14 Thats Not His Magic (1/2)

No maid came to help her with her clothing which she did not mind so much. Though they were her only company, really she preferred to dress herself.She turned to her dressers and closet, happy to care for herself.

She stripped off her nightgown and pulled on a slip before turning to her closet to choose a gown. She had worn most of them and pulled out the one she thought was the simplest. The deep red color of the dress was more lavish then she would have liked but the dress itself was easy to put on and the fabric soft and warm. She laced up the front and smoothed the skirts in her mirror.

She frowned at her hair. With no one to help with it and very little time, her options were limited. If I were home, I could put it up in a scarf but they don't wear those here, she thought. She sighed and pulled it all into a single thick braid over her shoulder. Almost at once her hair started to come out in bits and pieces but she looked presentable, at least. Her stomach rumbled as if to urge her to move faster.

She gathered her pen and book and walked towards the door.

”Come on, Ilun,” she called. He perked his head up, tail wagging and slid off the bed. Stretching he met her at the door as she opened it. They made their way through her apartments, empty and still, her maids nowhere to be found and out into the stone hallway.

Ilun walked along the bare floor, his steps changing at random from claws to pads and even hooves. She looked at him, his gait remained even. ”You stay with me,” she said, touching his neck. He purred.

The necklace pulsed steadily as they walked, their steps taking her further into the palace. They passed into winding hallways filled with portraits and false torches. This is the first time I've been out of my room alone, she thought.

She smiled despite the gloom. There was something freeing about being out on her own, even as the necklace pulsed against her chest, setting her path.

If he didn't think that I was someone else, then why did he kiss me, she wondered as she walked. His strange behavior baffling her, even when she visited the dreams of people who knew her, they didn't recognize her. And no dreamer reacted to her presence without her acting first. The elements of dreams and nightmares would at times do so, as Ilun had done, but for the most part, she passed through the Veil like a ghost.

A shade, she thought, that woman knew this would happen. I have to speak to her again.

She touched her lips. And what of my feelings, she thought. Even if the letters were false I don't know that, there's a chance that the person who really felt that way is still out there, I can't let a kiss he doesn't even remember mean anything.

Ilun tensed, his muscle hardening under her hand. She turned to the animal as he began to growl, his fur rising on his back. He stepped in front of her, blocking the path.

”What is it?” she asked moving around his body to turn the corner, heedless of the danger her sensed.

Lehan leaned against the wall. A dashing figure in a blue jacket that offset his eyes. His relaxed posture stood in opposition to his focused gaze. Isilla stepped back, wrapping her free hand in Ilun's fur again.

”If it isn't my sister in law. And the little monster my brother made for her to keep!” He eyed Ilun, a predator judging an opponent. ”Well, not so little monster. Imagine meeting you here! I was just on my way for a visit with you. To apologize for my behavior and here you are!” he said in mock surprise.

She looked at him through silted eyes. His words were even, pleasant almost but underneath that she could sense danger. She curtsied and then continued to walk.

”Oh don't be that way,” he said falling into step beside her, ”No hard feelings about the wedding.”

She shook her head, continuing her journey as if he were not there at all.

”Not going to write any notes? If I recall you used to write such lovely letters,” he said looking at the ceiling.