Chapter 2

The Manor House

I awoke in an unfamiliar room, on a bed that felt like a cloud. Nothing I had ever slept on compared. But the fact that it was unfamiliar caused me to jerk awake. Which was a mistake because as soon as I moved I practically doubled over in pain. My whole body ached, especially around my lower body. I shook my head. What in the world happened last night?

I racked my brain but only found blurry images from Fire Night. And the vague recollection of captivating green eyes that had a sadness that lingered behind their magic filled intensity. I rubbed my temples trying to ease the pounding in my head. The brightness of the room certainly did not help me in any way.

I glanced around and found I was in a cheerily decorated room of reds, greens, and golds, with hints of other colors. The drapes over the windows were open and illuminated the space. There was a door across from the bed and one to the right. One I presumed lead outside of the room, while the other was likely a bathroom. It was also furnished with an armoire and a small desk.

The bed itself was a canopied bed with dark green sheets and comforter. Despite the discomfort I slid out of the bed and made my way to the door I presumed would lead to the bathroom. When I opened the door I could not help but gape at the large bath that could have easily held three fae comfortably. And the fact that the porcelain was filled to the brim with hot steamy water and lavender bubbles.

I narrowed my eyes at it. I couldn't help but feel suspicious at a luxurious bath in an unknown place. Then I spied a single piece of paper sitting on the counter next to the sink. Which led me to look at my appearance. My hair was disheveled and would likely take me at least an hour to detangle. The next was the silk nightgown I was wearing that revealed the already healing scratches that peppered my skin. I shook my head again. Things were just getting weirder and weirder.

I returned my attention to the note that was in an elegant scrawl:

Enjoy the bath. A change of clothes can be found in the armoire. I hope to see you at lunch for formal introductions.

Tamlin

I blinked. I was at the high lord's manor. It certainly explained a lot. So I shrugged and slipped myself out of the nightgown and into the heavenly bath water.

As I soaked in the warmth the events of the previous night crept back into my head. Not everything, but I got the gist of it. I dunked my head under the water. Why had I done that with the high lord? Even with the heat from the water, I could feel my cheeks burning.

After I located the soap and washed my hair and body thoroughly, along with brushing out most of the tangles in my hair I wrapped myself in an overly fluffy towel and went back into the main room to retrieve the clothes. When I opened the armoire I found a rainbow of dresses staring me in the face.

An array of simple to elaborate gowns in various colors occupied the armoire. After taking a deep breath I selected a simple lime green dress. As I was closing the doors, I spied my green dress from the night before and it was in tatters. I felt my cheeks heat again and slammed the doors closed.

As I slipped into the dress I could not help but curse him for shredding my favorite dress. Had I known that was what was to become of it I would not have worn it to Calanmai in the first place.

I turned to look at myself in the full-length mirror that was set against the wall. The dress did not look half bad. After another once over, I deemed myself dressed. I felt no need to do anything with my hair. I preferred my fiery hair to be down anyway.

Just then a knock came upon the door.

"Miss? The high lord is awaiting you in the dining hall." A feminine voice spoke on the other side of the door.

"Perfect timing," I said opening the door with a smile. "I just finished getting ready."

The girl on the other side of the door was short, but not overly so. She had full dark green almost black hair and wore a simple light green dress that was convenient to work in. I could tell she was a servant, though she looked well cared for.

"That is great, miss. I shall escort you to the high lord right away." She informed with a small curtsy before turning to lead the way.

I brushed some nonexistent dirt off my dress and followed her. I took in the silver and gold of the hall and glanced as long as I could at the magnificent paintings and other artworks as we passed them. After a moment more of silence, I struck up a conversation.

"What is your name?"

"My name is Eirina Thestina, my lady." She replied with only a glance over her shoulder.

"Eirina, what a lovely name," I replied. "My name is Kyra. It is wonderful to meet you."

"Likewise, Lady Kyra." She glanced back once more, an I spied a smile playing on her lips.

A light smile graced my lips as we swept down a flight of stairs and approached the dining hall. Ahead there was a set of grand double doors, which Eirina strode up to and swung open. At a respectful pace, I stepped through the doors.

The room was quite grand, a large table heaped with the appropriate lunch foods sat in the middle, and at the head of the table stood Tamlin. He wore a simple green and gold tunic with a baldric of knives. His golden hair was a little ruffled but still shone in the noonday light that flitted in through the windows.

I could feel his eyes on me as I approached. It stirred something in my chest but I ignored it. I stopped when I reached the end of the table closest to the door. The high lord quirked an eyebrow but walked over to me nonetheless.

"I would like to formally welcome you to my manor, Miss…?" He said though it seemed a bit forced.

"It is Kyra Hawthorne, my lord." I curtsied. "It is a pleasure to be here."

He smiled, though it did not reach his eyes. "It is a pleasure to officially meet you after last night's… Activities."

I felt my cheeks heat. "Yes, to be honest, I did not see that coming."

He raised an eyebrow but did not comment. "Why don't we talk over lunch?"

He pulled out the nearest chair. I thanked him as I sat down. He nodded before taking his seat at the other end of the table. Not wanting to appear rude, I waited until he began eating before I dug in. As soon as I began eating I realized how hungry I was. It was a few minutes of nothing but eating before either of us spoke again.

"The food is delicious," I commented.

"Thank you." He replied. "Did you enjoy Fire Night?"

I nodded. "Yes, I did. I had been looking forward to attending for a long time."

He hummed before taking another bite of food. "Might I ask why?"

I masked my surprise at the question. "You may. My parents met at Calanmai a long time ago."

"Then I am glad you had a good time." He replied. "Despite the outcome."

"Of course," I said. "But might I ask as to why I woke up here?"

"You were exhausted afterward. I thought it would be the best Idea to let you sleep it off in a proper bed." He replied though something I could not Identify shone in his eyes.

"Then I thank you for your hospitality." I smiled, but it faltered.

Tamlin wiped his hands on his napkin. "In any case, you are welcome to stay for as long as you need."

"Thank you," I replied. "I should be able to leave in a couple days. The journey here and the excitement of last night should be worn off by then."

He nodded his confirmation. "You have free reign of the grounds and house until that time. In the meantime, I have some business to attend to."

He stood from his seat. I followed suit. He gave me quick once over before exiting the room. I stood next to the table and let out a breath. It was going to be an interesting couple of days.