Isellta followed Jay into his room. His wings flittered. “There’s only one bed.”
“It’s okay.”
His wings flittered again. “There’s only one bed.”
“I’m not going to touch you. You’re safe with me.”
He twisted his fingers. “Am I?”
“Completely. If it would make you feel better, I’ll sleep on the floor.”
Isellta contemplated the floor. “It doesn’t look comfortable.”
Jay shrugged. “It’s a floor. What do you want me to do? What would make you feel comfortable?”
Isellta’s hands went still. “No one’s ever asked me that before. What do I want? I don’t know. I guess you could sleep in my room, but I don’t want the ghosts to get you.”
The man gave him a sympathetic look. “The ghosts won’t touch me. Trust me on that one.”
What do I want?
I don’t want to be alone.
“Are there any rocking chairs in this place?”
“I think so. Why?”
“Could you bring it in here? I’ll sit on it while you take the bed.”
“Are you sure? That doesn’t seem like it would be all that comfortable.”
“It is and I’m sure. I don’t want to be alone.”
“Got ya.” He ruffled up Isellta’s hair. “Stay put. I’ll go get it for you.”
Isellta sat on the bed.
“You okay?”
Isellta nodded.
“Okay. Be right back.”
***
What if he’s lying?
What if he’s going to bring Queen Preyuna in here?
What if she makes her demand again?
How many times can I tell her no?
Isellta curled up in the middle of the bed.
What if I tell her no and she doesn’t hear it? What if she doesn’t care?
He crawled up to the top of the bed and grabbed one of the pillows. He hugged it tight.
What if?
What if?
What…
***
Jay dragged the rocker all the way down the hall. He cringed the whole way.
It’s bunching up the carpets.
It’s tearing up the carpets.
It’s creating snags in the carpets.
I am so getting busted for this.
He opened his bedroom door and dragged the chair in.
He got it situated into a nice spot – neither too far away from the bed nor too close – and turned to face the fey.
Isellta was sound asleep with one of Jay’s pillows clutched tight against his chest.
“Oh.” He pulled up the bottom half of the comforter and covered the sleeping fey. “You poor kid.”
His phone buzzed. He answered it. “Hi.” His face lit up. “Maelin.” He sat down in the rocker. “It’s so good to hear your voice again. I miss you. When are you coming back? Another month. Argentina? Does it have to be so far away? I know. I know this is important to you and your artistic career. I…”
He bowed his head. “Of course. I miss you. I miss you so bad. Do you still love me as I love you? It’s been so long and you’re so far away.” He choked up. “I know. Just come home as soon as you can. Whenever that may be. I’ll wait for you. I love you.”
The tears fell as she replied.
“Be safe, darling. You too. Good night.”
ambroseandelsie 