Page 49 of House of Roots and Ruin
More than a want.
There was an ache, a need.
A yearning.
I’d never felt anything like this before. It hit me straight on, like a boulder crashing off a rock ledge. I didn’t even know I was capable of such feelings. There’d never been anyone at Highmoor—boy or girl—who had inspired such a heated reaction within me.
His lips were close, so close, and I suddenly had the overwhelming desire to lean down and press mine against them. I imagined them whispering over each other, exploring each line, his parting as I gently nipped at the full curve—
Before I could act on such wild thoughts, I straightened and backed away. “The paints are going to dry out….”
I sat back down on my stool, fanning my heated cheek, hidden behind the wall of canvas.
“How’s this?” he asked, and I dared to hazard a peek around the easel. He’d fallen back into the exact pose I’d first set him into.
“You’re perfect.” The words flew from my mouth before I could stop them. “It.It.It’s perfect,” I amended, but his smile deepened into a wicked grin.
“Then let’s get started, shall we?”
Dear Annaleigh,
Thank you so much for your letter and crate of candles. I’ve been burning them nearly every day. I wanted to let you know that I am safe and well. The commission I was brought here for is progressing nicely and…I…I think the heir of Chauntilalie may be interested in starting a courtship with me…
You’ll note the ellipses ending that statement. I’m not certain if I’m meant to use an exclamation or a question mark. I honestly don’t know much of anything I’m meant to do in the matter.
I’m terribly flattered and I think I too might be developing feelings for him—he’s terribly smart and funny and very, very handsome.
But…
( Those ellipses again.)
I’ve never had attention upon me like this before. It ’s a strange, heady thing, suspecting someone might be attracted to you. Can one be in love with being in love? I could see this emotion clouding many judgments.
I wish you were here. I wish we could sneak away to my room and speak openly on this. I miss your guidance and wisdom. I miss my sister.
I take it your talk with Camille didn’t go well? Though entirely painful, I did write a letter letting her know I’d arrived safely but have heard nothing back. I want to pretend it ’s simply a delay due to distance but your letter arrived so quickly. Some rifts can’t be mended, I suppose.
Write soon. I still have a few more weeks until the painting will be done. Give little Cecilia a kiss for me.
All my love,
Verity
Later that afternoon, I was back in my chambers, at the little writing desk. A well of ink, pen, and envelope lay before me. I finished off Annaleigh’s address with a flourish of jade-green ink.
“Verity?”
Dauphine peered in from the hall, waiting for permission to enter. She was dressed in complex pleats of cerulean brocade today. A comb of brilliantly hued peacock eyes held back her sweep of hair and I briefly wondered if they’d come from one of the slaughtered pieds.
“Come in,” I greeted her, rising from the chair. “I was just writing to my sister to let her know I’ve arrived safely.” I stuffed the letter into the envelope lest Dauphine spot any of my musings toward her son.
“I can take that for you,” she offered, sliding the envelope across the desk toward her.
“Oh, I haven’t sealed it yet,” I began, but she spoke over me with an easy smile.
“It’s no trouble. I’ll have Bastian do that before he takes the rest of the correspondence into town.”
Before I could protest, my letter was tucked away into the depths of her skirts.
