Lightheaded, I stopped, closing my eyes as I braced an arm on the wall. Taking a deep breath, I continued to the library and paused in the doorway, glancing around, before heading to the history section.
Grazing the shelves, I picked up a book withBlackburn and its Peoplewritten on the spine and walked to a nearby chair, sitting slowly as I opened to the first page. I didn’t look up again until I finished the entire book.
Blackburn was the birthplace of pyric magic, hence the name. It made sense that Edana hailed from there, being a fire worker herself. Blackburn was also one of the oldest cities in Ravaryn, with a long history of loyal patriots. They raised the strongest warriors, men and women alike, and were an incredibly proud people.
That would also explain why Rogue covered my ears when we arrived.
Replacing the book, I stared at the endless rows of shelves, all containing stories and elaborate histories of the Fae. The people of Ravaryn. The people who were terrified and seeking safe haven from my father.
Suddenly overwhelmed, I walked out of the library, turned, and walked down a hallway I didn’t recognize.
The walls were made of gray stone, like the castles of olden. Running my fingers along the wall, the stone was cold, in contrast to the air of the hallway, which was warm with springtime.
I ambled down the hall, my hand dragging along the wall behind me when I came across a small window. Peeking through, I caught sight of a greenhouse completely encased in glass. It was long and the condensation on the glass created a rainbow blur from the vegetation inside. Poking my head through the open window to find the entrance, my eyes followed it to the castle wall. It must be connected to the room straight ahead on the left.
Walking up to the old, wooden door, I knocked lightly. Anxiety bubbled in my chest as I waited to see who or what might open the door. Rogue said I was free to roam and that invitation hopefully extended to this room.
The door opened and my breath caught as a devastatingly beautiful woman smiled in greeting.
This must be Rogue’s lover. He was bound to have one somewhere in the castle.
She looked to be my age with smooth, rich brown skin and translucent golden eyes that reminded me of amber. Strands of gold that matched her eyes spiraled through her curly hair, shimmering as she moved. She was clothed in an earthy green dress that hung off her shoulders and along her upper arms were golden bands, encrusted with emeralds. Her fingers were decorated with more gold rings.
The smell of honey and herbs met my nose, bringing a sense of ease with it.
“Hello, how may I help you?” she asked as her eyes found the curve of my ear. “Ah, you must be the human I’ve heard so much about.”
She smiled warmly, stepping aside to hold the door open.
“Come in, let me have a look,” she said, motioning me in.
I hesitated before entering and noticed the entire back wall of the chamber was made entirely of glass, overlooking the greenhouse. Gasping, I couldn’t look away as my feet led me toward it.
“Ah, yes. That is my greenery. I am the healer, Iaso.”
Iaso. The one who healed Rogue.I glanced back at her and she was staring lovingly out the window. The sunlight peeked in, illuminating her, her skin and eyes glowed with the light.
“My name is Ara and yes, I’m the human.”
“It’s nice to meet you, Ara. Come. Have a seat and let me look you over.” She motioned to the chair.
“I’m alright, honestly. I just came seeking entrance to the greenhouse. Rogue said I was free to roam and I haven’t seen anyone besides my lady’s maid, Thana, in days so I’ve been out… roaming,” I said sheepishly, a blush creeping into my cheeks. “I hope I haven’t disturbed you.”
She looked at me curiously.
“Oh no, child, not at all. So you haven’t seen Rogue since sparring then?” she asked, cocking her head to the side.
How did she know about that?
“No, I haven’t,” I replied.
“Well, I’m sure he’s just busy, running a kingdom and all,” she dismissed, waving her hand. “I do see the bruise on your arm though, is that tender at all?”
I glanced down, having forgotten it was there.
“A little, but it doesn’t bother me.”
“Oh, none of that now,” she said, grabbing a jar of salve. “Here, this will help.”