A Flicker In The Still Forest: From Forest To Flames #1

by K. Lyn Hill

  “Yeah? What about it?” Siel asked, running his fingers through his wet hair. He should be on a cover of a magazine. It really wasn’t fair.

  “Elias’ wasn’t in it. Do you know why?” Her wet clothes barely registered as her mind went into overdrive.

  He paused and shrugged. “Maybe a mistake. The scribers tend to forget things fairly often.”

  A scribe would forget someone that was living in the castle? That seemed unlikely. She should really let it go but technically, Eli wasn’t here so would it really be that bad for her to ask? “Do you know who his parents are?”

  He frowned. “I actually never thought about it. He came to live at the castle when I was young. Come to think about it, I don’t remember anyone ever coming to meet him.”

  That was an interesting tidbit she would have to file away for later. “You two are really close in age, right?” She questioned, hoping she didn’t sound as nosey as she thought. He didn’t seem to notice.

  “Yeah, I think we are about a month apart.”

  The queen just had a son and they took in another boy around the same age? Didn’t that seem a bit odd? “And you have no idea why he came to live in the castle? No one asked any questions about it?” This was really going to bother her until she got to the bottom of it. Really, like this was the most important thing happening in her life right now that needed figuring out. She almost snorted at the ridiculousness of it all.

  “We were born around the same time. Not sure I could have made many inquiries.” He replied dryly.

  Sarcastic butt face. “Yes, and now you’re 22. So, what’s your excuse for the past 19 years since you have been able to speak more than 5 words?”

  Siel raised an eyebrow. “By that point he was just a staple in the castle. Sometimes staff will have bastard born children and not wish to claim them as their own. They go into the nursery. It’s polite to ask.”

  She had a question poised on the tip of her tongue, but she was afraid to ask it and offend him. If there were so many bastard children, she wondered if Elias was the kings son. Having no record would make sense if the king wished to keep his affair a secret. Elias could certainly pass as one of their brothers. He had the exact same eyes and similar features.

  “I see the look on your face. The answer is no. My father is many things, but he would never have cheated on my mother. He only had eyes for her, and her death nearly destroyed him.”

  She eyed him speculatively. Siel may have confidence in his father, but all men were pigs, so she didn’t have the same fortitude.

  “Why are you so curious about Elias and where he came from?” He asked suspiciously.

  “Regardless of what you believe, just like I have a twin in this world, Elias does too. In my world, he is my best friend.”

  Siel scoffed. “You have got to be kidding. Even if you are telling the truth and there is a magical other world out there, you and Elias? Please.”

  She ignored the whole IF comment and focused on his latter words. “I know, right? But he’s a lot different than this stick in the mud. I wish you could meet him. You actually remind me of him a bit.”

  Siel flashed her a wolfish grin. “Is he extremely, devilishly, impossibly, sexy?”

  Rolling her eyes, she pushed into her room, putting an end to where she knew the conversation was heading. Distracted, she forgot to ask him about the marks next to the royal’s names in the book. “See you at dinner, Siel.” A smile bloomed on her face at his lingering chuckle. Then she remembered what she had to do tonight. The smile dropped. She knew what was about to happen to her. Corsets. She shivered at the thought, likening her bedroom to a torture chamber with Carly the weapons master. All ideas of suspicious guards and Eli’s birth parents flitted away as Carly squealed from the other side of the room, drawing her attention.

  A battle cry. That’s exactly what it sounded like. She lifted her eyes fearfully to her chamber maid wondering if it would be worth it to run to the door and try to escape. Carly would probably chase her down and sling shot the death trap at her from across the room.

  "Whatever you have planned, don’t." Aerity shook a stern finger at her friend.

  Carly’s face only fell for a second before it perked up again. "I'm under orders from the prince. He got you a new dress."

  Not wanting to see what Damien had picked out for her this time, Aerity groaned, flopping herself on the bed despite her clothes being drenched. "I don’t want to wear anything Damien give me to wear."

  Carly giggled. "It’s not from that prince.”

  Aerity’s head jerked up. “The dress is from Siel? He didn’t say anything about it.”

  She nodded. “That’s because he wanted it to be a surprise. I left early from the waterfall to pick it up for him. He saw what Damien was putting you in all week and feared you would never look suitable again.” Aerity could tell she added that last part on her own and playfully smacked Carly’s shoulder. “Anyway. You’re going to love it. This dress is different. Trust me." Carly was busy smoothing out a garment bag while humming.

  "It's not so hideous I'm going to barf upon seeing it? Like the other ones?" The hope in her voice was quite pathetic. She was begging for something to wear that wouldn’t make chunks fly. What had her life come to?

  “Nope.” Carly’s brown eyes sparkled with specks of amber as she bounced excitedly. “Giiiiiiiiirrrrrrrl. He got you a dress!”

  Aerity smiled, trying to play it cool. “You told me that already.” Siel got her a dress. Her teeth tugged at her lower lip.

  “You should have seen the way he was looking at you by the waterfall. It was as if you hung the moon.” She sighed like a little girl getting a valentine’s day card.

  “He was not!” Aerity argued but as she thought of their interaction, the more it felt less like a fairytale. He was sweet without motivation. Thoughtful without a cause. It wouldn’t be that farfetched to imagine that Siel cared for her.

  Carly’s sigh turned into exasperation. “I think I would know seeing as though I was the one who observed it.”

  “He doesn’t see me that way. It was just a nice, friend thing to do.” Who was she trying to kid? Obviously, herself. She still didn’t seem convinced though. What guy gets a girl a dress if he doesn’t feel something? No. She couldn’t allow herself to think that way. She couldn’t. Because in the end when it all blew up in their faces it would hurt like hell and she couldn’t take losing more of the people she cared about. It was a kindness. Nothing more.

  “Whatever you say.” Carly clearly didn’t believe her either.

  Ignoring her, Aerity changed the subject. "Where’s the dress?"

  Carly pointed to the post by her bed where the most gorgeous dress hung. Aerity sat up and reached out to the exposed section of the garment bag, dragging the zipper down to expose the rest of the dress. She gasped. The dress was beautiful. Fingering the fabric, she let out an appreciative sigh. Finally, a cool outfit.

  The corset (which she would deal with because it was fantastic) was formed from dark leather that glimmered in the passing light. The material was made of chevron that shifted as it moved from blue, green and purple with wherever she ran her hand across. Iridescent sequins fanned patterns down the front, tapering out at the bottom. Glancing excitedly at Carly, she tore into the bathroom that already had steam billowing from the tub and began to scrub and oil herself clean in record time.

  Dashing into the room, still damp, she started hopping up and down on one foot as she pulled the dress up over her hips. The fit was snug while yanking but once in place it flared slightly mid-thigh with a high slit exposing her leg. Carly tightened the strings of her corset while she felt down the dazzling fabric. Her hand snagged on what seemed to be a pocket. No. Not a pocket. A freakin knife holder. She couldn't contain her burst of elation. She longed for Carly to finish so she could don her knife.

  Once given the okay, she walked to the mirror, staring at her reflection. Light caught on the swirls like they were galaxies
swirling around her in orbit. "There was a box with a note in it too." Carly handed her the box and she very ungracefully fiddled to rip it open. As soon as she laid eyes on the contents, her breathing slowed, and her heart nearly stopped. Inside the box held the most gorgeous dagger she had ever seen. Lifting it into her palm, she balanced it on her hand. The weight was perfect. She itched to throw it just to feel it roll off her fingertips. Silver glistened from the torchlight as she tilted the knife back and forth. Words were engraved on the side in what appeared to be a different language. The inscription read, “Tanna Kaya Full Denon.” She had no idea what the words meant. Wondering if it was written in the note, she felt along the seal, slowly peeling it back.

  She read.

  "You probably want to know what the engraved words mean on the knife but I’m not going to tell you. Not yet. You can either attempt to figure it out or wait until I tell you. Knowing how stubborn you can be, I’m sure you’ll find out before I get the chance.”

  She smiled but continued to read on.

  “The dress however, I will explain now. Ever since you entered the castle, you have become the brightest light in the room. Stars shine the brightest in the darkest part of the night so, I deemed it most fitting for you to look like the night sky.'”

  Hugging the note to her chest she caught Carly's dreamy expression in the mirror and they both burst out laughing. Her happiness was from more than just getting to wear a pretty dress. It was so much more. She took one last look in the mirror while Carly completed the finishing touches on hair.

  A knock sounded on the door. Answering it, Siel’s perusing eyes appreciatively wandered over her body. "My brother is off entertaining the count and his sister like a good little errand boy that he is, while I was tasked with the wonderful assignment of escorting the beautiful princess to the ballroom. I wonder who drew the short straw there." Siel winked. "You look gorgeous."

  "This dress is perfect Siel. Thank you." She couldn’t help but finger the material. She felt like a real princess. How insane was that?

  "I thought you could use a night in something as beautiful as you." He extended his arm.

  She took it elegantly and sighed. "Are you sure you’re not secretly gay?"

  "Gay?"

  "As in, you must like guys to have this good of style." She would have laughed at the look on his face if not for the awe burning in her throat. He got her a dress…with a knife holder. It was tempting not to squeal like a little girl.

  “I can assure you Princess, I only like females. I can give you a demonstration if you'd like." Wiggling his eyebrows, she shook her head.

  "Slow down there player. We have a dinner to go to."

  He began to tug her towards the dining room. "Oh look who wants to go to the dinner now."

  "Well, if you keep giving me kick ass dresses, maybe I will." She responded cheekily relishing in his dimpled grin.

  Their shoes clicked in tandem against the stone floor. “Not that I’m complaining but why did you give me a knife?”

  His face held a secret smile. “Damien told me about your first meet and greet with him.” Her eyes shot to his. “And the idea of seeing you hold another knife to his throat was something I couldn’t get out of my head. The idea was even better when I thought of it being a knife that I had gifted to you.”

  OMG. Her responding laughter boomed as they entered the dining room. The speaking around them was all in hushed polite tones, until they stepped through the doors. Slowly the noise trickled to silence as everyone in the room stopped and stared. Aerity was tempted to lean over and ask Siel why they were all looking at her but she was distracted when her eyes locked with Damien’s. The hungry expression on his face morphed ravenously as his eyes trailed down her body, stopping at the slit revealing her thigh.

  Her body burned under his gaze, shaking from the intensity of his stare. She noticed nothing else as he began to stride towards her. No one could ever deny how sexy Damien was…when he kept his mouth shut that is. A tight grip on her arm reminded her of the amazing man who had escorted her there. See? She was so messed up.

  Today Damien was rocking a tailored suit, the collar lined with the same fabric compiling the top layer of her dress. Standing next to each other, they would look like quite the pair if you could block out the fact that they loathed each other with every fiber of their beings.

  As he got closer, she could feel the heat being thrown from his body. “I’ll take it from here.” His sharp tone made her raise a questioning brow at Siel who simply winked and shrugged, passing her arm over to her betrothed. Damien ignored her at all other times, except in public, where she assumed, they were to play pretend. Instead of taking her hand, he placed his palm on the small of her back and leaned into her ear, ever looking like the devoted fiancé. "You look beautiful." Her smile could kill as she ran her hand up his chest towards his collar, pretending to smooth it out. Following the spectacle of the hunt, she had no desire to appear weak again. Her doting on him would be all for show just as his kiss had been a means to keep her quiet.

  So, she would play his game. Tonight.

  "You clean up pretty well yourself." Lifting her eyes to his, she realized just how closely they stood to each other. Her breath involuntarily hitched along with his smile that lit up his whole face.

  "That is quite the dress. I must say I prefer the peacock one though."

  She sent him a glare and relished in his chuckle. "I’m sure you would. Thanks for reminding me.” She became distracted by his warm breath on her neck. Seeking for a way to dispel the shivers wracking down her spine, she spoke a little more breathy than normal. “Did you know that there is a knife holder in my dress?"

  His smile spread even wider. “No, but that was most definitely against someone’s better judgement.”

  "I'll try not to make use of it tonight." She whispered huskily. What was even happening to her voice right now?

  His eyes twinkled. "I would highly appreciate that." He bent closer so only she could hear, goosebumps spreading across her arms. "I must say, I'm quite happy you joined us. I was in the most boring conversation with the count."

  "Just call me your guardian angel." She winked, allowing him to lead them towards their table. Her eyes traveled over their current guests who stood before the table watching at her like an insect under a magnifying glass. She reciprocated their inspection, ignoring their penetrating glares.

  The Count was meticulously dressed in a purple ascot and spit shined boots. His blonde hair swept back in a tie at the nape of his neck showcasing the kind of bone structure models could only dream about. Dark hooded eyes contrasted his light features. He reminded her of Gaston from BEAUTY AND THE BEAST. She bit her tongue when his eyes roamed appreciatively over her body. Pig.

  She ignored his wandering eyes and searched the room for his sister. The moment Aerity spotted her, everything in her body froze. Her hands began to tremble as she took in the familiar face. A cry danced on the edge of her lips.

  "Maria." The name slipped out almost reverently, catching the girl’s attention. Maria’s disdain coated eyes drifted to hers.

  "Aerity." The girl answered coyly and Aerity wondered if the count’s family didn't have to use her title. Making a mental note to ask Siel later, Aerity openly gawked at the girl in front of her. Her memory had placed her 5 years younger with gorgeous blonde hair, light freckles and blazing bright blue eyes. This version of Maria looked exactly how she remembered, all except for the hidden hatred blasting from this version’s pores. She knew this wasn't the girl Aerity had known growing up, but that didn’t stop the bombarding flood of emotions at seeing her alive again. She looked identical to the foster sister Eli lost, the coincidence a slap in the face. Out of all the people in the world to meet in this universe and it was her.

  Suddenly, broad shoulders blocked Maria from view. "Princess." The count grasped her hand, kissing it gingerly, not allowing her much time to process what she was seeing. "What a pleasure to see you again.
I hear you have been quite busy here.” She resisted cringing. They had met the princess before. Seeing as though she was so far from being the princess it wasn't even funny, that was not good news.

  "Oh?" Was all she managed; her nerves wrapped around her throat tightly. She was so distracted by her blood roaring in her ears to notice how intimate the count spoke to her.

  "Yes. Running away from your wedding was quite the feat.” Amusement dripped from his words causing Aerity to peer up. She tried to judge his mood. He seemed excited. Perhaps expectant? She didn’t know what his expression was. “You are just as ravishing as I remember. Damien is one lucky man."

  She smiled sweetly. Snap out of it. This was a role. That was all. Just play the role. "I have to say, I'm the lucky one."

  The count flinched but Aerity hardly realized it. Her attention was busy following Damien’s gaze that currently rested on her occupied hand. The count still held her hand in his. Rather tightly at that. Pulling her hand gently from his grasp, she gestured to the table. "Shall we get better acquainted over dinner?"

  His smile turned wicked. "We shall." His hand slid to her back, leading her to her seat. Aerity flexed her hand, desiring so badly to grab her knife and cut his hand off but she knew she couldn't do that. It would get blood everywhere. That would make a mess for the poor servants to clean up.

  He discreetly placed himself to her left while Maria sat on Damien’s right. She wanted to roll her eyes at how predictable the evening was turning out. All night the count demanded her attention. Out of the corner of her eye, she caught Maria bending over towards Damien, her ample chest practically falling out of her corset.

  A tap on her leg brought her attention back to the cockroach at her side. How his hand had slithered onto her leg was beyond all understanding. Leaning in, she spoke softly yet sternly, "If you plan on keeping your hand tonight, I suggest you remove it from my thigh."

  The surprise lighting his face pissed her off. He seemed so shocked by her rejection. "I apologize my lady. I simply wanted to get your attention to ask you a question."