighter as I drift into nothingness.