Tempest (The Chronicles of Winterset #2) - K.G. Reuss Page 0,3

curtains moved gently in the warm breeze. The room was filled with the prettiest assortment of flowers. In the very center of the room was a carved stone tub which could easily fit ten people. The steam from the water ebbed up in white tendrils as red rose petals danced along the surface.

“This is beautiful,” I murmured in awe as I took it in.

“Yes, milady. It’s quite beautiful,” Brena agreed, pride emanating from her now stronger voice. “Most of the rooms in the palace have these bathrooms in them. They’re a welcome place to relax.”

“I bet,” I whispered, skimming my fingers along the surface of the perfectly tempered water.

Brena assisted me with undressing, and I slid gratefully into the warm water and let it wash over me. It was deep enough that it covered my entire body. I rested my head against the side of the stone tub and closed my eyes.

Brena moved to perch on the edge of the tub, and she gently poured a cup of water on my head. I let her wash my hair and took the soap she offered me. I lifted it to my nose. It smelled wonderful, a delicate floral scent, a scent unlike anything I’d ever experienced before.

After my bath, Brena dressed me in the pretty, green, floor-length gown and did my hair. She twisted it and braided it, sending cascades of curls and braids down my back. I admired her work in the mirror sadly. Calix would’ve told me I looked beautiful despite the large black circles which hugged my green eyes and the frown carved into my face.

Hastily, I wiped the tears from my eyes, and Brena gave me another sympathetic look. She looked like she wanted to say something but was cut off by the knocking on my bedroom door. Soran entered, and I spun to stare at him.

Other than seeing him in a vision and in the middle of the night last night, I’d never seen him before, or at least not that I could recall. He was breathtaking to say the least. A shock of blond hair was on his head. His eyes were an unnaturally brilliant blue and keen. His ears came to a slight point, just like Brena’s.

I could tell just by looking at him that he was a warrior what with his large muscular stature and the way the air changed when he entered the room. He smiled warmly as he took in the sight of me, the smile creating a look of relief on his concerned face.

“Analia,” he breathed, coming to my side. “How are you feeling today?”

“Tired,” I whispered, looking up into his eyes. They looked like they’d seen so many things. If Kellin was correct in telling me his age, then I’d have to place my brother around the same as Kellin—one hundred and thirty years old.

“Mother and Father wish to see you.” Soran held his hand out to me. “If you’re able, that is.”

“OK,” I said softly. I placed my hand in his, and he helped me to my feet. I sagged against him. He was quick to wrap his arm around me and guide me to the door.

“Analia, if you’re too weak, I can let our parents know now isn’t a good time,” Soran offered kindly.

“No, it’s fine,” I said with a shake of my head. “I want to see them.”

“Good,” Soran replied, breathing out a sigh of relief. “Perhaps when you’re done speaking with them, I can show you the garden. I think you’ll like it.”

“That sounds nice.” The smile on my face was a forced one. His efforts to make me feel more comfortable didn’t go unnoticed. I appreciated them, but they wouldn’t mend my broken heart.

Soran let me lean on him as we made our way to where our parents waited. I took in my surroundings and felt overwhelmed. The palace was beautiful and large, with spacious hallways, floor-to-ceiling windows, some stained glass depicting various serene scenes, and polished marble floors.

“It can be a bit much to take in,” Soran said, following my gaze as I peered at a stained-glass window depicting a unicorn and a dragon lying together. “When you were a child, I’d chase you down these halls. Your laughter echoed throughout the palace.” He offered me a smile. “But I know now you feel overwhelmed and not the happiness you felt as a child.”

“Can you read my mind?” I inquired, my heart rate picking up. I was unfamiliar with the ways of Winterset,