(CHAPTER SEVEN)
WHEN BRITHA HAD GOTTEN BACK TO THE MANOR, SHE WAS SURPRISED TO SEE HER FATHER WAITING FOR HER WITH TWO CUPS OF ROSEMARY TEA IN HAND. He settled comfortably on the living room couch. He wore a pair of rimless framed glasses while reading what looked like a novel. Always the curious one, Britha cleared her throat to get his attention. Ember lowers the book once he sees his daughter in front of him.
"Surprised to see me down here late after dawn?" He could guess that's what she was wondering by the look on her face. Britha merely shrugs and makes her way over to him. She plops by beside him on an armchair.
"There seems to be something on your mind, cherish." Britha lets out a low whistle. "It's simply been a day."
"Right at that. You should have Zox prepare a warm bath for you before bed. It will relax the pain in your muscles and light scars."
"Don't really need a bath for that." She mumbles to herself. Or at least she thought she did until her father looked back at her.
"Hm?"
"Just blabbering to myself." She reaches over to grab the tea for herself. "Are these new?" She observed the green leprechaun shaped design the tea cups possessed.
"Caris spent a good amount of time in the garden making them. I think they are quite lovely. Gives a lot of personality. Don't you think so?" Britha nodded, taking a sip she sighed in relief once the warmth met her body. Ember chuckles to himself.
"What novel were you reading If you don't mind me asking?" Ember stares at the book in his hand.
"It's an old classic. Called The Stranger by Albert Camu." He purses his lips, "But so far I am not a fan. I picked it up because it's been sitting on the shelves for ages and had nothing to read."
He smiles. "In fact, it was one of your mothers books." Britha raises her eyebrows at that.
"Really?"
"She loved to read. She could spend hours holed up, reading. From novels to menus to encyclopedias. Anything she can flip the page to." Britha didn't want him to stop. Ember rarely talked about her late mother. This was a side of him she never saw.
"You received that sense of curiosity from her. Always willing to learn something new." Britha hesitated before asking the question she so desperately wanted him to confirm.
"Do you...do you miss her?" She didn't meet his eyes when she asked but she was sure she heard his breath hitch for just a moment.
"Of course, I miss her everyday." Her heart broke, the pain in his voice even having to utter that was painful. But she knew that was probably the only time they were gonna talk about her. After that he was sure to pretend like nothing happened. It frustrated her greatly.
"You haven't been honest with me."
"About what."
"I am glad that you came home around the time I was down here. Britha, I wanted to share some concerns with you."
"I know what this is about. My blood magic?" Ember nods grimly.
"I thought you wanted me to figure it out on my own time." She didn't snap but she wasn't friendly about it either.
"Have you been improving?"
"I've been doing the best I can." She said straightforwardly. It only frustrated him even more. But he tried to keep his composure.
"You are excellent at reading people's blood levels. You have excelled in healing and combat but I need to know if there have been any changes. Does your blood power continue to grow?" He asks seriously and Britha can tell he's determined to know.
"Of course not. Nothing extreme. I've been going at my own pace." That was all she was going to give him. No, she wasn't going to tell him what happened at the lake when she tried saving the Duarte twins and how she felt that brief source of power when using her blood. How she felt and grew more and more bloodthirsty when competing at the tournament.
Ember only watched his daughter closely. She was straight faced, nothing was giving her away. He grits his teeth and looks away. "Very well."
"That is all? I thought you wanted to grill me for more?" Ember picks the book up and his whole demeanor changes into a casual smile.
"If there was a problem, I would know. I was just going over my head. I want my children to succeed and you will in due time." His daughter frowns at that.
"You know if you are so worried about how I am excelling you could try being honest with me." She admits. "It just feels..." She shakes her head.
Feels like we're all lab experiments being studied.
She wasn't expecting his eyes to meet hers as she thought. Sighing she gets up from her seat in the arm chair and gives him a light kiss on his forehead. But it was obvious things were tense for a moment. Ember gives her a small smile and bids her good night. Britha walks away and begins to head upstairs.
"I'll ask Zox to draw you that bath, cherish." He calls out to her. As if he was trying to mend the wound that was caused tonight. But she didn't respond.
Ember draws back the book in his hands and thinks to himself. He loved his children with all his heart. He would protect them but there were so many things he was pretending that were okay. It was a shame, he wanted his own daughter to be honest with him when he himself wasn't being honest. To her, To Caris, to himself.
It was only the beginning of this hell and he would regret himself immensely if he didn't stop it. His eyes follow to where Brithas room was upstairs.
The lights turn off.
CARIS LONGDALE FELT BLESSED. SHE WAS BLESSED WITH A BEAUTIFUL HUSBAND. AN OUTGOING AND OPEN MOTHER IN LAW, A TALENTED AND STRONG STEP DAUGHTER AND TWO ENCHANTING TWINS her own flesh and blood ones that she would protect and embrace with all her might. But stepping in as the mother role Britha never got to witness she wanted to give the eldest that fill of comfort. She felt it was an obligation to her late mother who she never got to meet. But she liked to think she was a lovely woman.
Which is why her heart soared for the eldest Longdale daughter when she went upstairs after bidding her father goodnight. The look of obvious disappointment when her father went back to the cheery mood he possessed. Caris trusted her husband and of course overtime grew to love him. But she couldn't help but agree with the eldest Longdale, why wasn't he as open and honest. For the amount of twelve years she was married to the man she thought she could finally get a read on him. He carried himself with so much grace and openness. But who knew that was also an act as well.
Caris didn't want to compare herself to Trista, she knew that woman would always be the number one person in his heart. It was inevitable. But she wasn't going to let that make her feel insecure. She wasn't going to mend his heart but fulfill her duty and look after the children she cared for the most. That was the declaration she made one day, her oldest friend Liriope by her side.
"Oh Caris." Liriope laughed one day. "So full of love and grace you are. Suits your name perfectly." She spun around in the garden grabbing the black haired fae with her.
Love and grace was she? Yes she presented herself as that. But why was her heart filled with so much pain and resentment?
Ember yawns as he gets up from the chair. Before he could go upstairs and see her, she left her hiding spot and snuck back to the room they shared. She didn't want to face him tonight, the look of regret in his face.
ZOZ STARES AT BRITHA IN WORRY. The first thing the imp saw was her master, sick in bed. Well not ill but clearly not feeling well. Britha brushed it off as being absolutely exhausted from the tournament. She was still adamant on going to school but Zox refused and let her father know right away. Ember was surprised when the imp told him to still be at court while she looked after his daughter. He admired the imps' loyalty. Reluctantly he left the manor and the imp went back to attending the eldest Longdale. Cattertail had casually laid himself right next to his owner. As usual he carried a deadpan expression but had made sure to provide as much comfort as he could. The tail of his fur was used as a pillow for the Longdale witch. So for the whole day Britha had laid in bed, recovering from the sickness she felt this morning. It did help that Zox was taking care of her so that she would get her strength back. But Britha couldn't help but feel useless, especially since she usually didn't get sick. But she guessed she stressed herself too much this time.
So there was Britha, drinking hot carrot soup provided by Zox. Cattertail was back on the dresser across from her but he was observing her closely. Britha hadn't noticed how quiet of a day it was. Nyathera had gone out with Caris in the meantime they were bringing back flowers from the Elfhame garden as a wish of good spirits and recovery. While Allora and Jaser had gone to their day class. It was rather peaceful. Not having to face the hellish four bothering her from time to time.
She did miss the stubborn Duarte girl, though, only a little bit.
It wasn't until her peaceful recovery was interrupted. She was about to call out to Zox for a glass of water until the imp had come rushing in, announcing there was a visitor looking for her. Britha narrowed her eyebrows, she wasn't expecting anybody to visit at this time. For an ounce she thought maybe it could have been Jude, but brushed it off as just a one time thing.
So who could it be?
Inner thoughts answered when Zox had described his appearance. russet-colored hair and tawny eyes that were seemingly soft and feline at moments. He had pointed ears and a pointed chin. Was fairly tall and had a lean build. He was described as resembling a fox with fox-like eyes. Brithas mood went sour. Now why did he decide to grace his presence into her home, and whatever for.
Not wanting Zox to send him upstairs to her room. He didn't need to know where she slept. Britha decided to slip on her night shoes and meet him by the foyer. Zox treads her carefully but Britha simply waves it off, stating she is feeling much better.
Locke had his hands behind his back. He seemed to be observing the collection of vases Caris made by the entryway. Layered in all shapes and sizes. His expression seemed calm and focused. Once Britha meets him halfway does his expression brighten a bit. As always he looks like he has a few tricks up his sleeve.
"Well I'm glad to see that you are alive. But certainly not well." Locke laughs lightly. "Professor Noggle made it sound like you were on your deathbed."
"That's an exaggeration. Just a flu that's all." Britha eyes him suspiciously. "Although you would like that wouldn't you?" The russet haired fae lights up.
"How dark of a thing to say. Tell me my dear Britha. Is that really how you perceive me?"
"I perceive a lot of things..about you. But I'd rather keep my mouth shut."
"Good things, at least I hope?" Britha snorts.
"If they were good, I wouldn't keep my mouth shut."
"I guess I deserve that. I haven't been the friendliest person have I?" He murmurs to himself the last part. His eyes follow the Longdales firebird necklace in interest. Britha shrugs.
"Think what you want. I'm not a good judge of character myself."
Locke covers his mouth as if he wants to laugh again. "The funniest thing happened today actually. I figured I should tell you before I make my leave."
"Don't beat around the bush, tell me."
"Quite eager?."
She wanted to crush that cheesy face of his.
"Before I came here I had the pleasure of walking that Duarte girl home. You know the stubborn one you recently found yourself fascinated with." She tried to ignore his last words, only moving to correct him.
"She has a name. It's Jude." She said defensively.
"Yes Jude, she was rather upset that you weren't in class today. Although it seemed like she wasn't the only one. Cardan was in an extra sour mood." Britha rolls her eyes.
"I don't see what that has to do with me."
"I find this story interesting because for the longest time, Jude and Cardan haven't gotten along with each other, especially when you became involved. It feels like you are a source of competition." Britha didn't know what he was getting at.
"But never mind that. Valerian being the silly boy he was, offered your lovely Jude. Some faerie fruit." Locke paused for a moment to observe the look on her face, to see if there were any changes.
Britha didn't move an inch.
"So as the cruel faes they are, they had forced Jude to make a fool of herself. Causing her to undress and say all kinds of looney stuff. So sickening isn't." He feigned disappointment.
"And you just watched it happen? You're no better than them." Locke lifts up a finger.
"Ah but that's where you are wrong. I had dragged her out before things could get any worse. I couldn't help but take pity. On how ruffled and helpless she looked."
"If only you were there, you could have prevented the worst." His mouth widened as a grin crept on his face. Peering with what Britha could identify as malice.
A heavy feeling on her chest appeared. If only she was there. The one day she wasn't Jude was made an absolute full of herself and violated. And everyone, even Cardan. Had watched it unfold. How completely and utterly inhumane. She couldn't imagine how Jude was feeling at the moment. Was she still in that trance, faerie fruit was known to be stopped once the consumer has had salt in their system.
Locke could tell some thoughts were roaming in her head, so he decided to break the dead air. "She was perfectly fine while we were on the way to her home. It seemed Cardan was kind enough to slip her some salt while amongst the crowd."
"How unexpected of him."
"That's what I thought of myself." Britha was getting impatient. She didn't know what game he was playing but she was in truth done with his antics for the day. It was draining her enough.
"If I may ask. Why the sudden interest?" She asks after a pause of silence. The fox fae brightens a bit at her question.
"I'm assuming you are asking about Jude hm?" Locke pondered for a moment before answering her question.
"Well, I'm a lover of stories. In Judes case. She is like a story that hasn't happened yet and I find myself wanting to be a part of the unfolding of the tale." He raises his arms up whimsically, he sounds excited.
"You mean stringing her along for your own entertainment. Like a puppeteer in a circus. Waiting to see who they can play with next." She added rather bluntly. Locke widens his smile.
"Are you upset by that?"
She didn't even notice him stepping near her until a single finger slipped smoothly between the thin space between her collarbone and necklace, it pressed tightly against the light pulse of her neck. Britha stilled as she looked at the finger lightly hooked against her necklace.
Locke's eyes were full of mischief, relaxed and playful.
"You know I noticed it when we first met at a revel many years ago." He admits, his lips curled upwards. "The beauty of this necklace. It really stands out."
"Yes, it was a gift."
"Is that so?" Still again for one more moment he asks her one more question.
"Rather, would you like to be a part of that story as well?" He whispered. They stay silent in the foyer staring off until Britha makes her first move.
Lightly her hand gently pulls Locke's sticky fingers away from her necklace, never taking her eyes off of his. Her expression is just as unreadable.
"If you would excuse me, this necklace is quite valuable. I would rather it not get dirty." She answers with as much honesty as she could muster. It seemed to have broken the tension between the two of them as the fox laughed loudly. His voice echoed amongst the hall.
"My, this has gotten interesting hasn't it." He then pulls out a rose. "I only came here to check on you and see how you were faring." He offers the rose to her.
"Although judging how you are still standing. You seem to be in the right place." Britha looks at the rose but doesn't reach out for it immediately. There was a certain atmosphere to Locke. One that to this day Britha couldn't perceive him. She observed it, the low curling edge of his smile, one that would just about charm the wits of anyone. His words were smooth as well, and knew just what to say at the perfect time. As if laying a trap. Definitely from the way he carried himself he wasn't difficult to get along with. But it came too easy.
She silently thanked the Gods when Caris and Nyathera had entered the main entrance. Nyathera gaped when she noticed her eldest out of bed, while Caris stood, frozen.
"Britha what in heaven's name are you doing out of bed? It hasn't even been a full day?" Nyathera hissed angrily. She even ignores the fae before her. Until he cuts in.
He offers a bow. "If you may excuse me It is my fault for interrupting. She seemed to be in the midst of a beauty sleep before I came. I was simply offering her a good luck recovery." He addressed earnestly. Which seemed to work since Nyathera was already charmed by his demeanor.
"How polite of you. I'm sorry we don't usually get visitors during this light of day so I was merely surprised." Locke nods.
"No worries." He gives a smile to Caris as well who is still staring, as if she's seen a ghost.
"If I may ask." Nyathera begins to grill the fae before her. "Who are you?"
"My name is Locke, ma'am. A classmate of Brithas." Caris drops the vase of flowers in her hand. It shatters on the floor. Nyathera hisses at her daughter in law.
"Caris whatever is the matter with you?" Caris doesn't respond as she numbly goes to pick up the petals, Locke is silent as well but moves to pick up the petals as well. Britha didn't miss the glint in his eye when looking at Caris. Her fist clenched protectively.
It seems another question in her thoughts has emerged.
RELIEF SPREAD THROUGH BRITHA ONCE LOCKE HAD FINALLY LEFT THE MANOR. ALBEIT IT WAS AWKWARD, but anything was better than having that fox-like fae around her or family. Nyathera immediately guided her back to her room to rest, summoning Zox around the corner to attend to her as well. Caris was still focused on the floor bringing up the petals. She still didn't say anything. At least not until Britha was out of sight.
"I know that boy." Caris uttered. Nyathera didn't seem surprised but she wasn't nonchalant about it either.
"How?" Beckoning one of the house maids, a goblin named Freebird to clean up the mess on the floor. Freebird instantly abided, getting to work immediately.
"He's the son of Liriope, my old friend." Caris clutches a petal to her chest, a tear in her eye. "My, he looks just like her."
Nyathera doesn't say anything as her mouth moves into a thin line. She then picks up the empty glass in her hand and pours her a glass of wine. Taking a sip she mutters to herself. "Looks like we're all haunted by ghosts somehow."
Cattertail hissed at the owl that snuck through Brithas balcony when she laid in bed once more. The witch was lost on why Cattertail was making a fuss until she realized the owl was perched in her open window. Gawking at her. The owl faced hob preens a bit, ruffling its feathers. That could mean...
"Go to Hollow Hall." It utters. "Find us the secret, the king won't like. Find treason." Everything clicked. She hadn't seen that owl in awhile to deliver messages but here it was. Delivering Dains.
The King. He was getting ahead of himself already, thats all she could think. Before she could respond the owl hopped out the window flying away, Cattertail was still hissing.
Britha laid back down in her bed looking at the ceiling. It looks like these upcoming days weren't looking too friendly for her.
HI YALL! It's been a while since the last update but I hope everyone has been doing well! And I hope you guys enjoyed this chapter. Things are tensing up, literally what does Locke have up his sleeve I swear I was pissed off myself writing him 😒
What do you guys think about Ember?
Not Jude or Cardan this chapter but I promise the next one will make it worth it. I made the decision to have them the established love interests but are there any other characters you guys would want Britha to have a chance with as well? 🤔 just lmk!
Also to end this chapter on a high note I was doodling on piccrew and made some of Britha! Lmk which one is your favorite!
Isn't she pertyyy 💕
Anyways thank you so much for tuning in and pls like comment share! Anything to support this story. I will see you guys next chapter!
C,OUT!