Embers to Flames (Fates Entwined #1)

Chapter Nine

I wake up still wrapped in Theo’s embrace. The light of the day peeks its way through the shutters of the room’s only window. The fire in the hearth is now nothing but embers. I cannot remember the last time I had slept so soundly. I didn’t dream, I didn’t even move. I peer up at Theo’s face. He’s still sleeping. He looks so at ease, his defenses down and vulnerability exposed. His eyelids flutter as he dreams, and I can’t help but wonder what he fantasizes about. I resist the urge to place my hand upon his cheek for fear that my warmth might disrupt his fragile state of calm.

How my body aches for him. I can resist it no longer. I slowly move my head, bringing my lips closer to his than they have ever been. His lips part slightly, an unconscious welcome. My heart, once a steady rhythm, now flutters like a captive bird. I look up and see that his eyes are still closed.

Just do it you timid fool!

My self-control finally gives way. I close my eyes and press my lips against his. A soft collision of warmth. My lips mold to his. Theo awakens, surprised, but he immediately takes his hands, and weaves his fingers through the messy, soft tendrils of my hair, pulling me into him. His lips are softer than I had imagined. I part my own lips, a welcoming notion for him to glide his tongue slowly in between, tracing the edges of my mouth. Our tongues find each other with ease, effortlessly tangling together in a fiery embrace. His taste is sweet and there is still a hint of last night’s wine on his breath.

Without warning, the sound of heavy knuckles against wood startles us both, snapping us back to reality.

“Nephew, are you awake?” Lord Erhorn hollers through the thick wooden door.

Theo clears his throat and calls back, “Yes Uncle. Be right down!”

I have already jumped out of the bed, scrambling to find my wrap and slippers. Theo sits up in the bed looking at me with his eyes gleaming.

“You’re a delightful mess when you’re in a frenzy,” he quips with a mischievous grin.

“I am so incredibly sorry. I shouldn’t have—we shouldn’t have.” I stutter .

“I was right though… about last night. All we did was sleep.” He was mocking the situation.

“Right. Up until the moment I kissed you—and you—you kissed me back.” I utter, finding my slippers under the bed and sliding them onto my feet. “I—I must go. I need to get dressed. Forget this happened. Please . I’m a stupid— stupid— woman…” I exit through the door before Theo gets a chance to say anything more.

Lenna and Ava are awake and packing.

“There you are!” Lenna shrilled. Ava turns to look at me as well. Her eyes filled with wonder and curiosity.

“Keep your voice down.” I huff traipsing over to my trunk, rummaging through it to find a decent dress for today’s travels. Lenna looks at me intently, as if she is expecting an explanation.

“I don’t want to talk about it… I couldn’t sleep… I only went to talk to him…” All the excuses I had played through my head the night before. In hindsight, they all sound ridiculous now.

Lenna is still standing before me, her arms crossed, not believing a word. Then she lets out a howling laugh. I lower my head shaking it before releasing a snorted laugh of my own.

Thankfully, the flooding has subsided enough for our carriage to pass through.

“We should be arriving at Eirina before the night is over.” Erhorn informs us.

I nod my head without even looking at him. My eyes are fixated on the scenery passing outside. Moving slowly by are the hills and trees of a land I’d never had the opportunity to see before. My mind is lost in the events of last night. It finally settles into me what I’ve done. How I’ve betrayed Mikyl. The guilt of it covers me like a cold wet blanket. Erhorn must have taken notice of my discomfort. He picks up my romance book from the seat in between us and softly flips through some of the pages, a gentle grin forming as his lips curve up at the ends.

“Do you know what love truly is, child?”

I look at him blankly. Waiting for him to continue.

“Love is when someone’s presence feels like home, no matter where you are. You’ll know true love when their happiness is essential to your own and their sorrow, your sorrow. Love isn’t just a fleeting spark, but a steady flame that burns, warms, and lights the way through life’s darkest moments.” Erhorn sets down the book, his eyes reflecting on the wisdom of years gone by. He continues, “Love is a journey of the heart, often winding and unexpected. It is common to find our feelings changing as we grow and learn more about ourselves—and about others.”

Tears begin to form at the corners of my eyes. Erhorn reaches out, placing a reassuring hand on my knee. “It’s all right to feel confused. Love isn’t a straight path. It’s a tapestry of emotions, woven with threads of connection, understanding, and discovery. Sometimes, we start to weave with one thread, believing it’s our only color, only to find that another shade compliments us better.”

The tears have released themselves and are now raining down my cheeks. I stare at the floor, “But what of loyalty, sir?”

“Loyalty is important,” Erhorn agrees, “but it should not be a chain that binds you to unhappiness. If your heart truly belongs to another, it’s not disloyal to acknowledge your feelings. It’s honest. And honesty is the kindest thing you can offer to both yourself and the ones you care about.”

The carriage comes to a stop beside a tranquil meadow, where the scent of wildflowers mingles with the earthy aroma of the forest edge. Theo jumps down from the coachman’s seat and opens the carriage door.

“Would anyone like to stretch their legs? The horses are sturdy beasts, but even the strongest need to rest.” He puts out a hand to help me from the carriage, “You would do good to remember that… you know… before you go and try to kiss them.” His satirical smile is annoying. I roll my eyes and am quick to reply .

“What is it that I am to remember exactly? Oh—that you’re a beast?”

His grin widens and he lets out a sigh, “Oh my sweet… you have no idea just how beastly I can become.”

Ava tramples off into the meadow. She plucks a daisy from the ground and twirls it between her fingers. Lenna gathers a handful of grass for the horses, a silent thank you for their service. As the sun dips lower in the sky, casting long shadows across the meadow, I walk towards the sunset to enjoy a moment of peaceful respite. My mind wanders to the things that Erhorn had said to me. I would always love Mikyl, a part of me would anyways, but I think I have known for some time now that our marriage is over.

Theo walks towards me, waving a white piece of cloth, symbolizing surrender. “I come bearing gifts.” He says, pulling from behind his back a napkin filled with various nuts and berries. “Hungry?”

I quietly accept the rations he hands me and turn back to the open field.

“So, are we going to talk about what happened?” He persists.

“Not now, not ever. Let’s not forget that there is another heart involved here besides our own—Mikyl’s heart.” There is a tangle of emotions within me, but they do not cloud my sense of right and wrong. “I can’t just go around kissing other... men. Not until I end things with him and make it right first. ”

Popping a few berries into his mouth he mumbles, “Well it’s a good thing I’m not an ordinary man .”

“You know what I mean.” I say, rolling my eyes. “And that’s another thing. How is this supposed to work exactly? You are an Elf. I am a mere Human. It’s not allowed.”

“Who says we have to tell anyone?” He gives me a side eyed smirk.

I roll my eyes again, “Just, give me time. I need to finish this with Mikyl. He is the reason I am even on this trip to begin with.”

Theo stops chewing abruptly. “You think the reason for this trip is only for your pathetic excuse of a husband?!” He lets out a growling laugh. “Oh, my dear sweet Rose. We may be staying in the Capital, and your husband’s trial may just coincide with the timing of our travels, but we are not traveling specifically for him.” He finally swallows his last bite of food, “My uncle depends on you more than you realize. He adores you actually—for a Human.”

“I know about the Fire Rites, but that has nothing to do with me.”

“Maybe not,” his voice low, “but do not be surprised if he asks you to join him up on Dragon’s Edge. There will be a feast, and my uncle will need a servant to tend to him.”

His words hung in the air, a reminder of my place in the world and I stare at him with a blank expression, the weight of it settling on my shoulders. After everything—the stolen glances, the secret smiles, the kiss we shared in the tavern this morning—I have just been reminded that I am nothing more than a simple servant. A peasant. A Human.

“If all I am,” I whisper, my voice trembling, “is a good servant… then I guess kissing me was a mistake.”

Theo’s face quickly shifted, regret etching itself across his smooth features. He steps closer, one hand cradling my cheek, the other resting on the small of my back. His touch sends shivers down my spine.

“My sweet Rose,” he murmurs, his breath warm against my lips. “If kissing you was a mistake, then I will gladly make that mistake again.” And then he kisses me—forceful, urgent. I melt into him, my fingers tangling in his hair. The world around us ceases to exist—the meadow, the sunset, everything—except for the warmth of his mouth on mine.

His lips, soft and warm, press gently against mine, sending electric sparks of desire through my body and igniting a fire within me. Every nerve ending is on high alert, savoring the touch and eagerly responding to it. I feel completely lost in this moment, consumed by the intensity of our kiss as time seems to stand still around us, but then a jolt of guilt hits me and I pull away.

This is wrong. We can’t do this.

“Theo, stop,” I say firmly, breaking our kiss and stepping back. Though my body aches for more, my mind knows this is wrong. I am still bound to Mikyl, no matter his faults. “We have to end this. ”

Theo’s face falls at my words. “End this? What we have between us—it’s special. Rare.” He moves closer to me, gripping my jaw firmly as he leans in to kiss me again. I turn my head to break his hold.

“I know how you feel, Theo. Truly I do. But we come from different worlds.” I gesture around the meadow. “Out here, away from everything, it is easy to forget. But the truth remains.”

Theo shakes his head stubbornly. “It doesn’t matter. I know what I feel for you.”

I sigh, “But it does matter. Even if we could be together, it would only lead to heartbreak.”

I think of Mikyl, and guilt twists my gut. As much as he has hurt me, I cannot repay his cruelty with my own. Theo moves closer to me, his eyes burning with intensity. My resolve threatens to crumble looking at his handsome face. More than anything I want to believe that it doesn’t really matter. That love can really conquer all.

But the world is not so kind.

I take a step back, steeling myself. “I’m sorry.”

His face crumples in dismay. For a moment we just look at each other, the weight of words unsaid hanging heavy between us. Then he turns and stalks away, his back rigid. I can only stand there and watch him go.