Before Jaythen could ask how she was so sure, Marv entered the room. He was concerned for Avalyn—after seeing the way she swiftly entered the bookshop with a haunted expression.
"She's fine," Jaythen spoke on her behalf, not meaning to sound cross at the man but he wanted an explanation and Avalyn would not give one while Marv was present. This was in issue between they and they alone.
Marv gave a concerned frown but nodded, and returned to the main floor.
Avalyn pulled out of his grasp, and seemed to know of his burning curiosity, "I can't explain how, but you heard Marv last night—something was constantly seeking my mother all those years ago. I believe it is the woman in white."
"Why?"
Avalyn turned to face him. She was exasperated, "I don't know, Jaythen. I would have constant nightmares and she would appear, she…"
"What?"
She shook her head, "I can't remember."
Jaythen frowned, knowing Avalyn's memory to be great and filled with precise images. She was no doubt lying to avoid answering the question—and he could do nothing to coax the truth from her when she answered like so. It was horrible to think it—but he was relieved that Avalyn could fear—it revealed a side to her humanity he had not yet witnessed.
After a moment he asked, "How could the lady in white even have been seeking your mother? You saw her, she was only a few years older than I."
"She's a witch. She must use black magic to keep her youthful appearance."
He held his breath in a frustrated manner, letting it fill his cheeks until they were puffy. He let out his breath and rolled his eyes, wishing life were less complicated. He wanted to tell Avalyn that she was being ridiculous—but couldn't risk her becoming angry with him and closing herself up again.
Instead he left her there in the room, and went downstairs to apologize for his harsh tone toward Marv, who had been nothing but considerate and kindly towards them.
Marv was sitting behind a counter, reading his own book and the shop was momentarily empty.
"I apologize for being cross with you, it's just that you entered in the middle of an important discussion."
"It's quite all right, I apologize for having interrupted you—I only did so because Ava looked so very troubled upon her return."
"Yes, she had been shaken but she is better now."
Marv nodded, pleased it was so, "She is fortunate to have such a caring man in her life."
He didn't know how to respond so just stood in the room, glancing around, trying to imagine a young Avalyn living there. A thought occurred to him, "When Avalyn was little, did you notice her to ever have nightmares?"
Marv set down his book on the countertop and regarded Jaythen with a serious frown, "Yes, a few times a week the child could be heard screaming during the late hours of the night. Alys would have a devil of a time trying to calm Ava's tears but in the end she sung her back to sleep and Ava would not be bothered with them the rest of the night."
"Did Alys ever mention what Ava—I mean Avalyn saw in those nightmares?"
Marv tilted his head, trying to remember but then shook it, "I don't recall her ever mentioning what, and besides that is such a trivial piece of information and from so very long ago that I wouldn't know if she had."
"Right," Jaythen nodded, knowing now that at least Avalyn's claim of childhood nightmares was not an exaggeration. He recalled only having a few night terrors when he was a young child—though he forgot what they were about and did not develop a fear of anything because of them.
After more book sales, and after the shop was closed for the evening, the three of them sat down to a modest supper prepared by Marv himself. Jaythen admired Marv's skill to be sufficient without a woman, but still felt bad that the man was all alone.
Avalyn and Marv chatted and chuckled over their food about fond memories of when she was young, or the changes that had taken place after she had left. Marv's father had passed away, leaving him the bookshop and Marv closed it down on Sunday afternoons to teach common children how to read.
As they laughed and talked, Jaythen felt withdrawn—homesickness pierced him briefly—remembering the times his family would sit at the table in the informal dining chamber and discuss politics and events of the realm over meals. He then was very saddened, realizing that his mother probably thought he was dead. He knew she would cry limitless tears to cause the hardest men to weep at the news of her son's death. A tightness formed in his chest—knowing he had to go home soon and confront Halden, with or without the aid of the King. He had to take his place, no matter how much he wanted to be someone else—he was rightfully Jaythen, Count of Wendbury. He glanced at Avalyn, who was smiling and listening to Marv recollect the past—he would return home after they found Alys, because he couldn't bring himself to leave her in the world with no one.
He excused himself and took a step outside into the spring air. The sky was in a wash of sunset—mixes of pink, violet, and orange as the sun faded.
The sun was low, signaling it was time to meet Nicolette—this time it was in the gardens again, behind the orchard.
Of course, Jaythen was there first since she usually took awhile to evade guards or her governesses. When he saw her figure enter the orchard, his heart soared—just being near her made him feel like all was right in the world. She smiled weakly, or tiredly when she was close enough that he could see her face, as the evening was quickly settling upon them.
"What is the matter?"
She took in a sigh, "Oh, nothing. It's been a long day and I had a lot of dress fittings among other tasks to complete."
He raised a brow, which caused her to chuckle—which made her nose crunch adorably—which was yet another reason to love her.
"What? Do you think I do nothing but lay around, being fed grapes all day until I see you?"
"No," he smiled and pulled her near, her presence intoxicating. "Can we sleep together tonight?"
Her lips twisted into a sly grin, "My lord, you seem to have only one thought on your mind this evening."
"You," he smiled with adoration before kissing her lips, "So is that a 'yes?'"
She halted her return of the kiss and he pulled away, bracing himself for disappointment.
"Not tonight, Jaythen."
His eyes lowered, wounded.
"Please don't give me that look—I am supposed to be places early tomorrow morning."
"For what?"
"Formality. We are expecting a royal from the Evening Isles to arrive here and there will be a ball the evening after next in their honor. I'm unable to wake with you for a while at least."
This was disheartening news to Jaythen. He rubbed his smooth chin, and thought he should have grown a beard by then for having not shaven for eight months.
"All we can do until then is enjoy these little moments together," she pulled on his hand and drew him close, laying her head into his chest, "I love you."
When they were done whispering with each other, about idle nonsense and dreams of the future, she told him that she had to leave.
"Will you meet me tomorrow evening here?" he caught her hand and she lingered.
"Yes, but now I bid you goodnight."
Jaythen was leaning against the bookshop with his back pressed against the wall. He had watched the sky turn to black, and the moon rise, as he remembered that last informal meeting with Nicolette—for the next night was the time she had failed to meet him. He beat his fist on the wall angrily—realizing that night she had probably spent with the Prince of the Evening Isles and no doubt had charmed him as easily as she did Jaythen. She did not even write a letter or brief note to explain, or to apologize for so suddenly causing his heart to break.
He returned inside, once his thoughts cooled. Marv was snuffing out the candles around the main room in his nightclothes and cap. He saw Jaythen search the room and smiled knowingly, "She went to bed."
Jaythen nodded, wondering how Marv could read his intentions so well. He ascended the stairs and entered the small bedroom. It was dark except for the moonbeams that floated through the window. He removed his clothes, all except his long shirt. As soundless as he could be, he quietly made a mark on the bottom of his boot to keep track of how many days it had been since he left Scharberlutes, because he forgot to that morning. Tomorrow would be the twentieth day. He crawled into the bed. Avalyn was already sound asleep and far on the other side of the bed with all the blankets clutched to her greedily.
He should have felt awkward for sharing a bed with a girl that had no interest him, one that could be dragon no less—but as he lay there and considered her, he found himself quite comfortable. He wanted to protect her, after seeing her bravery weaken. She seemed so vulnerable in her sleep, and the moonlight only caused her lovely skin to seem as if made from porcelain, so delicate. If only she would let him hold her—his mind would be more at ease to know she was so near and safe.
Without another thought, he broke the invisible, unspoken line of separation in the bed and curled himself next to her—relishing her warmth and the use of covers that she usually stole away. She didn't move a muscle and he was grateful that she didn't wake and scold him for not staying on his side of the bed. He drifted off to sleep with his face partially buried in her long, golden hair and felt an overwhelming contentment.
---
He felt a stirring underneath his arms, and before he could untangle himself from his sleep and her body, she awoke to find him too close for her comfort.
She shrieked with surprise and rolled away—shrieking once more, as she fell off the bed and landed on the floor, tangled up in the sheets.
"Are you all right?" He peered down nervously, trying to ignore her seething expression.
"I ought to eat you," she grumbled as she tried standing and sorting out the linens.
"You told me you would never eat me," he reminded her.
She opened her mouth to retort but her wit was slow, still obviously sleepy—so she only threw a frown at him, "Still, from now on I shall sleep on the floor."
He sighed, regretting his choice to sleep on her side of the bed—although he felt thoroughly well rested.
He hopped out of the bed and got dressed. They must have slept in because as he left her to escape the covers and be dressed, and descended the stairs—the shop was already open for customers.
"Good morning!" Marv waved.
Jaythen nodded in greeting.
He crossed the shop as the door to the entrance opened and he absently looked toward it curiously.
"Hello again," greeted the lady who had entered, a bit startled.
He nodded politely but then quickly looked at her again, she was the woman in white from the day before. He must have seemed startled also, because she smiled kindly.
"We met yesterday, remember?"
"Yes," he recalled. "Did you find who were looking for?"
"Yes."
"What are you doing here?"
She approached a shelf, "I was looking for something to read."
He studied her, she didn't seem like a witch. Still, he hoped Avalyn stayed upstairs until this lady left—he didn't want her to panic over the woman in white's presence. She couldn't have been after Alys because she said she had found who she was looking for. Although, she could have been lying.
"You best be eating breakfast, I'll warrant you want to depart as soon as possible," Marv prodded Jaythen.
You have no idea, Jaythen almost laughed out loud at the irony.
"You're going somewhere?" the lady inquired. Her tone was airy and she raised one of her scornful brows, but curiously.
"Aye," he confirmed.
"Where?"
He hesitated, for although he doubted Avalyn, if she was correct about her intuition that this lady was following her, then it would only be too easy to continue to if he revealed that information. He sighed and approached her, pretending to look through the books with her, "I apologize, but I cannot tell you."
She didn't seem offended, only smiled and leaned near him, like she was in on a secret—"Why can't you tell me?"
The way she asked, caused Jaythen to feel foolish—like she was poking fun at him for being slightly ridiculous.
He smirked, "My fiancée—she was startled by you and she believed that you were following her."
The woman in white held her smile and quietly replied, "I'll bet she thinks I'm a witch as well?"
His smile dropped, if her statement proved anything, it was that her presence was no coincidence. He inclined his head and hurriedly turned to go upstairs and warn Avalyn—hating that he had doubted the validity of her initial fear in the first place.
He pushed open the door to see her making the bed. She looked up and regarded him, seeing his spooked expression. "What is it?"
"We must leave!"
"We will soon, after breakfast."
"Now."
"What is going on?" she frowned, seeing his agitation.
"The woman in white—she is here."
Her eyes rounded to their widest and she opened her mouth but no words could escape at first, she swallowed her fear, "How will we leave without her following?"
Jaythen shook his head, trying to think of something. Perhaps he could tell Marv and have him come up with a plan—he quickly left Avalyn and rushed downstairs.
Marv regarded him strangely and the woman in white was not to be seen.
"Where did she go?"
"Who?"
"The woman I was conversing with."
"She bought a book and left. Are you ill lad?" Marv asked because Jaythen had paled.
"No, no," he breathed, not knowing whether to be relieved or suspicious.
He returned to the room and Avalyn was anxiously waiting for any update.
"She left."
She shook her head, "She must be watching us—if we leave we must go a different direction than our destination, and then fly through the night to lose her—although I've never tried to outrun a witch before," she stood, "No matter what, we cannot lead her toward my mother."
"I agree. Come, let us eat breakfast and then we shall depart."
She held onto his arm, all her earlier anger gone and preoccupied with the lady as they made their was to breakfast. Marv had prepared them seasonal fruit and hot bread with butter—although the bread was almost cold because they had dallied so long.
He approached them as they finished up their meal and handed Avalyn a wrapped package.
"What is this?" Avalyn asked with intrigue.
"A gift," he smiled.
"Marv, you shouldn't have—"
"But it was so wonderful for you to visit again—I just wanted to give you something to remember me by, besides a coin that I had pulled from your ear. You can consider it an early wedding gift."
Jaythen failed to notice the quick glare cast at him.
Marv cleared the plates from the table and let her set the package down to open it. It was of a good size. Jaythen saw colorful material pop into view and scooted closer to see the contents. When it was fully unwrapped, a folded quilt laid before them.
"Oh!" Avalyn ran her fingers across it with a heartfelt smile of gratitude.
She does love blankets, Jaythen silently noted with a grin, reminded of her nightly blanket thievery.
"Thank you so much!" Avalyn stood and embraced the bookkeeper.
"Remember, I must be invited to the wedding," he laughed.
She let go, with only a subtle trace of unhappiness—which Marv took for her displeasure with leaving so soon.
"I hope you find your mother, and if you do, please tell her to write me—to let me know how she has been faring these years."
"I will," Avalyn nodded adamantly as she sat once more.
Marv kissed the top of her head lovingly and then was distracted by incoming customers.
"That was awful nice of him, though he only did this because you lied to him," Avalyn's glare was on the young lord once more.
Jaythen shook his head—"I'm sorry."
With one last embrace of farewell to the bookkeeper, Avalyn and Jaythen stood on the street before the bookshop. He swung the knapsack over shoulder and clutched his stolen sword—which he now considered his because he had no intentions to travel to Scharberlutes to return it.
As they traveled away from the city, he thought about the woman in white. He thought of how Avalyn said she was a witch and how the lady herself, had cryptically admitted she was one. Witches were told to be old and haggish, yet the lady was youthful and had done nothing malicious. How did witches stay so young looking and by what black magic could she have found Avalyn so precisely—within in the vastness of the world?
With the previous thought of Scharberlutes, he stopped walking—his mind suddenly numb at a tugging memory about the human fingers and how the lady who owned them had told him that witches used them for seeking spells. If that was the case, then the woman in white could have easily found Alys by using them and would have avoided the trouble of having Avalyn lead her there.
A sudden fear tightened around his heart as he looked to the girl with green eyes who was quietly walking along the road behind him. The woman in white was not searching for Alys—she had been seeking the girl with green eyes all along—but for what reason and to what end?
"If you kill one, you can retire from life for each part of their body is drenched in magic and every witch, apothecary, and merchant in this area and in the realm would pay an exorbitant amount of wealth to get their hands on a piece."
His fear only grew at recalling what the sword vendor had explained. He realized now that Avalyn was thought of as fey—and she was…partially. The reason for that was still a mystery.
It didn't help that she had revealed her true nature to all of the market during their escape from the Scharberlutes. There were still many things about their situation that he was unsure of but he clasped his sword tighter and fell into step with her, not wanting to cause her panic by the sudden realization they were in far more danger than Alys would ever be. He only hoped that he could keep her safe from all the evil that could befall them.