My wardrobe had been stocked with other various clothing items, so I rummaged through the drawers and took out a pair of dark pants. They were a little snug around my hips, but they buttoned. I pulled on a plain cotton shirt and then laced my boots up over my pants. I didn't bother to do anything with my hair. I let the natural waves flow down my back, then left the privacy of my dorm.
I started my descent down the spiral staircase, only to find my newfound guardian propped at the bottom of the stairs, his nose deep in some literature.
“Ugh,” I groaned and walked right by him. I pretended that I didn't notice him, and prayed that he wouldn't notice me.
He of course, did, and slammed his book shut as he stood up and walked after me.
I considered trying to get away from him again, but the more I thought about it, the more I realized that he actually could be of use to me right now. I paused my strides and pivoted to face him. “Where can I find something to eat?”
Sebastian scoffed. “Well good morning to you, too.”
“Morning,” I grumbled.
“I was beginning to think you were going to spend another day locked in your room.” He flashed me a half-hearted smirk that should have made my insides melt, but I was too hungry to think about how handsome he was.
“Why would you think that?”
“Because it's almost noon.”
My eyebrow raised.Was it really?No wonder the seamstress had let herself in.
“Do you always sleep that late? That may be a problem when classes start.”
“No,” I huffed.
“Should I add wake up calls to your regimen?” He didn't hide his teasing smirk.
“No.”
“Are you sure? Attendance is high on the list of importance when it comes to having a successful semester.”
“No,” I hissed, quickly realizing that he planned on bantering with me for a while. The steady rippling of my stomach couldn't tolerate that, so with a roll of my eyes, I made for the door. The sun slapped me in the face, but I embraced the daylight and started up the cobblestone pathway towards the castle.
“You do realize you have no idea where you are going, right?” Sebastian said, following after me.
He wasn't wrong—I didn't know much of the castle grounds aside from where the festival was held. At that very moment, however, I didn't care. My hunger led my travels.
“You do realize that the information your father keeps blasting me with has me puking up everything in my stomach, right?” I shot back.
I looked behind me just long enough to get some amusement at the way his nose scrunched.
“Lovely,” he sneered.
I was teetering at the edge of the castle when he grabbed my hand and yanked me off of the pathway. He guided me through the sun bleached grass, away from the castle's main gate. His calloused palm was rough as it rubbed against mine in tune with the motions of our feet.
If I was being honest, I didn'thatethe feel of his skin on mine, but I also didn't love it. I knew that once I got my own hands on a sword, that they would feel the same way—thanks tohisfather’sorders. I shouldn't have judged himbased on his family, but the reminder of who he was still caused me to rip my hand free.
“Where are you taking me?” I asked.
Sebastian didn't answer.
“I may not know the kitchen's exact location, but I know it's not this way,” I said.
He stopped in front of the southeast tower. There was a cement door built into it which he pulled open, beckoning me through. My hunger drove my movements, and with the hope that there was food beyond the door, I stepped into the tower after him.
He was silent as he led me through the cramped corridor. We arrived upon a straight staircase that only led down. He started his descent, and though my brain told me otherwise, I did as well.
We must have climbed down at least ten flights of stairs, and I was out of breath by the time we reached the bottom. Climbing back up would be torturous, but I stepped into a dark tunnel regardless. The only light was that emitted by the lanterns hanging on the stone walls. The air was cool and damp, which felt nice compared to what awaited us back outside.
