Through the Eyes of a Fae
Chapter 17

Stella really knew how to pick a room. Literally. These were her old rooms. They overlooked the gardens, with a large round balcony and several windows, each with flower boxes of different variations. This was her room. Kora slowly sank to the nearest couch. Stella was chattering on, and Ben stood off to the side, scratching the back of his head awkwardly. He saw Kora’s face and went to sit beside her.

" This was your room, wasn’t it?” The furniture was different, but yes, this was her room. Stella had walked in as Ben asked the question.

“Kora, is it really? Man, I am on fire!” Seeing Kora’s face, she hesitated.

“Hey, I don’t know what the situation is here, would you prefer another room? I just chose it because of the library study and the unobstructed view of the gardens, there is even -”

“A staircase outside from the balcony so you can visit the garden whenever you like. I know, I built it.” Kora’s voice was soft, and she smiled at Stella.

“Truly, this is perfect, thank you.” Stella mumbled, and then bid her an awkward farewell. It was just Ben now, and Kora was exhausted.

" My room is close to here. I am sure you can guess what room mine is.” He pointed out the window. There was a glowing light across the garden. She did know the room.

“Thanks, Ben, but I will be fine.” He stepped forward, but then stopped himself. Grabbing his bags off the floor, he waved and then headed out onto the balcony, down the stairs. Standing, she watched him cross the gardens and mount the stairs across the way, to disappear inside. Kora turned, taking the room in. It was just how she had left it. Even though the furniture was different, it was placed in the same spot. It was unreal. Like a dream. She looked around at the long table in front of the windows to the large fireplace that reached her forehead and the couches angled in various positions facing the fire. A painting hung over the fireplace, a huge portrait to match the ceilings of the entrance hall. She turned, and slowly tracing the walls - made her way down the hallway. The first room was her study. It was indeed still lined with books, and after closer examination- she realized that they were her books. She reached up to pull an old volume from its resting place. It was her favorite. A tale of the dragons from her father. She held it close to her chest. The desk was centered with the windows large and open behind it, giving a different view of the gardens and more flower boxes hanging from the sills. Their smell drifted in, and she felt nostalgic. The rest of the walls were lined with shelves, and racks for scrolls. Only one spot was open. Above the smaller fireplace was a painting. It was her family. Her father, brother, Mother and Kora herself. Seeing her mother’s face, she soured. With a flick of her fingers, a burn spot covered her mother’s face. Turning, she continued down the hall to her bedroom. This room was open and airy, with another balcony and large stained-glass windows on either side. A four-poster bed was centered on the far wall, with a fireplace in front of it. The bed was huge, and looked to be just as soft as it was when she had slept in it last. Dropping her bags onto a low table, she sat on the couch that was in front of the balcony to remove her boots and stockings. Pulling her shirt off, she stood and walked to the next room. This was another addition she had added. A private bath. With another casual wave of her hand, water began to pour from a golden faucet, filling the small swimming pool with steaming hot water. She saw the maidservants had stocked several different soaps and potions, and she selected a few, pouring scented oil into the water. She knew the next room was a dressing room, and that her trunks had been delivered there. Kora removed the rest of her clothing and stepped into the tub. She sat for a long time, soaking in the water. Of all the ways she had imagined coming home, this was not it. She wanted to laugh at the absurdity of it all, but the reality of it kept her in check. She was no longer master here, but a guest, and contracted employee of the kingdom. How odd indeed. The water had cooled some, and her fingers had started to prune. She had just finished rinsing her hair - she needed to trim it- when she heard soft footsteps and a maidservant called out.

“Mistress, we have come with your dinner, where would you like it?”

“You may enter, I would like it on the table in my bedroom please.” Kora wrapped the drying cloth around her and began to rub another through her hair.

“Of course, my lady.″ The maidservants were good, she could hardly hear them setting the table. A maidservant appeared as Kora was pulling a robe over her nightgown.

“Would you be needing anything else, my lady?” The maidservant was looking down, waiting for any further orders.

" No, and thank you - I did not catch your name?” Kora tossed her a silver coin and the girl caught it.

“Agnes, my lady. I will be the one to attend to you, so if you ever need anything, please don’t hesitate to call.” She curtsied low and whispered her thanks over the silver and left. Walking into her room, the food smelled incredible. She smiled. Seems Ben was looking out for her again. While on the road, he paid attention to what she chose to eat at villages and inns. She favored Island food and flavors, and she could see he mentioned it to someone. It was shredded lamb over a warm flatbread with different peppers and onions, glazed with a white milk sauce and dill. The portion was huge, and a pitcher of chilled fruit juice sat next to the plate with a cup. As she began to eat, the meat simply melted in her mouth. Gods, she loved food. Walking the tray back to the main room and setting it down on the table for the maidservant to grab in the morning, she then went and crawled into bed. She sprawled, like she did as a child, trying and failing to reach all four corners with her hands and feet. Wriggling her toes, she pulled the coverlet over her and blew out the last candle. It was not as bad as she thought, being home. Without the pressure of leadership looming over her, she could enjoy it. Closing her eyes, Kora slipped into the deepest sleep she had since she had been turned to stone.