The Quiet Stillness of Empty Houses by L.V. Russell

Author:L.V. Russell
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781958228104
Publisher: Quill & Crow Publishing House

Theodora found her way to Broken Oak’s library, the smell of old books and worn leather swooping over her in an embrace. It was not the crowded, dark space of Kingsward Manor’s—the bookcases so unlike the walls of that labyrinthine library with its rough hands and filthy whispers. It stood open and bright with tall windows allowing winter sunlight to pour through, so there was hardly a need for the candlelight at all. It yawned open, a sleepy room of lazy sunlight and slow shadows. Rugs adorned the polished floors, fat chairs nestled within alcoves beside reading tables, in front of windows overlooking the barren gardens. Winding iron staircases led to high above, the railings heavy with scrollwork. They led to more books, more knowledge than any one person could consume in a lifetime.

Theodora was half settled in a comfortable armchair, allowing the day to simply wash over her, to pass without the need to do anything. Her gaze was fixed on the view of the sweeping lawns and mist-covered pond, quiet and content in her solitude, when Cassias stepped in.

“I was not expecting to see you up quite so early,” Theodora said, not turning from the window.

Cassias hovered a moment before claiming the chair opposite hers. “May I inquire as to why?”

She looked at him, dressed in his good clothes with the ruby at his neck. The loose curls of his hair brushed over his shoulders, neat and no longer wild. No shadows lingered beneath his dark eyes.

“I found you wandering the halls last night.”

A shocked laugh slipped from his lips. “That is absurd.”

“What was absurd, Cassias, was finding you in little more than a crumpled shirt.”

Cassias ran a hand over his immaculate clothes, the well-tailored trousers, the perfect jacket that had literally been made just for him. He seemed to take offense that he had been caught looking rumpled, rather than the fact he had been caught out at all.

“I…” He paused a moment, confusion softening the sharp edges of his face. “Are you quite sure it was me?”

Words failed Theodora, and she took a moment to fix the incredulous look she knew was upon her face. “Who else could it have been? Cassias, I had to help you find your way to your bed.”

He looked as mortified as she felt. The words tumbled from his lips, quick and uncomfortable. “I don’t remember…I can’t think… You were in my bedroom?”

“Out of necessity!” She ensured the statement was clear—that she most certainly did not find herself putting grown men to bed on a regular basis.

“Heavens!”

“You could barely stand…”

“Undressed?”

She could not meet his eyes. “Somewhat.”

Cassias leaned forward, resting his head on clasped hands. “You put me to bed?”

Theodora nodded, before realizing he could not see her. “You did manage to find the bed independently.”

He groaned into his hands.

“You were quite distressed. How much did you drink last night?”

“I didn’t—”

“Cassias.” Theodora reached out, only just stopping herself from placing it upon his knee. She recalled the feel of his fingers around her own, the weight of him against her body.

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