Page 5 of Stitches
They didn’t mind if Braxton took that risk, however, so long as they could reap the benefits.
The door to the workshop was rarely open while Braxton was working. Levi was only allowed inside after the fact, and only to clean the space like he cleaned the rest of the tower. That purple glow like the Source Crystal, like the image on Klarent’s book cover, and like Levi’s eyes, intrigued him, coaxing him from the comfort of the door.
“May I offer my assistance, Master?” Levi asked.
“Blasted thing,” Braxton muttered.
The pulses were growing faster.
Levi crept closer. Perhaps Braxton hadn’t heard him. He should call again and wait for instructions, but his feet continued their momentum.
Faster and faster the light became, such a rich violet color, like Levi imagined might be contained in a sunset, if he had ever seen one outside of paintings and books. The frequency became so intense, it was almost too fast to discern the intervals, though not yet static light, making Levi’s eyes sting and his head feel dizzy to stare at it.
He reached for the doorframe.
Blackness.
Leaping backward, Levi managed to get several feet away before Braxton exited with a swift slam of the workshop door. It never ceased to amaze Levi how quickly Braxton could move in his wheeled chair.
From what Levi had learned of the original races that lived in the Amethyst Kingdom, Braxton was human and still looked like one now. He had been in the wood, one of the farthest people from the Source Crystal, when the demon cursed the lands, and for that he had been both one of the most and least affected by it. He looked as he once did, but he could not leave his chair.
Braxton chose to wear simple robes that reached to his ankles, with long sleeves and high collars, keeping him fully covered but making it easier to dress on his own. Bathing and dressing him were some of the few chores Braxton never asked of Levi.
“What were you doing?” Braxton asked with a stern wrinkle of his brow.
“N-nothing. I asked if you required assistance.” Levi straightened his stance, hands at his sides and head pointing forward.
“And what is the rule when I am working?”
“To leave you to it,” Levi said, keeping his shoulders back but feeling a dip in his stomach.
“Exactly.” Braxton wheeled closer, ceasing his approach a short pace in front of Levi.
The tower didn’t appear large overall, mostly just tall, but the workshop expanded farther than seemed possible to someone who had only ever seen the tower’s exterior, expanding beneath the large hill it was built against. The main room was completely open, with a small kitchen and space to sit. The only part sectioned off was the washroom. Stairs ascended to the second floor where supplies were stored, then farther up was Levi’s room at the top of the tower. The building was stone and quite cold in both temperature and décor, though since there was always a fire in the hearth, Levi assumed he felt the cold more acutely because of what he was.
He was glad that, although it was winter, the Shadow Lands kept a constant temperature year-round. He didn’t like feeling cold. Although he did wonder what it might be like to experience snow. The stars and full moon were only ever covered for an occasional thunderstorm.
“Now, you delivered the dousing crystal and acquired everything on my list?”
“Y-yes, Master. I’ll unpack it all for you immediately.” Levi offered Braxton a small bow, but before he could step away, Braxton stopped him with a grasp of his wrist.
“Are you flush?”
Levi felt added heat fill his cheeks at the mere mention, enjoying the warmth, but not if it was visible. “I-I… is that possible when I am not truly alive?”
“You still eat and drink, and blood still flows in your veins.” Braxton tugged Levi down to his level, locking eyes with him and reaching up to feel Levi’s cheek.
That warmth might have been welcome too, if Levi didn’t worry Braxton would be angry to learn of his infatuation with the king. The two were close friends, after all, and what could a construct ever be to royalty?
“Did you run back? Are you still so frightened of being outsidethese walls? You’ll never get used to Amethyst if you don’t interact with its people.” Braxton’s touch and expression seemed less scrutinizing, almost sympathetic, as he stroked Levi’s cheek before releasing him.
Braxton was cold too, in disposition, but Levi believed he meant well.
“I’m managing, Master. Truly. Daedlys and Klarent are always kind to me.”
“Those two are kind to everyone,” Braxton said with a wry smile. “Not all people are as cordial, Levi, and you need to learn to handle others. Would you rather I kept you locked in the tower?”
“No.” Levi’s eyes snapped wide.
