48 Red Gold (2/2)

”May I have it?” he asked suddenly.

She stilled her hand, gazing at him curiously.

”It is far too large for your wrist and it feels as if I should have this. So, may I have this,” he asked again.

She nodded slowly and he slipped it over his hand, where it stayed, a perfect fit for his wrist.

Did I mean to do that, she thought touching the piece, the metal warm under her fingers. She thought she felt something in it, a bit like the glowing orb that Arren had swallowed back into himself during the dream.

”Now a gift for you. I shouldn't do this, you should stay in bed but I think you want to see this,” he said standing, pulling her from the bed.

She stumbled, her legs weak and he caught her, lifting her in his arms as he had done so many times before. ”You're so light, my dearest. You will need to eat more now that you can. We are not going far.”

He walked around her bed and took her to her window, setting her down on her feet. ”It's too cold,” he murmured wrapping his arms around her shivering body. She looked up at him and he smiled gently down at her, his shadows moving the curtain away.

Outside, the tops of the trees were white under a dark sky. Like the ash of his dream, snow fell from the sky, dropping from thick clouds and covering the world below. She touched her lips, shocked at the sight of it.

”It is still too early in the season and this will likely melt but I said I would show this to you and I have. I love you, Isilla. Every word I wrote you was the truth. I am clumsy in these matters but I would never betray you. I wish for you to return my love but there is no rush, I will stand by your side forever.”

His words, bold and plain filled her heart. She pushed away, turning towards him. Her legs, still weak, shook beneath her and reached for her, gripping her elbows to steady her. I do, she signed.

”I don't understand your hand movements, I'm sorry. I'll learn,” he began and she tilted forward, pressing her lips against his. He slipped his hands around her body, holding her close as she deepened her kiss, wrapping her hands around his neck.

Breathless she lowered herself to the ground, her body already out of energy. His shadows reached for her, supporting her. If I fell right now, they would catch me, she thought, exhaustion already overtaking her. The touch of his darkness reached for her, wrapping itself around her waist and ran up her back.

She opened her eyes and he shut his, pulling away from her, covering them with his hand. ”Don't look! When you kiss me like that, I can't,” he stopped as she reached forward, pulling his hand away from his eyes forcing him to look at her.

The eyes that had been moss green and brown were now the sick black and purple, glowing as the darkness twisted in them. He breathed hard as he stared at her, his face distressed. She smiled at him and reaching for his face, kissed him. He relaxed, letting himself be kissed, pulling her closer, holding her tighter as her own body relaxed, his hands hot against her back.

”I have to return you to bed,” he said softly, the words tickling her lips as he spoke them.

She nodded, her body, tingling and heavy from his touch as he lifted her again, placing her back between her blankets. He moved the pillows behind her head and Ilun, climbed into the bed, licking her face.

Arren frowned at the animal but didn't say anything as Ilun rested his head in Isilla's lap, her fingers rubbing his head and ears.

”I will call for food to be brought to you. Your maids will bathe you and change your sheets as well,” he said, brushing her hair behind her ear.

She shook her head, reaching for her book. It is very late, you should let them sleep.

He shook his head, ”It is very early. Near dawn. I will need to wash up as well. I will return later in the day to check on you.”

His tone changed slowly as he spoke, becoming more distant. She reached for him, slipping her hand into his. ”Arren,” she said, hoping he could read his name on her lips.

He paused and smiled softly, ”If I could simply climb into bed beside you right now I would. I will visit with you this afternoon and I will stay with you tonight, my love.”

She blushed and nodded. I have things to tell you, she wrote. Things that happened in the Veil while I was ill, she explained.

He touched her face, ”Are you alright.”

She nodded, smiling.

”Then it can wait until I return to you. You should eat before you sleep again.”

My maids, she questioned him.

”I dismissed them. They were removed from the castle.”

They have families to care for, she wrote, frowning.

”And I have you,” he responded. ”I will not leave people who have betrayed you here to do so again.”

You could have assigned them to Elixabete, she suggested.

He shook his head, ”Love, you are too kind but I will not discuss this with you any further. They are not worthy of your care. Please, drop this, it is done.”

She frowned and gave a curt nod. He sighed and pressed his lips against hers, his touch provoking her body into a reaction, kissing him back.

”Do not be angry, not over this,” he scolded and she frowned, blushing. ”Eat and rest, I will return to you soon.”

He smiled before the shadows rose around him, leaving her alone.

Will he think the darktellers are below my care as well, she wondered, frowning as she stroked Ilun's head, his tail beating a rhythm into the sheets And that bracelet, why did I make that?

The ring of metal was almost exactly as she had envisioned, she had wanted to try to mimic what the shade had done with the flowers but the color and size were all wrong. It was almost as if she were making a memento for him but it wasn't her objective. Perhaps I carry him more in my heart then even I realize, she thought, a hot blush running to her cheeks. Will he take me tonight?

The prospect hadn't occurred to her before but having met him in his dreams, uninhibited by his fears and duties in the waking world, his desire was more than clear. A warm shiver ran through her as she remembered the way he had touched her.

Her thoughts were broken as a knock came from the door, the maids entering with a tray full of her breakfast. She smiled and turned her focus to their introductions.