Notes in Ochre

Chapter 15 - Part 6

Yet, all that actually happened was that he helped me to stand, then released me and took a few steps back, placing a civil amount of distance between us once more. I blushed deeply despite myself, realizing that, once again, I had made a mistake. That I had likely misinterpreted his actions. That I wanted something from him that I thought I had foresworn forever. Some part of my heart that I wished not to acknowledge sank in disappointment.

"I apologize if I made you uncomfortable again. I only hoped to break your fall." Uther said so quietly that it was almost inaudible. Still, it accomplished what it needed it. It broke the spell between us. I took that gentle nudge to wipe the longing from my mind and countenance, to become the perfect Lady that I was once more. He continued, without making eye contact, "Tomorrow, you and your sister will be assigned to some work. When your day's work is done, we'll all meet in Matthias' study once more so you both may begin your lessons in magic. I suspect there's something going on with your magic, but until you are more skilled and understand your limitations, we won't be able to diagnose it. I recommend you get some rest. Tomorrow will be a trying day."

I looked at him in open curiosity, but then shelved it mentally. None of this made any sense to me. Although, this must mean he decided to teach us after all, despite his earlier complaints. I did not know what had changed his mind about it, or what to make of the idea that there might be an issue with my magic, but one thing was certain, in the novel, Uther had been a great scholar of magic, maybe one of the best in the last few centuries of this world. I was willing to take a risk under his tempestuous tutorage to chase down an answer, however remote the possibility. Even if he was wrong and it was something else, if anyone could figure out what was happening, it would be him. Thinking this through logically, it helped still my face completely. Once more, I was in control of my strange emotions, and I realized it was time for us to part, lest we find ourselves in another improper situation.

"Thank you, I bid you good evening then your— I mean, Uther." I had started to curtsey, as well, but stopped myself. He looked at me, a troubled expression clouding his face and words that seemed to want to be spoken resting just behind the sensual curve of his lips. Instead, he bade me goodnight and turned it leave. I wondered if I had offended him again with my formalities, though I had done my best to correct it.

Climbing back into my bed once more after I had escorted Uther out, the room suddenly felt bigger and more empty than it had before. An exhale I had not realized I was holding escaped from my still swollen lips. My thoughts escaped me and wandered back to the moment where he had held me, the heat I had felt as I sat astride his lap, and the gentleness of his smile when had helped me. Desire flared within me once more. My breath caught in my throat and though I shoved those thoughts away as best I could, tossing and turning from one side to the next, smothering my face with a still musty pillow, the heat in my face would simply not recede.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Author Note:  Aaaaaand... my evil streak continues. 😈 LOL Love you all, I swear I really do!! Believe my words, not my actions so far, okay? I promise it'll be really really good when it happens & completely worth the wait.  

Anywho, vote if you thought that was hawt.  Hope you all have a great weekend!!! See you on Wednesday next week! 😘