FOREVER KNIGHTS: #12 Primal Intent
Burned

Every room in Rosewynn now had freshly dusted curtains, crisp from washing. Every piece of silver and all the wood polished to a high sheen.

Thanks to the elven women, Bronwynn and her daughters.

Nora frequently complimented them.

“I can’t believe how much they’ve done.” She whispered to them as she sat on the bench before the fire and whispered to him sitting in his chair near the mantle.

“They’ve made it look amazing. Much more like it was once.”

“You think so?” She asked hopefully.

“I’m certain.”

“Its so beautiful. I’d never imagined I’d live somewhere so grand after all the problems my father had with debts, I expected we’d eventually be penniless.”

“A terrible fear for a young lady to endure.”

She smiled at his understanding kindness.

He saw her wood cup was empty. “Do you care for some more chocolate?”

“I’d love some.”

He stood and took the little mug and wandered back to the kitchen with her trailing after him.

A wrap pulled tight over her shoulders.

“Are you cold?”

“Yes.” He retrieved a fur from the closet near the stairs where he’d seen her get them from before.

She turned her back to him trustingly and he tucked it around her. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.”

They returned to the kitchen. In the brightness of candles on each side of the cooking grate she saw his shirt was tight in the chest and arms. Straining over him. The sinewed muscles revealed more now than in his well-fitted garments.

“Your shirt?”

“It’s your brother’s.” He nodded upstairs. As he broke bits from a block of chocolate. His had been shredded by work moving branches from the grove. Deragan had grunted in faint frustration. Mentioning most of his tunics and shirts were now destroyed. Then, before he could object, Nick had insisted on loaning him one.

Despite that I could’ve easily summoned one from my rental. Of course he hadn’t been there so long it was possible it’d been burglarized by now.

“Nick?”

Deragan nodded as he stirred some chocolate over a flame. Letting the chunks melt into something warm and frothing.

She peered around him. Standing so close to his back he felt her warmth.

He drew a staying breath of vanilla and felt himself relaxing. Soothed by her presence.

He had some optimism now. After having noticed the way Nora’s gaze kept returning to him. She feels it.

“Your hair is different.”

“Is it?” He didn’t look over his shoulder at her.

Knowing he was letting it darken. The true color continuing to seep through over time. In a sevennight I’ll let it be as black as it is.

“You look different in total.” She murmured thoughtfully. Stepping to the side of him to stare at his profile.

He continued stirring the small pot. “How so?”

What do you think?

“You just seem to have a squarer jaw and your features are a bit more striking and less…”

Pock marked. Scarred. Will she say it.

“Less what?”

“I don’t know.” She shrugged.

Polite little liar. His lips twitched. She’s noticed.

He reached into a sack and retrieved a pinch of salt to add to the drink.

“Must be a trick of the light.” She said bemusedly.

“Must be.”

“Is that salt?”

“Yes.”

“You’re putting it in my chocolate?” She objected. “Give it a taste.” He tipped the pot bare handed.

“Oh, your hand!” She squawked. Grasping the bit of cloth, he should’ve used.

He unflinchingly poured and set it down. “It must not have gotten the pot that hot.”

She frowned. Blinking in surprise that he showed no pain. After a moment she took the mug. And took a sip.

He blanched.

She spit it back in the mug. “Ouch.”

Putting her other hand to her lip. "That is certainly scalding hot!”

I probably should’ve played it off differently.

She sent him a betrayed glance and aimed back for the Dining Room.

He leaned toward a candle and held up his palm. Seeing his palm looked slick and red.

It’ll be blistered tomorrow. He still felt nothing as he lowered his hand and stepped into line behind her.

As they entered the Dining Hall, Nora stopped abruptly.

They are an eerie sight.

Standing in the shroud of darkness just beyond the firelight, their white servant dresses glowed starkly. Brownynn stood at the front. Both daughters flanking her. All three had their hands folded demurely before them as they stood utterly motionless.

“A late-night snack, My Lady?” Bronwynn asked tonelessly.

“Umm…No…Thank you.” Nora said slowly. Fearfully looking at them.

“Thank you.” He dismissed them.

When Bronwynn walked forward they were in step with her. She strode to them and did a square turn to the right and marched toward the doorway and out beyond the stairs. Lily and Mary simulating her movements.

“I best head up to my chamber and attempt some rest.” Nora said. Giving him a half-curtsy to keep from spilling her drink.

“Good night Miss Bishop.” He bowed formally. And watched her go. “Sleep well. And sweet dreams.”

“You as well.” She paused to say over her shoulder. Voice sincere.

“My dreams shall be filled with your company.”

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