Flames

Chapter Eleven

As the days passed, Amber's wounds began to heal. She was soon able to stand straight without aid, only feeling a sliver of pain rather than the extreme amounts she had faced earlier. While there had been some doubt in her head Cedric would keep his promise, time spent with the man began to prove otherwise. Despite the time that passed, Cedric remained the same. She never saw a different side of him come to light, never the side that she would expect from a man from Phaepyr.

"Are you about ready to leave?" It was nearly night time, providing a way out. Cedric had insisted that during the night, it was quiet. They would be able to vanish into the forest and get Amber safely back home without any question. He had tried to convince her to stay a little while longer, having enjoyed the days they spent with one another, but she had duties to attend to back home. She had politely declined his offer, leaving him disappointed but understanding.

"I believe so." She hadn't much with her, only what was on her person at the time of the battle. Amber adjusted her bag, offering a smile up to Cedric. This journey had opened her eyes to the people of Phaepyr who were always made out to be these awful killers. Unless Cedric was hiding something, he wasn't anything like she would have expected.

"We best be on our way, then. Don't want your family to worry too much about you now." Cedric hesitantly returned the smile. It was going to be hard taking her home and not because people would see them. He knew that he would be alone again in a world that he simply existed in as soon as she was gone. He would be Roman's servant once more. Their time together had been short, but he wouldn't have traded it for the world. It was enough.

As he led her out of the bedroom she had been staying in, a harsh knock sounded at the door. Cedric paused, tilting his head. He hardly ever had visitors, especially this late at night. The only people that came were his men or Roman. He sighed, motioning towards the fireplace. "Act natural." He began taking his jacket off, hanging it back up to give the illusion that he hadn't been ready to leave. Off came his shoes next while Amber settled in front of the fireplace, holding her hands up to the gentle flames.

Cedric brushed some hair out of his eyes, opening the door as he usually would and fought the surprise in his expression when it was his king before him.

"Good evening, Cedric." Roman pushed past him, entering the house without permission. His dark eyes glanced around the house as if he were inspecting it.

Nerves raised in Cedric as he pondered whether or not Roman knew the truth. He was thankful for the training he had been put through, allowing his face to remain still. "My king, what brings you here tonight?" His voice came out normal, much to his relief.

Roman's eyes lingered upon Amber before glancing back to Cedric. He folded his arms behind his back, eyes continuing to wander. "I just thought I would check in with you. You've been missing your duties, which is strange for someone like you. Is everything alright?"

"Yes, your highness. I've been taking care of family matters." Cedric explained, his posture straight. He wasn't about to be scolded about that in front of Amber.

"Family? Your family is dead." Roman's eyes sharply returned from their wandering to lay directly upon Cedric. They began to narrow in suspicion.

He motioned to Amber. "I met this young woman in the market several days ago. She looked familiar and we started to talk. It turns out, her mother was good friends with mine." Cedric shrugged. "I'm finding out a lot I didn't know about my family. It's helping me find closure." It was all a lie, but the tone of voice Cedric spoke with made the entire thing sound rather convincing. "I think we're about done, though, so expect to see me on time for work tomorrow."