The Weaver's Source

Chapter 29

I stood for a moment, lips pressed together, my skin on fire and pulse swift, before I felt my legs wobble dangerously. My hand snatched at the wooden bath tub, letting my soaked corset fall to me feet and my breasts to spill free. My heart was fluttering so hard that my chest heaved frantically, so I closed my eyes, trying to calm myself. I wasn't going to melt. I was angry at him.

I glanced at the divider, noting that it was mostly woven and slightly transparent. I could see Grigore on the other side but only vaguely. I watched him for a moment, trying to see what he was doing, until he began to rid himself of the soaking clothes he wore. My face instantly flushed and I tore my eyes away then told myself not to be so foolish. It wasn't like I could see anything.

As quickly as my stiff fingers could go, I wriggled out my stockings and knickers. For a moment I eyed the steamy water then very carefully stepped into the tub. It was so warm, much too warm compared to my frozen skin. It was such a shock to my poor sensitive feet that I let out a shocked and slightly pained gasp.

"Lyra? Is everything okay?" Grigore called.

I stiffened, suddenly nervous he'd come check on me. "Yes! It's just very warm."

"It's meant to be." He reminded me.

I scowled at the vague now naked silhouette of Grigore and then quickly looked away when my magic swirled, trying to plant the desire to go to him. I held my breath as I glanced at the water swirling far below my knees. Better to get this over with. I sat down quickly, biting my lip and trying not to gasp as the hot water enveloped my cold body. It stung for little bit, making my body burn a little, until the cold began to fade. I let out a sigh as I began to warm and shivers faded, letting me relax in the water happily.

I listened when Arthur returned, hesitating a little when he found Grigore without clothes.

"I've some spare clothes, possibly something that'll fit you." He said to Grigore. "I might have something for Lyra."

"A shirt will do her fine." Grigore said, his voice completely calm and commanding even though he was entirely naked before a stranger.

"I'll try find a dress for her." Arthur said, clearly disagreeing, then stepped closer to where I was in the wonderfully warm water. "Lyra, I have some medicine for you. It's something simple but should help." He said to me through the divider. "You might want something with it though. I remember it being quite sour. Do you like milk and honey?"

"I do." I replied happily then coughed hard. It wasn't healthy sounding at all and my throat was raked with pain for a moment.

"I'll bring some up for you then." He said, his voice a little concerned at how unhealthy I sounded. He turned and observed Grigore who was rubbing his hair. "And I'll get you some clothes."

Grigore simply grunted a thanks as Arthur left us again. Silence returned. I was content with that. My body was feeling less stiff and painful now and the cold has left me. My feet especially were enjoying the water after days of solid walking. I was smiling to myself in happiness, despite the fact my throat still ached and my head continued to be horribly muggy.

"I'm sorry for pushing you so hard, Lyra." Grigore muttered.

My eyes opened and swerved over to the divider. He was sitting on the bed, close to the blazing fire with the towel still on his head.

"You've nothing to be sorry about." I stated quietly. "I should've said something, that I could get sick." 

He simply grunted and dropped the subject just as Arthur returned. He handed some clothes to Grigore, who slowly stood and began to dress, then he placed a mug on the bedside table and tossed the a shirt and fresh towel on top of the divider. He ignored Grigore when he moved over to the mug and drank a little before placing it back down again.

"You can come out now." Arthur said. "Are you hungry?"

"Yes." I replied.

"I'll get some stew for you then." Arthur said but stopped when Grigore bellowed an adamant no.

For a moment both men were quiet. 

"I'll sort something out for her." Grigore said firmly.

Arthur heisted before he shrugged. "Okay. Just call me once you're ready. I'll take you to the kitchen."

And with that, he left us. 

Reluctantly I decided to leave the warm water. It was beginning to cool and my stomach churned while my eyes drooped. I needed to eat and sleep, just as Arthur had pointed out. As I dried my body down, I glanced at Grigore's stiff stance.

"Why did you refuse him to feed me?" I asked.

"I always get my own food and cook it myself. I never know when someone intends to harm me. The same applies to you. Only accept food from myself when in someone else's home, Lyra." He said firmly.

I didn't voice my doubts, not when he sounded so firm when refusing Arthur's offer. I wondered what kind of unpleasant experiences he had when eating at the table of strangers to make him so wary. Poison? The thought made me tense up, remembering the cruelty of my home town I had suffered with. He likely had been through the same. Rude, cold and dismissive or not, Grigore put his life on the line for others, and had saved mine twice. He didn't deserve that.

I pulled the shirt over my head, pleased it covered me well, making me quite thankful for my diminutive stature for once. I shuffled out, happy my legs now worked and gained some strength back, making me hopeful I wasn't really that sick after all. I made to smile at Grigore as he waited stiffly for me but, the moment my eyes latched onto him, my smile faltered. He was quiet, still damp by how dark his hair was and the clothes Arthur had found for him were snug, clinging to him pleasingly. His gaze was hooded as his attention locked onto me, his expression dark and his jaw tight. He song thrummed hungrily, as his stormy eyes slipped over me, lingering over my bare legs and settling on my mouth. I couldn't help the warmth pooling in the pit of my stomach or my lips parting invitingly, not when he called to me, his magic singing in my mouth sweetly. 

Suddenly Grigore moved fluidly, shoving his large hand through his hair to break his gaze, unintentionally making me blush at the play of muscle beneath his shirt.

"How are you feeling now?" He asked, his voice a little thicker than usual.

"Warmer." I replied, hugging myself a little defensively. I really didn't like it when he looked at me like that. He always made my body and my magic to act strangely.

"That's not what I asked. How are you feeling? Do you feel ill?"

"A little." I mumbled.

"Then drink the medicine."

"And the milk?"

"I tried it. It's safe." He said as he took the tiny vial of green liquid. He swirled it around then put a drop on his finger and put it in his mouth.

"Here." He said, handing me the vial and mug. "Drink them."

I did as I was told. I downed the green contents, grimacing at the disgusting sour taste that filled my mouth, then quickly drank the sweet milk, washing away the nasty taste of the medicine. I was quite thankful Arthur had given me the milk and honey.

"Rest and don't move from here. I'll get you something to eat." Grigore ordered.

He didn't move until I nodded. He then strode out from the room, closing the door firmly behind me. I sighed heavily and moved over to the bed, diving under the covers and curling into a ball. It felt as good as it looked. Feather filled pillows and quilt covered me, warming my body even more.

I coughed heavily and lay there, letting my throat and nose tingle slightly and my head swirl. With a sigh, I let my hand feel my forehead, frowning when I felt my skin to by quite warm. I hoped that was due to the water. I really couldn't afford to be sick. I had to be well.

Now that my body was comfortable and happy, content with the warmth and the homely sound of a crackling fire, I fell asleep long before Grigore returned to me, failing to notice him settling in a chair beside the bed, watching me sleep with deep irritation and reluctant warmth.