Page 22 of Six Burning Candles

“What was the vision exactly?” She grabbed my journal and flipped to a fresh page.

“Melrose—”

Her gaze darted up to me, narrowing her eyes on me. I dropped any fight in my soul and allowed her to whisk the journal out from under my fingers. Taking a deep breath, I centered myself then proceeded to explain the details. From sitting in the mess hall, to watching her talk with Ramone and Delainey, to Peony Bernstein, then to the shadow beyond the window. I could still recall the sound of rope groaning under the weight.

“And you’re sure she said death?” Melrose asked, pencil going across the page rapidly.

“Certain.”

Melrose tapped her pencil tip against the page with a soft frown, “She’s not often pessimistic. She’s only forewarned Papa of one other death before.”

“Which one?” I blurted out like the fool I was.

“Cardinal Porter,” she confessed, and my heart sank.Not your mother.I could have slapped myself for walking right into that brick wall. However, instead, I nodded in acknowledgement as she continued to speak. “We couldn’t save him, but we were there to see the bandits who killed him. They were attempting to clear out the temple’s vaults. All the carnage and barbed vines. I remember Papa speaking about how she even prepared him for the inevitability that he wouldn’t be fast enough to stop it. Which makes me think that maybe there’s more going on.”

“I agree,” I cleared my throat. “Which means, you cannot leave this cathedral.”

“What!” she squawked, pushing her sketch across the table. It was in three parts, one of her with her back to the observer, Ramone and Delainey speaking with her. The second was just Peony, looming over her with that easy grin that was slightly too perfect. And then I looked at the third, a haunting image of the cathedral window, and instead of the moon I was used to peering at through it…there was a hanging body.

“Obviously, you’re in danger. Peony Bernstein is a knight captain, and therefore, capable of bringing you into custody if necessary. They can’t touch you inside the Cathedral. So, it is imperative you stay inside.” I stated point blank as I tucked the journal back into my drawer. I didn’t bother locking it, as there was nothing in there that wasn’t verifiable by others. And…well…the things I didn’t want getting out, didn’t go in there. All that stayed up in my head, replaying on repeat. Like last night.

“I have lessons!” Melrose blurted out. I stared at her in disbelief. She even harrumphed, looking away from me.Even you think that was a hard stretch.

“Look, Trouble, I do not like to keep any songbird caged. But…” That’s when I felt the emotions choke me. The terror of the vision still fresh in my mind. I rounded the desk to take up her hand. Melrose straightened, concern knitting her brows. I lifted her knuckles to my lips and kissed them hesitantly. “Please, behave for once in your life and do as you’re told.”

As I rose from the slight bow I’d given her, I found her gaze lingering on me. Soft, warm, hazel orbs roamed my face. I couldn’t help tugging that warm palm still entangled in mine. Melrose stumbled forward till her other hand found its place against my shoulder. Her body radiated heat in the bitter, winter chill. I scooped my other hand under her arm, resting my palm flat against the small of her back.

“I will take care of this, and you, Melrose St. Augustine.” I brought her knuckles to my lips once more, kissing them more confidently the second time. “You have my word.”

“You just keep cleaning up my messes, Keida,” she exhaled. “I can’t stand here and watch you break another person’s nose over me again. Or worse.”

“You’re welcome to sit, Trouble,” I teased, pulling her that last inch closer. Our lips brushed and I descended into oblivion. Beyond my body, beyond my mind, I was no longer corporal. With the slight curl of her lips against mine and the feel of her fingers curling against the front of my robes, I floated out of my skin and into the snow filled sky. When I pulled back, gasping for air, I spoke with a raspy voice, “But you are going to watch.”

“Why is that?” she snickered, nipping at my lower lip.

“Because I can’t stand to not feel your eyes on me at all times, wicked girl. I want to be the only thing you look for.” I kissed her again. And again. And again, till I couldn’t anymorewithout spending the rest of the day in the comforts of her bedchambers. I promised her I’d figure out what was going on, and with her safely nestled in the cathedral, I could do that. It pained me to pull away, especially with that coquettish whine she produced.

“You cannot justleaveafter telling me you want to be the only thing I look for, Keida. That is cruel and unusual punishment!” She stomped a hoof. I chuckled, walking away backward from her.

“One you are more than in your rights to punishme fortonight…after dinner.” My breath hitched as her eyes widened.

“Are you serious?” she murmured.

“Tonight, just you and I. Dinner in your chambers?” I offered her a smile, my hand on the doorknob. Her face illuminated a bright, eager red as she nodded vigorously. With a bow of my head, I pulled the door open. “Then I shall see you for dinner.”

I slid out into the cathedral halls, only to stop, rip around on my boots, and jab a hand immediately back into my office. “And do not leave this cathedral!”

She groaned in response like the petulant brat I adored, but couldn’t stay longer to teach her manners. I needed to speak to the Knight Commander, and I needed to see who really was pulling the strings on Peony Bernstein. Then, I’d treat myself for my dedicated work by eating dinner with Melrose…and maybe a few other things if she’d indulge me.

Chapter Thirteen:

~Melrose~

Isatatoneof the many worktables within the cathedral, making good use of my idle hours.First you want me to go to my lessons. Next you don’t want me to go to my lessons!Not like they wereimportantlessons. Back when I was a young girl, I learned to be a maiden in society. My current lessons were tailored to my skills. Clothing, sewing, crocheting, knitting, and design; that’s where I spent most of my tutored hours. Every once in a while I got a wild idea and took a few hours with one of the mages.Just…to see.

Clerics can only be accepted into the Order if they posses magic. Otherwise, they can apply to be a paladin and gain her holy blessings, or they can work to be a healer, with varying levels of magic that can be from any sources.Or just regular priests, who teach history and the religion.However, my talents didn’t manifest with healing magic. Nor did the goddess bless me as she had Papa with his talents. I never felt jealous of clerics and their power, but every once in a while I tried my hand at itjust to see if anything changed.

If maybe My Lady Avaris blessed me after all she took from me.