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I turned to find him shirtless - which he knew I liked because each time I blushed scarlet. His smirk was all the answer I got before our attention was pulled to the man running down the stairs dressed in all black with red stones adorning his neck and head.
The king’s green eyes were startling and nearly the same shade as Einri’s but without the silver veins.
Rusalko’s robes billowed around him as he ran down the stairs, eyes staring at his older brother. I tensed, not sensing any animosity from him, but you could never be sure.
“Brother.” The King said, wrapping his arms around Einri and embracing him.
Einri’s eyes were bugging out of his skull and in any other situation I’d giggle,but my mouth was wide open. The embrace wasn’t expected,but when Rusalko stepped back with tears in his eyes and grabbed Einri’s hand to kiss it. We were both stunned.
“Welcome home.” The King said, jolting us back to the present.
“Uh…thank you.” Einri replied nervously, his eyes finding mine.
“I’m glad you got my message. I wasn’t sure it would ever find you.” The King said, turning his attention to me. “You must be Lady Arrow. I’ve heard so much about you.”
I nodded then lowered into a curtsy remembering that I was in the presence of a King. The curtsy wasn’t my best since I was wearing breeches but hopefully, he accepted the attempt.
“No need for that.” He motioned for me to rise then grabbed my hand and kissed the back of it.
A tingle of awareness spread over my skin as his lips touched me. I suppressed a shiver and slipped my hand out of his, studying Einri’s younger brother.
His hair was darker, shinier, and flatter than Einri’s brown that had flecks of red hidden in the strands. He was shorter by six inches and was slimmer of build but what he lacked in stature he made up for in presence. He was an imposing figure, one that I could almost feel in the air. It made my stomach queasy when his eyes met mine. I tried to squash the feelings, but it was persistent.
“Come! I’ll have food prepared. You both must be exhausted.” Rusalko gestured to the stairs he’d run down.
I glanced at Einri and found him looking more animated than I’d ever seen him. I wondered if he could feel the same thing I did. While he looked content and almost happy to be home, I felt something that pricked my skin like an embroidery needle.
Before I could question or even prod further with my senses, Einri grabbed my hand and began to lead me toward the stairs. It took a moment for my feet to move but when they did, I found it easier to follow.
Einri squeezed my fingers gently, offering comfort and I wondered if he’d sensed my earlier unease.
The doors to the castle at the top of the stairs opened as we drew closer. The inside was brightly lit,which surprised me given the darkness of the building material.
A large foyer greeted us, its tall ceiling with an enormous chandelier spoke of grandeur that I’d never heard Brural having. Paintings and tapestries hung from the walls in brilliant colors that had me gaping at their splendor.
“Most of these were painted by Telisa, Einri’s mother.” Rusalko revealed, smiling up at a painting of a field of multi-colored wildflowers that stretched out until it was interrupted by big snowcapped mountains. “This one is my favorite.”
“It’s one of mine too.” Einri agreed, staring up at the work of art with glazed eyes that spoke of happier times.
“They’re extraordinary.” I complimented, meaning every word.
“We’ll have dinner in my study. I’m sure we have much to talk about. Until then freshen up and I’ll see you soon.” Rusalko said, as a servant dressed in a uniform stepped from a shadow’s alcove.
“Lord Einri.” The servant spoke respectfully to the man standing next to me.
“We’ll follow you, Bard.” Einri nodded respectfully to the servant.
“Right this way.”
We followed the servant deeper into the castle and the further we went the brighter it became. Chandeliers hung from the ceiling while candles and fires burned in every room like they were attempting to push out every shadow.
The brightness was overwhelming though I understand that in order to contradict darkness you needed light, but this seemed excessive.
We followed the servant up a flight of stairs. The steps glittered in the abundance of light looking like diamonds were scattered in the dark sand.
“Beautiful,” I whispered, gazing around at the sand that made the floor and walls. How many ships did they need to transport that much sand?
“Yes, it is.” Einri agreed with me.
