Page 62 of A Blightress of Wrath
“Idid it though,” he mused. “Thebiggest fish anyone’s ever caught.”
Ibit my lips together, stifling my smile.
Hewatched me try, bursting into laughter the moment he saw me grin.Welaughed until it hurt, wiping tears from our eyes.
“You’rein so much trouble when your parents find out,”Igiggled, grabbing the package and clothes on the table to go change.
Hechuckled once more, shaking his head and grabbing his own discarded clothes. “No.I’vebeen through worse.”
Iopened my mouth to ask if he meant the scars on his chest, but he rose instead, headed toward one of the rooms.Ifollowed, stepping into the other room, taking a moment to appreciate the large bed and small furnishings in yellows and oranges.Ientered a smaller closet to change out of my swimwear and step back into my black skirts and cream corseted shirt.Idecided to save my new clothes for another time, not ready to risk my mother having something else for the day to scold me about.
Itucked my new clothes onto the shelves next to the skirts and dressesI’dbrought fromFelgren, already unpacked and neatly stacked, along with a few other items thatIdidn’t recognize.
Iheard his soft knock and opened the door for him to come inside.Onelook at his face had me grimacing. “Youneed a nap.”
Henodded, stumbling for my amusement to my bed and falling face-first, dressed in his original attire.
“Areyou hungry?HowdoIget food here?”
Hemumbled into the sheets, “There’sa bundle of flags by the balcony.Slidethe orange flag into the slot on the rail and someone will bring up food.”
Mybrows rose in surprise. “Whatother colors are there?”
Helifted himself higher into the bed, pulling the white quilt over himself. “Purplefor laundry, white for a message, and black for emergencies.”
“Clever,”Imuttered, already heading out the door to find the flags.Theywere bundled into a large pail near the balcony.Ipulled the orange one and placed the stick into the slot on the rail, just as he’d said.Thebright fabric flew in the inner spire breeze, andInoticed a white flag flying a few stories below.
Iwaited at the door to our rooms, curious how long it would take for someone to see it.Withinten minutes, a servant arrived carrying a tray of fresh fruits and cheese.
“Iapologize, miss, but the midday meal has already been served and dinner is being prepared in the kitchens.”Hesmiled wryly, setting the tray on a table in the room.
“Thankyou very much…”Isaid, holding a hand out to greet him properly asPah-Pahhad taught me.
“Yezron, miss.”Hetook my hand briefly.
“Thankyou,Yezron.I’mSaelyn, daughter of?—”
“OftheBaronofFelgren, yes,Iknow.Everyoneon staff will know who you are, miss.Youonly need to place your flag there and we will prioritize your needs.”
“Oh, there’s no need for that, but thank you.”Igestured to my room. “Myfriend,Thevin, is tired and needs rest.Iexpect my mother to arrive back here soon, before the gathering tonight.”
“Yes, we all knowThevin, too,” he chuckled. “Ifthere is anything more you need, please do not hesitate to wave the white flag.Ican send messages throughout theSpire.Amayawill be up in two hours to help you dress for the gathering and dinner.”
“Thatwon’t be necessary,Ican dress myself.”
Henodded once, explaining, “TheBaronhas already commissioned a gown for you to wear tonight.Itarrives soon and, forgive me, but the dress customs here might be quite different than what you’re used to.Anddifficult to put on yourself, ifImay suggest.”
Mycheeks flushed. “Alright.PleasehaveAmayacome help.Thankyou again.”
Heheld up his hands and backed toward the door. “Itis nothing, miss.”
“Saelyn.”
“MissSaelyn.”Hebowed turned to leave.
Ilooked over his suit—far different than anythingI’dseenPah-Pahwear inFelgren.Itwas all white with different textures and patterns sewn into the shirt sleeves like lace.Ahigh collar was stiff and high on his neck against his olive skin.Istole a glance behind me to whereThevinwas probably already asleep.
“Wait,”Iurged, stepping forward before he could close the door.
