Ember

I took in what Rosaline said, and noticed that her gaze had focused on something unseen in the distance.

“What happened?” I asked.

She turned her focus to me. “What?”

“To your family. You’re the only one who lives here, right?” I asked gently, watching her reaction.

Rosaline nodded but didn’t say anything.

I left it alone. She would tell me if she wanted to.

“Here, let me,” I said, taking the cooking utensil away from her to cook my meat. It was almost done, so I took it off the stove and onto a towel I found on the counter.

As I went searching for a plate, I heard Rosaline sigh behind me.

“What is it?” I asked curiously, stretching up for a plate on the top shelf.

“The soldiers are shaking the gate,” Rosaline replied. “Want me to get that?”

“Please,” I said, stepping away as she grabbed the plate for me.

After she handed it to me, what she said finally registered in my head.

“Wait, you can hear the soldiers all the way down here?” I asked, turning toward her and putting my hands on my hips. “How?”

“Vibrations,” she explained. “Shaking the gate sends vibrations through the stone of the castle. They’re pretty weak down here, but I’ve felt it enough to know that they’re trying to get into the courtyard.”

I bit my lip and glanced upwards. “Can they? Get into the courtyard, I mean.”

“Not unless they know magic,” Rosaline replied, smiling at me. “I can go take care of them if that would make you feel more comfortable.”

“I mean, if they can’t get in, it’s okay…” I trailed off, but I saw Rosaline’s smile widen into a grin.

“Grab your dinner and come with me,” she said, nodding at my plate.

I grabbed it and followed her up to a balcony.

“Stay here and enjoy the show,” Rosaline said, shrugging off her cloak, revealing the leather suit she wore.

Winking at me, she perched on the railing and then jumped off, shifting into a dragon in midair.

Her black scales caught the evening sun, glinting with small rainbows as she soared through the sky. She was beautiful.

I heard the soldiers yammering below, and watched as Rosaline took up a perch on top of the gate itself.