Total pages in book: 95
Estimated words: 91049 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 455(@200wpm)___ 364(@250wpm)___ 303(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 91049 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 455(@200wpm)___ 364(@250wpm)___ 303(@300wpm)
“I want to understand. You say the roses have a greater value than I know. I’m trying to understand why I’m here and why you’re here alone.”
“I’m not alone,” I whisper.
He tilts his head. “Maybe not, but you’re not happy.”
I shut down and turn away from him. I don’t like this. He’s too close and that feeling in my chest pulses with his nearness.
“Come for a walk with me. We don’t have to talk. I need to stretch my bones.” He stands and holds his hand out.
I hesitate for only a moment before I take it and stand. His touch sends a spark of electricity up my arm. We lock eyes and I know he feels it too.
This could prove to be dangerous. I think I like this man.
Chapter 9
Just A Peek
Argon
“The weather is beautiful here,” I say into the silence as it’s taken over once again.
We’ve been strolling around the castle for a while now. I was able to get my first glance at the roses as well. Oddly enough, I find comfort in Blaise’s presence.
“Yes, that it is.”
“Come on, Blaise. There has to be something to do around here. You can’t mean to tell me you only read and play music.”
“But it is all I do. The others are busy with chores most of the time. I don’t force them to entertain me. Reading and my music are all I have.”
“Now you have me,” I say, my voice seeming to drop deeper than usual. She shivers beside me, bringing a smile to my lips. “I’m determined for us to find things to do.”
“Why?”
“Because I’ll go crazy sitting around this big palace with nothing to occupy my mind.”
“Okay, fair enough. I guess I’m used to it. However, I wouldn’t want you to lose your sanity. I’ll assist you in your quest. We will find things for you to do.”
“Good. You seem like you could use a little fun in your life, Blaise.”
I look down to find her making this adorable face. Her cheeks are blushing again. I’m starting to find I enjoy that.
“You seem shy. Do I make you nervous?”
“I…um…you make me curious. It’s been so long since… I don’t know. I might be shy. You are the first visitor who hasn’t run from me.”
“Have you had many visitors?”
“No, not really. None who have gotten far. Most don’t make it past the fire wall.”
“Ah, I see. That makes sense.”
“What did you do for fun in your home?” she asks, seeming to want to change subjects.
I get the sense I’ve made her uncomfortable. She’s wringing her hands in front of her and she’s slowed her pace. I don’t mean to make her uncomfortable. I’m just trying to get to know more about this creature.
“Training took up a lot of my time, but I’ve always enjoyed it,” I reply.
“Training? As in, to be a warrior?”
“Yes. Speaking of which, you don’t have warriors here. Am I to believe you are the only defense you have?”
She gives a dangerous snort. “I’m all the defense I need. I will train with you one of these days and show you.”
“I look forward to it.”
“Good, are you hungry? We should head back, I’m sure dinner will be ready.”
“I could stand to eat a bit. This was a nice walk. Thank you for the company.”
She ducks her head and nods. I reach to give her hand a little squeeze. She lifts her eyes to mine.
“I mean it. Thank you.”
“You’re welcome,” she says with a smile.
* * *
Blaise
I don’t know if he loves to talk or if he’s just trying to be nice to me. I still don’t understand his kindness. However, he has kept our conversation going all day.
I enjoyed our walk. I find I like the sound of his voice. It caused a shiver to run through me a few times throughout our walk and tonight during dinner.
I look up at him as we stand in the foyer. He looks back at me with what seems like a genuine smile on his lips.
“I had fun today. I think I’ve forgotten what it’s like to hang out with someone,” I say quietly.
“I enjoyed myself as well. I’m sure we can find more to do in the coming days. I look forward to it.”
“As do I. Sleep well, Argon.”
“Yes, Blaise. Do sleep well. I’ll see you in the morning, right?”
“See you in the morning.”
I turn and rush off before I say something stupid. Looking back over my shoulder, I find him watching me like last night. I wave quickly before I turn and focus on making it to my room.
Once in my room, I close the door and place my back to it. My chest heaves as I close my eyes and try to calm my nerves.
“You like him.” I startle as Dinesh’s words sound in my ear.
I open my eyes. He flies from the side of my face to the front to look me in the eyes. I wave a hand in front of my face as if to shoo him off.