The Witch's Daughter and the Rogue Lord

I swear

    It's so hot. I gasp for breath, but the air is filled with smoke. My lungs tighten. Burning magma runs through my veins. I feel the searing of my flesh from the inside, shooting through every inch of me. I wanted to scream but as I opened my mouth my throat was consumed with the intense burning. I open my eyes, but all I see is a blinding light. Make it stop. Oh, please someone make it stop.

    “Oh, gods! Lii!” I jumped at the sound of Mrs. Crachs's voice. My eyes open. I’m in my room, gasping for breath. I can feel the beads of sweat dripping down my face. Mrs. Crach stands above me, a fallen basket on the floor next to her. She quickly turns to the door. “I must go get Dragg, you need a doctor.”

    Quickly remembering the night's events, I push myself out of bed.“No Mrs.Crach please!” I shout. She stops and gives me a suspicious look. “I-I’m fine. The blankets...I just overheated is all.”

    Mrs. Crach storms towards me. “When I walked into this room, Lii, you were gasping for air, as if someone took one of your lungs! Look your gown is soaked from sweat. There is no way that-” As she places her hand on my head she stops. Her eyes fall on mine then she releases me and slowly backs away. She examines me for a moment before nodding. “Okay then. You feel alright?”

I nod eagerly “Yes! Very well indeed.”

She nods as well. “Aye. Alright then.”

    Mrs. Crach bends down to pick up her basket then gets right to work gathering the clothes I left on the floor. I let out a small sigh of relief. The last thing I needed was to be examined further. I walk over to my vanity. I have a small bowl of water sitting there for washing my face. 

    I scoop up some water in my hands. No burns, I see before splashing the water on my face. I wipe the water from my eyes and stare at myself in the mirror. The water drips down my freckled face. My eyes seemed a bit more lively, brighter than normal. Their normal state being a hazel brown color, now they take on a yellow tone. I shake my head and avoid linking this and last night's events.

“Lii!” Mrs.Crach gasps, causing me to let out a small scream. 

“Damnit Mrs. Crach!” I shout at her, but I quickly bow my head as I see what she holds in her hands. 

 “Don't you curse at me child!” She wags the torn dress that Dragg had gifted me. “You like to fancy yourself so much different than my Lord, but you and he are the same! Neither of you thinks!!!” 

    The now sobbing Mrs. Crach turns and scurries out of my room, leaving me with the very unpleasant guilt she so dramatically gave me.

    I hadn't dared to think of how to move forward with life after last night. One task at a time. I slowly tightened the new corset around my waist. Not as tightly as Mrs.Crach would like, but more comfortable to me. Then it is time to slip over my brown dress. It’s suffered many stains, from working in the stables to running through the forest to forage and all the village tasks I have in between.

    The dress was loose and flowy. Not very flattering on the figure, but that was not its purpose. I tie my light brown, previously white, apron around my waist. I turn to my mirror. Yes, this was me. A baggy dress that I could easily run in and an apron to wipe off anything and everything. No one would ever think I could be noble.

    I smiled, trying to reassure myself. “Today will be like no other day.” After all, no one knew about last night. Just me...me and...I feel a flicker of heat in my chest. I slowly walk out my bedroom door and out into the corridor. The corridor was one long, twisting stairway up to the tall tower. At the top of the stairs is Erik's room, untouched in case Erik ever decided to visit. Before Erik's room, was my room. Then, slightly down the staircase was a guest room, currently occupied by none other than Lord Dellagashe. The man who holds my fate in his hands.

    I peek my head out of my door. Just around the bend of the staircase, I could see the guest room door. It was slightly ajar as if he was waiting for someone to pass by... I retreat into my room and shut the door firmly. I grind my teeth together. Was it me he was waiting for? I think back to last night...

    We stayed quiet next to the well for some time. Both of us were stunned. It wasn’t until Ferron suggested we get back that I even moved. No words were spoken as he took my hand and led me all the way back to the castle and up to my room. At the door of my room, we stood again in silence. Ferron looks down at me, worry in his eyes.

“Are you okay?” Ferron asks gently. 

I nod quickly, trying not to look into his eyes. 

Ferron grabs my chin and lifts it, forcing eye contact. My face heats as his blue eyes hold mine. “Why did that happen to you, Lii?” The way my name rolls off his tongue soothes me. For a moment, I give him all my trust.

“Do you know what happened to my mother?”

Ferron nods slowly, his hand falls from my face. “Are you a witch then?”

I want to deny it, but I'm not sure I can. “To be honest Ferron, I'm not sure what happened or why.”

He scratches his head but smiles gently. “Do you think it'll happen again?”

My stomach ached at the suggestion. “Never mind, milady, you can think about that another day.” Ferron add softly before turning. 

    “Wait.” I grab his hand before he can turn away. “Ferron, I need your sworn secrecy on this night. No one can know.” Ferron smiles and shakes his head as if I said something silly. “I mean it, Ferron. You must swear. I-I"ll....I’ll..” I struggle to say it. But as Ferron's smile fades, I can see his understanding. I take a deep breath. “I will be burned alive Ferron. So...please swear to keep my....our secret. I’ll owe you a great debt.”

    He hesitates for a moment but sighs. A long grin appears on his face. His eyes were bright and wide. Ferron straightens his back, places his hand over his heart. “I, Ferron Dellagashe, swear to you Lii Gastion, on my own life and on my mother's departed soul, to never speak of this to others, until you release me from the chains of secrecy.”

I let my breath go. “Thank you, sir.” He chuckles. I roll my eyes. “Even though it didn’t feel truly serious.”

I begin to turn to my bedroom door. He clears his throat. “Milady, what will you swear on?”

I quickly turn towards him. “What?”

    His large grin stays firm. “Well, the great debt that you owe me. Shouldn’t that also be sworn? This is quite a big secret. I feel like it has.... bonded us in a way.” He takes a step closer. His eyes once again holding mine captive. “We now have something that no one else has. It’s a bit exciting, isn't it?” He steps closer again, this time we are inches apart. My heart is racing. I feel the heat deep in my chest.

“Are you ….do you mean.... what-” I stuttered with heat in my cheeks.

Ferron lets out a small chuckle. I can feel his warm breath brush my face. “No, I'm sorry Milady. It was a poor tease on my part. I apologize. Goodnight Lii, please try to get some rest.”

I’m not sure what possessed me. But as he turned, I felt instantly alone again. I didn't want him to leave. I felt the words almost explode from my mouth. “I swear on the graves of my parents, I Lii Gastion will repay my debt to you Ferron Dellagashe, Lord of Castle Gastion.”