"Faina," I heard as soon as my feet touched the floor. I looked up, but before I could take in my surroundings, I was enveloped in a hug. "I thought you wouldn't arrive today," Sienna said, pulling away.
"Sienna," I said drowsily. "Thanks for having me," I added, and she smiled warmly.
"Let's go inside," she said, then paused and glanced at Ariel. "Where are my manners? Please, come in," she added, pulling me into the house. "I'll show you to your room and let you rest. Tomorrow, we'll talk," she said, leading me through the halls. "I hope you were comfortable?"
"I was, thank you," I replied.
"I know it was short notice, but I needed to act quickly after hearing about the assassination attempt. Those Vernin idiots really want to test my patience," she complained. So it was Vernin behind it? Why would they target me? "Here we are," she said, stopping in front of a door.
She opened it, and we walked in. The room was beautifully decorated, reminiscent of my room at the academy, from the drapes to the sheets.
"I did my best," Sienna said. "I'll let you rest now. Some people will come to attend to you. It's late, so you should get some sleep," she said, then turned to leave. "Rest well, okay?"
"Okay," I replied, and she smiled before exiting.
I stared at the room for a while and sighed. Did she expect me to move in? The room was too comfortable for a short-term stay. I should have asked how long I was supposed to stay.
I sat on the bed and looked around. Being in an unfamiliar place made me miss Tyler even more.
"Good evening, my lady. I'm Edith, and I'll be serving you during your stay here," a woman said as she entered and bowed.
"Oh, uh… thank you," I said.
"Would you like anything to eat?" Edith asked, straightening up. I realized I needed to eat something to regain my strength.
"Yes, please," I replied.
"I'll arrange for someone to prepare something. Is there anything specific you'd like?" she asked, and I shook my head. "I'll return shortly to prepare a bath for you," she said before leaving. I stood up and scanned the room again; it was very similar to my old room.
Edith came back just as I was about to remove my dress and helped me out of it. She prepared a bath and left me to soak for a while. My body was already weak, but I couldn't stay in the bath too long to avoid catching a cold. My body had become quite high-maintenance.
I sat on the bed and ate quietly while contemplating what I should do during my stay in the North. No research, no work. My life seemed to have lost its purpose. I didn't have the luxury of a break, though a part of me wanted to embrace it. I had been working at an unhealthy pace recently and could use the rest, but the Large Worms wouldn't take a break either. My research was indefinitely on hold.
"Maybe I should take a break," I said to myself as I looked out the window.
I opened my eyes slowly as a painful headache hit me. I held my head and groaned as I tried to stand. I used healing magic to ease the pain, but I was too weak for anything more effective.
"Is anyone there?" I called out. Edith walked in quickly and bowed slightly.
"Good morning, my lady. How are you feeling this morning?" she asked.
"I'm fine," I said, sitting back down on the bed, hoping the headache would dissipate.
"Her Grace has invited you for breakfast with her," Edith informed me.
"Okay," I replied, forcing myself to get up.
I dressed in a loose purple gown and styled my hair into a simple ponytail. I followed Edith to the dining room, gripping my hands into fists as I braced myself for what was to come.
"Faina," Sienna greeted as soon as I walked in.
"Good morning," I said, scanning the empty room. Where was he?
"Oh, everyone has left for a harvest hunting game. They'll be back tomorrow," she said. I sighed inwardly, relieved that I wouldn't have to face him just yet. "Lady Ariel will be joining us soon," she added.
"Okay," I replied.
"I still can't believe you're here. I thought it would be a few more years before you visited," Sienna said.
"I'm glad to be here," I said with a faint smile.
"How have you been? Last time we saw you didn't stay long," she said.
"Sorry about that," I said, feeling apologetic. I had left because of Euston, but there was no easy way to explain that.
"It's fine. I'm just concerned since I heard you've been overworking yourself," she said.
"Good morning, my lady, Your Grace," I heard from behind me. I turned to see Ariel standing there.
"Lady Ariel, good morning. Please, have a seat," Sienna said, and Ariel nodded before taking her place opposite me. "How was your night?"
"It was nice, thanks to Her Grace," Ariel replied, sounding more polite than usual.
"I tried my best," Sienna said.
Breakfast was served, and we started eating while exchanging small talk. It would have been a perfect morning if not for the disease plaguing me. My chest felt like it was on fire, and speaking was difficult, but I had to endure and pretend everything was fine.
"My lady, I forgot to mention that I'll be leaving this afternoon," Ariel said, drawing my attention.
"Oh," was all I could manage.
"I'll be returning to the East," Ariel continued, and I nodded.
"I would have liked it if you could stay longer," Sienna said, smiling at Ariel.
"I wish I could, but I have other commitments. I trust that my lady will be in good hands," Ariel said.
"Of course," Sienna replied, standing up. "I'll ensure everything is arranged for your departure. The North isn't as teeming with powerful mages as the East, so please bear with us."
"Not at all, you've been incredibly hospitable," Ariel said, smiling back.