Chapter Text
I do not think there was a more perfect day for this wedding. When approaching the spot where the ceremony was being held, the grand, old oak trees that line the area glowed with sunlight. The colorful flowers planted along the aisle and in various spots leading up to the fountain were in full bloom, emitting beautiful scents as well. White chairs faced the archway of gorgeous lilacs and wisteria, lanterns being lit to create a magical experience. All it needed was its bride and groom, who would definitely take the show.
Still, an aching feeling was still in my chest. It had been since me and the girls left the house. Zoey, as observant as she was, noticed and asked; “Aphmau, sweetie, what’s wrong? Are you tired? We certainly didn’t need to wake that early in the morning.”
“No, no, it’s not that,” I sighed, walking by her side as we took our seats in the second row behind some of Donna’s relatives. “I just…is it silly of me to be this upset over Rowan not being here?”
“Aph, he’s your friend and you care about him,” Zoey assured me, rubbing my arm with a sincere grin as she added on; “It just means you’re a good person.”
A weak smile of my own came to my lips as I replied with; “That makes me feel at least a bit better…but still. It’s strange that I feel this upset by it.”
“Huh…maybe you should investigate your feelings a bit more…” Zoey said, a smirk pulling at one side of her lips as she sat up straighter in her chair. She then turned away from me, waiting patiently for the event to start. Cadenza was saying hello to a couple of people before taking a seat besides me as well.
“Ladies, I think I’ve struck gold with these designs,” She giggled excitedly. “So many people are asking where we have gotten our dresses from and seem even more intrigued that I made them! I guess I can die happy now!”
Zoey and I let out a quiet laugh, finding her joy so pleasing to hear. Soon after, Molly and Dale joined our row as well, Kiki and Brendan behind us. Molly’s belly had grown substantially in the past few weeks, reaching five or six months at this point. I was shocked that she had even made her way over.
“Molly, what did I tell you about extraneous activity when approaching the third trimester?” Zoey whined, getting up to help her to her seat with Dale. The blonde though waved her off, saying in her sweet voice; “I wasn’t going to miss Donna’s wedding just because I decided to get pregnant. I already had to give her the disappointing news that I couldn’t be her bridesmaid due to the standing obligations.”
“You’re too sweet,” Cadenza sighed, rubbing her back once she settled. “I’m glad though that the dress you’re wearing seems to fit you so well.”
“I’m just glad you had some maternity clothing. I really wasn’t expecting to attend such a nice wedding when pregnant,” Molly sighed, a tired beam on her face.
Dale though entered the conversation by poking his head over and said; “And we can’t thank you enough, Lady Zvahl. It’s an honor to see my wife in one of your outfits!”
Cadenza assured him it was no trouble as we all quietly enjoyed the cute moment. Though I couldn’t help but noticed the irritated face on Brendan as he sat back with his arms crossed. Kiki on the other hand, looked just fine. I leaned over and whispered to him; “Is everything alright?”
“Oh, hear that, Kiki,” Brendan announced practically, stopping whatever conversation the rest of the group was having. “Aphmau, kind, empathetic, Aphmau is wondering if I’m alright. Do you want to tell her why I am upset this morning? Hm?”
“Brendan, if Donna were here she would slap you upside the head for your behaviour and you know that,” His sister snapped back, now looking irritated with the attention he was drawing. But, she was quick to answer our questions, saying; “He’s upset that I’ve been spending so much time with the High Priest. He doesn’t seem to understand I’m a grown woman who can make decisions for herself. And he’s jumping to conclusions about his character.”
“He’s creepy! And rude! How can you stand the guy?” Brendan exasperated, letting out his arms.
“Oh stop it,” Zoey sneered. “It’s a happy day so, please, keep the sibling bickering somewhere else. At least until the reception because I do have my own questions, Kiki.”
“H-Hey!” The girl responded, looking defeated but, I think everyone was in agreement.
She was the only one who actually could stand Zane Ro’Meave. And just on cue, him and his assistant made their way down the aisle. Ein Castillo, whom I was told later was a Prince of Tu’la, took a seat next to none other than Nicole on the other side of the aisle. She didn’t look completely pleased by it but, nonetheless took it graciously. Seeing her in her attire and the way she handled herself, it made me realize no wonder Rowan may have taken a liking to her. It was then that I felt another pain in my chest. Odd. Zane Ro’Meave took his place at the archway, opening a book from which I assumed he read from for the ceremony. He caught a glance over in my direction, and through the thin, translucent fabric over his mouth, I saw a smile. A strange occurrence from him as I had not received a genuine one since I have known him. It was towards Kiki too, I soon realized as she was returning the same expression. Now I was getting a bit of Brendan’s worry…
Perhaps though it was nothing to fear. Besides, I couldn’t dwell on it too much as Logan soon after walked down the aisle, everyone quieting down as he did so. Eyes glued to him and his perfectly tailored and expensive suit. His long golden curls were combed back, tamed for the event. His violet eyes popping perfectly with the flowers along the archway. Him and Zane shook hands as he reached the archway. But, the main event was soon to come as everyone stood soon after for Donna’s walk. And when I saw her, I couldn’t help but gasp.
Her muddy, farm clothes were replaced with a beautiful satin wedding dress made in a pale blue, sage green embroidery of vines along the edges of the dress with white flowers. Long, bell sleeves cascaded down her arms perfectly, a long train falling behind her. A white vail was in her silk-like ashy-brown hair that was pulled back into a half-updo, curled elegantly. And she looked radiant, her skin glowing and a smile going from ear to ear as she walked down the aisle, holding a bouquet that matched the flowers on the archway. She was gorgeous and Logan was handsome as can be. They were truly a great match and I couldn’t be happier for my friend. Especially one that I had known since day one of arriving here and had shown me nothing but kindness.
Donna reached the archway and the ceremony commenced, everyone taking their seats.
“Today is a momentous occasion. On this very day, on the tenth day of the eighth month, in the one-thousandth-two-hundredth-third year, Irene will witness as another two souls bound together for eternity,” Zane began as Donna and Logan couldn’t take their eyes off of each other, both looking so deeply in love. “To share in memories of their lives here on Earth, before spending forever in the heavens with our matron in the afterlife…”
I watched intently, curious to see how a ceremony like this even happened. I took note that a lot of it was Zane speaking, specifically about Irene the Matron herself. Then, about thirty minutes in, he brought out a long silk-like fabric, embroidered with purple symbols that I didn’t recognize. He asked the two to join hands, him then wrapping the fabric around to tie them together.
“Now, we will witness Logan Dansworth and Donna Hopkins make the harmonious vow that will unite their souls by blood,” Zane announced to the audience. I didn’t love the word blood but, I soon discovered it was symbolic blood, thankfully, as no blood was shed. “Repeat after me. With this vow.”
“With this vow,” Donna and Logan said in unison.
“I promise thee,” Zane then said, solidifying the pattern.
“I promise thee.”
“To cloak your heart, soul, and mind, from any dangers they may face.”
“To cloak your heart, soul, and mind, from any dangers they may face.”
“I promise thee to protect thy fortress, shielding one from illness or harm.”
“I promise thee to protect thy fortress, shielding one from illness or harm.”
“I promise to love thee till my final breath.”
“I promise to love thee till my final breath.”
“As I am yours and you are mine. Now and always.”
“As I am yours and you are mine. Now and always.”
Then Zane handed them each a ring which was placed on the ring finger of their left hands, which were the ones not wrapped in the fabric. Zane then wrapped up, saying quite gently and sincerely; “It’s my pleasure, and by the power of the Matron's hand, to announce you two as husband and wife. You may kiss your bride.”
The two then joined in a kiss, the audience clapping and cheering them on as we all stood in joyous celebration. Under the chairs were flower pedals in a basket that we were able to toss into the air as they made their way back down the aisle, now as Mister and Misses Dansworth. I was completely in awe of the past forty-five minutes, truly amazed at how such a beautiful moment had just occurred in front of me.
“Zoey…that was—”
“Amazing? Gorgeous? Breathtaking? I know,” The elf replied, giggling as she leaned over to me. “That’s why I love weddings and it seems to me, that now you seem to be an enthusiast yourself.”
I smiled to myself as I admitted; “Yes…I think I am. I truly think I am…”
Once Donna and Logan had reached the end of the aisle and began to make their way to where the reception was being held, the party also began to make their way there. Slowly filing out of the rows of chairs. I started to make my way there myself, being stopped by a gentle touch on my shoulder. When I turned to see whom it was, I was surprised to see the High Priest and his assistant staring back at me.
I was quick though, even with my current disdain of the man, to compliment him. “High Priest, I can’t thank you enough for doing such a beautiful job with the ceremony. It was quite…breathtaking. Truly.”
And for the first time, he did give me a smile that I do think was a real one as he replied; “Why, it’s my job and pleasure, Lady Aphmau. It’s always been a favorite of mine since starting the position.”
“I can see why,” I replied, returning the expression. “It really doesn't have the right words to describe it.”
“You’re too kind, Lady Aphmau. And,” He paused, looking to find difficulty to speak for a moment before saying; “I would like to start clean with you. I realized the other day I was not treating you fairly. I could blame it on the traveling or other minor irritations but, I know it’s no excuse.”
I was speechless. Unable to comprehend what was coming out of his mouth but, I blinked a couple of times in succession as I finally was able to push out; “I–I don’t know what to say…”
“We hope it’s forgiveness,” Prince Ein added, looking just as desperate for my kindness in that moment as the High Priest. “Zane here, the heir to the O’Khasian Lordship, wants nothing more than to unite the country and the regions that inhabit it. Even with the tensions between Irene and Edmund’s regions.”
“It is our Fathers’ petty argument. Neither Nicole’s nor mine,” Zane explained further. “And I know that treating you that way is not a way to create any lasting bond between us. So, please, I want nothing more than to leave here tomorrow feeling guilt free.”
I was really pleased by this. Still, I had my hesitations but, he may actually mean it. I’ve only heard bad stories about his father after all. Nothing about him but stories of complimentary things. So, I reached out my hand and said; “I forgive you. Only if you forgive me and my initial impressions of you.”
He seemed more than satisfied with my reply, taking my hand and shaking it firmly. “Wonderful. Then, let me escort you to the reception, if you’d like.”
“I’d be honored,” I say, taking his arm.
“And let me say, you look absolutely radiant today, Lady Aphmau,” He added on as we began our way over, Ein right beside us.
“I can’t help but assume it’s one of Cadenza Zvahl’s designs?” The prince questioned and I was quick to assure him as such.
And the conversation was generally very pleasant as we made our way over. But, due to what I had heard and the true terror in Rowan’s eyes when they arrived, I couldn’t help having some apprehension towards them. Still, I would just have to wait and see…Luckily, I may not have to as they were leaving the next day anyways.
—
The day was quick and before I knew it, the sun was beginning to set around us, the sky turning orange, red, and purple. The reception itself was honestly just as amazing as the ceremony. There was food, wine, music, and according to my friends, it was truly everything needed to have a great time. It looked completely unrecognizable as the marketplace that I was used to seeing here. Lights dangled from poles, flowers and petals scattered about, candles at every corner it seemed. Yet, there I was. Sitting at a table, watching my friends dance the night away. I was thrilled to see them all so happy. Especially with everything that has happened the past few months. Seeing their home destroyed probably wasn’t the best feeling in the world. I was devastated by it and I was only there for a few weeks at this point. Now, it was rebuilt, guests would begin leaving soon, and things may return to normal. Something I really couldn’t wait for.
A slower song began from the band, people taking partners. Molly took Dale, the two enjoying probably one of the more relaxing nights they’ve had in a while, even if they enjoyed having business at the Inn. Brendan actually was able to get himself a dancing partner, Cadenza of all people who really was kind about it. I saw the two of them joking around, showing me that it was just two friends dancing. Kiki, to no one's surprise, somehow dragged Zane Ro'Meave to the floor, Ein watching from the side and chatting with Zoey. And of course, Donna and Logan, gorgeous as they were this morning, swayed to the music as well. I was truly excited to see where life would take them. Hopefully not too far as I would selfishly miss my friend. But, those thoughts didn’t occupy my mind. Instead, an image of Rowan came, dressed in formal attire similar to the other men here, whisking me away to the floor. He was another reason why I couldn’t wait for things here to dial down. Maybe then I could get that dance. Sure, maybe not here, but somehow I would. Perhaps at the Inn with the live singers? Perhaps… I wondered how him and Laurance were holding up with Levin. Hopefully it wasn’t too much of a hassle.
I tried to shake away my slight disappointment. Besides, I wasn’t here for Rowan. I was here to celebrate others and their commitment to love. Yet, somehow, thinking of the couple just made me think about Rowan more. It was odd. I thought about holding his hands just like Donna and Logan. I thought about Rowan whispering the same lovely things in my ear as Logan did from time to time to Donna. I thought about giving the blond guard an embrace just as Donna did when she first caught eye of Logan. Then…my mind betrayed me as I thought about something more intimate about the two of us. I felt a tingling sensation on my face, raising my hand to graze my fingertips over the area, feeling hot. How could I have thought about Rowan that way? It was wrong. He was the Head Guard afterall. Probably pursuing anyone romantically is far from his mind. Well, that is, if the rumor of him and Lady Nicole were untrue. That made me recall that two were also together at this very moment. What could they possibly be doing? Would I be happy for them if the rumor was true? I took a deep breath, calming myself at that moment. I hoped it wasn’t too noticeable.
“Irene, what is wrong with me?” I mumbled to myself, resting my head against the palm of my hand, downing the last bit of wine in my glass to hopefully dull some of my emotions.
“Everyone has something wrong with them, don’t you think?”
I gazed up to see Lady Nicole standing before me. She had her usual confident smile on as she held a wine glass of her own. She motioned towards a chair to which I gave her the indication that it was empty and free for the taking. She went on to say; “I personally feel as though I have a bit of temper. I also have a pretty rough exterior to others, making me seem unapproachable.”
I didn’t deny her those flaws. I could actually recall thinking that she was such when I first laid eyes on her in Scaleswind. I pushed out though, shrugging my shoulders; “I think…I think it’s okay for people to have flaws. Doesn’t that make them human?”
She grinned and nodded her head, leaning back in her chair to add on; “Exactly. Which is why, I think, some people just need to live with their flaws and find the people who accept them for who they are. That is, if those flaws aren’t murderous tendencies or psychopathic behavior.”
That caused the two of us to giggle with each other, settling after a while before Nicole asked; “So…what are your flaws, Aphmau?”
“Well,” I say, sitting up to make my point a bit more confidently; “I’m extremely curious which could sometimes make me nosy. Perhaps I also insert myself into situations that don’t require my assistance a little too often for others’ liking.”
“See? Perfectly fine flaws. Ones that I think others will find enjoyment in if you look hard enough,” Nicole cheered, clinging her glass against my empty one before taking a chug of her drink. It made me wonder if she thought my own was full. “Are these flaws troubling you now?”
I shook my head. “I actually think I have an entirely different problem. One that I think needs to stay with me.”
“Oh, come on. Tell me. We’re both women after all and I swear to keep it between us,” She then leaned over and whispered; “I also can’t promise I’ll remember in the morning.”
That caused another bout of laughter to burst from me, making her share a slight chuckle. Though, the statement did make me feel a bit more comfortable in sharing with her regardless. I actually did wonder why she wasn’t with Rowan anyways, so I did ask first; “Why aren’t you with—”
“Rowan? Oh, he’s great company, don’t get me wrong. But, leaving a party just felt wrong to me,” She explained thoroughly, gazing out to the dancing crowd. “Besides, he seemed to be saddened himself that he couldn’t join you here. Another sign that I needed to attend for his sake.”
“He wishes he could be here? With me?” I then asked, feeling that tingling sensation return to my face.
“Yes, of course. You still haven’t answered—oh. Well, it looks to me that you already did answer my question,” Nicole smirked once she redirected her gaze to me, finishing her once full glass. She swallowed the beverage, saying through a burp; “So…you like a man in armor, Lady Aphmau?”
I sighed, a bit frustrated as I replied; “First off, I’m not Lady Aphmau. Secondly, no, I should not because he’s a man who probably doesn’t have romance on his mind whatsoever. He’s so dedicated to his job that it doesn’t make sense for me to think of him like that.”
That tight, little smirk still displayed on Nicole’s face as she looked at me. I was confused as to what could be so entertaining to her. Though she said; “Notice how you said, should not instead of just no, I do not. It seems to me someone is just scared to admit their feelings towards someone close to them in fear that they may reject them.”
I sputtered, shaking my head rapidly as I argued; “What? No! That’s not–That’s not true! How many drinks have you had Nicole?”
She waved her hand in front of me, saying; “Doesn’t matter! Come! I want to show you something anyway that might just please you!”
“B-But the party—”
“Trust me. After this, everyone will be pleased to hear you skipping out early for this,” Nicole assured me, taking my arm and pulling me along. Without much room to protest, I begrudgingly followed her.
She led me out of the marketplace and down a couple of dark streets, where everyone who would usually be walking down them was already at the party. We took a couple of turns towards where the beach and the new docks were, me seeing light glowing warmly from it. I looked to my friend, who ignored my confused gaze but still grinned.
“Seriously Nicole, what in Irene’s name is going—” I began to demand, irritated that I was being pulled from the party to which I could still hear the music of. But, I was interrupted by my own gasp.
We had reached where the cobblestone path turned into a wooden staircase to lead people safely down the bank to the shore. From up there, I could see that dock was lit with torches, flags of the Phoenix Drop symbol dancing in the wind. But, my attention wasn’t towards that at all. Instead, it fell onto a familiar blond man who stood on the beach, dressed in a white tunic that buttoned at the wrist and blue leather vest that buckled around his waist. Definitely more formal than I had ever seen him. He looked handsome in the moonlight that reflected off the waves and the dim warm light emitting off the torches from the docks, showing his caring yet nervous face. Lanterns were lit along the stairs and in the sand, surrounding the beach with warm light as well.
I turned my head to Nicole who just gave me a soft smile, squeezing my arm excitedly to say; “Have fun. You deserve it.”
She then turned to leave, leaving me alone at the top of the steps. I didn’t wait long though before making my way down, lifting my dress slightly to avoid the ends getting covered in sand. As I approached him, he was also making a couple of steps over as well to meet me in the middle, me asking; “W-What are you doing here?”
Admittedly, my shoes weren’t the best in the sand and when I picked up the pace, getting a little too excited to reach him, I felt myself begin to stumble. Thankfully, Rowan graciously reached out to steady me by taking my hands, and answering my question while doing so; “I believe you asked me to be your dance partner.”
“But…but what about—”
“Solved with a slight bit of compromise…I hope you’re okay with the beach and not at the actual party.”
I couldn’t help but grin from ear to ear as I leaped to hug him tightly, saying with absolute joy; “It’s perfect! I’m just happy to have you here!”
He was quick to return the embrace, chuckling at my expense as we stood there for a moment longer than either of us were used to. While my chin rested on his shoulder though, I came clean about something. “Rowan…I actually don’t think I’ve done much dancing. There was this one time in Scaleswind but I wasn’t very good.”
“That’s alright, heh,” He assured me, parting from me to gaze down at me. It was there that I saw the smallest glint of excitement in his deep blue eyes, reminding me of sapphires sparkling in the sun. He arms then went from my waist up to my arms before locking his hands in mine again. “Just, uh, follow my lead. But, fair warning, I’m not the most experienced with this either.”
Luckily, we could still hear the faintest music from the event over the crashing waves as it hit the cliffs of Phoenix Drop. He stepped a pace backwards, still holding my hand gently as he took a bow. As an instinct I curtsied him grinning as he stood up straight and came close again, saying; “You’re already a natural.”
We both shared a laugh, hands still holding each other’s as we began to walk in a circle, never breaking eye contact. After a full circle, he carefully pulled me close, our bodies inches away from each other as he asked, barely above a whisper; “Is-Is this alright?”
I shot him a smile once more, nodding my head before the two of us skipped back after a beat and then walking in a circle in the opposite direction. We continued this pattern for a while before Rowan pulled me close again and warned; “Just tell me if you’re uncomfortable.”
He then slowly wrapped an arm around my waist, the burning sensation in my cheeks returning. But when I looked back up to him, I saw the same pink hue on his face as well. It was then I realized that he was probably just as shy as I was about this, which helped me to my relief. So, I then let go of his hand and placed it on his shoulder, him asking again; “A-Are you sure you don’t know what you’re doing?”
“I promise,” I assured him, giggling but being flattered that he was surprised by my instincts. It just felt right, I guess.
After settling from the initial embarrassment, we continued to sway to the music just like the others at the party that I was at moments ago. It was just as I had pictured it and hoped for, making my heart feel full. We spun, we skipped, we acted pretty much close to children, getting lost in the moment. And each time he smiled, laughed, or showed any reaction of joy, I felt myself melt. It was then that I mentally admitted to myself that Nicole’s words were true. The way I felt about the man in front of me, the first man I met and considered a friend, was different. A feeling I really couldn’t describe perfectly but, I welcomed joyously. He was truly someone I cared for deeply and for good reason. He was kind, warm, and patient…everything I hoped I was as well. He spun me around again, holding both my hands out as my back was to his chest, him saying; “Aph…I have to apologize for my foolishness. I shouldn’t have let my fears prevent me from something we both wanted.”
“ We ?” I emphasized as I spun back around, wrapping my arms around his neck.
He stared down at me, pressing his lips together. He nodded his head as he shyly admitted; “ I wanted this. I just couldn’t let myself and it led me to ignore my desire to be with you.”
“You…You desire to be with me?” I asked, my heart skipping at his words.
His face went practically red, stopping in his tracks as he raised a hand to cover his face, groaning in embarrassment. I giggled, gently pulling it away as I assured him quickly; “I do too, don’t worry. I’m just shocked to hear you say it.”
“It’s true,” He sighed, softening again as he held my hand again. “When you were away on your journey, I found myself wishing you were back. Something that earned a bit of jesting from Zenix. And now, I fear if you were to leave again, I’d find it unbearable.”
Butterflies fluttered in my stomach and goosebumps rose on my skin as he made eye contact with me again, vibrant blue meeting deep amber. But, I had the confidence to say sweetly; “Well…you’ll just have to join me next time, if it ever were to happen again. But, I hope to stay here as long as I can with you.”
A beam pulled at his lips once more, him sighing; “I’d prefer that too…”
I cupped the back of his neck with my hand, my thumb finding its way to caress his cheek as my other fingers mindlessly played with his blond curls. His hand that wasn’t holding mine was still at the small of my back, gentle and unmoving, as if afraid to do anything else. But we were both happy just to be there, not doing anything more. Yet something tugged at the back of my mind. A want eating away at me as I just gazed up at him as we still swayed back and forth. If I didn’t do it now, I may have found myself regretting it later. So, I hesitantly let go of his hand, using mine to instead cup the other side of his head and slowly edged him forward. When we were just inches apart, I held us there, waiting to see if what I was about to do was okay.
He gulped, his now free hand slowly reaching up itself and played with my fallen strands of hair gently before caressing my cheek as well. Then his eyes scanned my face, as if to see if I had regretted putting us in this position. But he wouldn’t find it because it wasn’t there. I wanted this. I really did. So, he closed the gap. Connecting our lips softly as our eyes fluttered shut. My arms immediately wrapped around his neck, pulling him closer to feel his warmth in the cool late summer night. His hands remained put where they were as I kissed back. The kisses were short and tender, both of us too scared to spark something more but, I was happy when we parted. Our foreheads rested against each others’ as his thumb grazed my cheek, a blissful smile on both of our faces as we just stood there in the sand, listening to the waves. The rest of the world seemed to be nonexistent, just the two of us and the beach.
But then, the reality was shattered by a voice snapping us back. The deep voice said; “As much as I’m fine with putting on another ceremony…”
Rowan sharply turned, as if immediately knowing the owner, keeping me behind him. His arm stretched out as if to protect me from what was to come. And when I laid eyes on the man, I knew the reason for his fear.
Zane Ro’Meave stood there at the bottom of the steps, his hands held in front of him as he looked on at us. It made my spine shiver to think how much he actually saw. He finished his statement by adding; “...it seems to me that one of you is already engaged. Or is this truly just Rowan Withers?”
“Zane, I can—” Rowan began, but the Priest raised a hand, anger slowly morphing his face.
“No need. I can see just fine.”
I saw Rowan swallow once again, his terror turning into what I can only see as shame. That’s when I spoke up and said; “High Priest, I…I apologize for my exit this evening. I was pulled away—”
“By Miss Rosenburg, I saw,” He interrupted me, smiling cooly. “It was then that I thought the party was about to cease. I escorted Miss Castro back to her home and then, I saw in the distance the beach here illuminated. Then, I found you two. A pleasant surprise.”
If it was a pleasant surprise, I was lost as to why he looked so upset. Still, I tried to diffuse the situation by stepping forward in between the two to Rowan’s dismay to say; “Listen, whatever we have done to upset you, let me formally apologize. I want nothing more than to have you leave here feeling pleased with your stay.”
“And for that, Lady Aphmau, you are a gracious host and I thank you,” The priest assured me warmly but, turning his gaze towards Rowan once more, it went cold. “But, I fear you have an unwanted guest in your mist. A ghost, even. Isn’t that right, Ser Withers?”
Snapping my head back and forth between the two, I stuttered out; “I…I don’t understand.”
Zane Ro’Meave laughed suddenly, pointing jaggedly to Rowan as he asked in disbelief; She doesn’t know? Your Lady doesn’t know? No wonder you’ve kept your secret all these years!”
“Z-Zane, please–”
“W-What don’t I know?” I demanded, looking straight at the blond himself. His face still reeked of shame and regret as he let his gaze fall away from me and onto the sand.
“I was going to tell you…once he left,” He muttered, clutching his fists at his sides.
“Well, if he isn’t going to tell you, allow me,” Zane spoke again, getting my attention. He kept his stare at the blond man in front of his though as he told me; “Your Head Guard, is not Rowan Withers. No, he’s in fact an heir to an expanse of land, gold, and power. He's a direct descendant of Edmund the Protector himself, engaged to the future Lady of Scaleswind, isn’t that right, brother?”
“Brother…?” I asked in disbelief, finding the scene in front of me hard to believe as I turned my gaze back to Rowan, who now met my eyes once more. I could tell he was sorry…
“Yes, Lady Aphmau. Your
Rowan Withers
is actually
Garroth Ro’Meave
. My older brother.”