Page 90 of Whispers of the Elderoak

Cirilla helped her slip on an ankle length mahogany skirt that flared slightly at the base and was embroidered with matching leaves along the hem. She cinched Ava’s waist with a wide leather belt and then asked her to sit on the bed and handed her woolen stockings and brown boots that Ava donned quickly.

She gestured to a stool seated in front of the full-length mirror. “Sit. I shall do your hair.”

Standing back up, she walked over to the stool and sat down, Cirilla behind her. She brushed Ava’s hair as she spoke. “Did you get enough rest?”

“I think so. I feel much better.”

“Kai is very talented,” her attendant replied.

Ava regarded herself in the mirror, touching her fingers to the fading bruise on her cheek. It seemed Kai’s balms and magic had erased most of her bruising, leaving faint remnants of her injuries which should disappear in a couple more days.

“So… do you like it here?” Ava asked. “Do you enjoy your job?” She felt awkward having someone wait on her and didn’t know how she was supposed to act.

“It’s an honor to be a staff member here. We’re paid well and treated even better,” Cirilla explained.

Ava relaxed at her answer. She didn’t like the idea of poorly treated servants waiting on her hand and foot.

Cirilla finished her hair and left the room. Ava rose and stood in front of the mirror, evaluating her attire. It was strange dressing like someone out of a history book, but she admitted she looked pretty, and the clothing and shoes were more comfortable than she had expected. Still, she noticed the weight loss she had experienced over the last couple of months. Her collarbone was too prominent and waist too small. She was happy to eat real meals and was looking forward to regaining her old body, missing the strength she felt with her athletic thighs and curvier figure.

Turning from the mirror, she walked into the living area and ran right into Raine.

“Whoa there,” he said as he steadied her, gripping her shoulders. “Are you in such a hurry to see me, dear? I was just on my way to knock on your door.”

She laughed. “Sorry, I wasn’t paying attention.”

Raine took a step back and turned to Casimir who was standing near the fireplace, dressed in a similar fashion to when she saw him the other night, except his hair was pulled back and he had his boots and weapons on as if he was headed somewhere. He nodded at her, and she smiled reluctantly back before returning her attention to Raine.

“My dear little human, you clean up well,” Raine crooned. “Look at you. You look beautiful. Doesn’t she look fantastic, Cas?”

Meeting her eyes, Casimir answered. “You look nice.”

“Thanks,” she said awkwardly.

“Well, if you need anything,” Casimir said, turning to Raine. “I’ll be in the training ring.”

Raine walked toward the dining table covered in food while Ava followed. “You’re kidding, Cas. We’ve only been back a couple of days and you’re already training? You’re allowed to take breaks, you know.”

“Deidamia doesn’t take breaks,” he said as he left the suite and closed the door.

Raine pulled a chair out for Ava. “Please, sit. I swear he would train himself to death were it possible.”

Ava sat down. “I take it he’s kind of an overachiever?”

“You have no idea.”

Ava looked at the fares arranged on the table before her. There were mounds of eggs smothered in a cream sauce, bacon, sausages, and small round yellow and orange fruits she had never seen before. There was also a large platter of fruit-filled pastries dusted with powdered sugar. A rainbow offlavors, the sights and smells had her stomach growling, and she couldn’t wait to dig in.

“Help yourself. I heard you’ve been asleep for almost two days. I’m sure you must be starving,” said Raine as he loaded his plate.

Ava smiled and piled a heaping scoop of eggs, followed by bacon and fruit on her own plate. “This looks amazing. Thank you.”

“Don’t thank me, I’m not the chef. However, those pastries are from my sister, Fanya’s, shop. We’ll swing by and introduce you.”

He poured her a cup of tea and she sipped it, humming with pleasure as the floral notes danced over her taste buds. Birds chirped as they darted among the flowers on the open balcony and the sound of running water trickled outside.

“How do you like it here?” Raine asked, interrupting her thoughts.

Ava smiled. “This city is stunning.”

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