Beloved

Chp. 33

Khael

I haven't gotten much sleep in these past few days. With the start of our construction of the North tower, it was exciting news for all of us. But there were times even I knew I was going too far when I saw the exhaustion in the faces of my men.

It's also gotten harder to see Lilith during the day again. But I always made sure to have dinner with her. Coming back to her after an exhausting day made it all worth while.

I was anticipating to see how she would react to the expansion we were making. When I got near our room, I noticed a maid I didn't recognize coming out. It was neither Cree or Cicili. I didn't think much of it especially because Lilith was always in the room when I came. I checked to see if she was in the back by the creek or in the baths. She wasn't here.

The thought of the maid lurking in our room without anyone here bothered me. I rubbed my hands against my face. Although the thought of it was irritating, I was much too tired. I would speak with the maids myself when I get a chance.

Our dinner came before Lilith arrived. She's never been late and it was getting dark.

Where could she possibly be?

Lilith

I found myself coming to the library often. Ruel would read a few pages of the book in the morning before he left for the rest of the day. I would stay a bit longer and try to read it myself. It was difficult. I stuttered my way through the words. I knew it would take time and I had to be patient.

He invited me to come whenever I wanted and said he comes almost everyday. I came early in the morning right after breakfast and before dinner. I made sure to keep track of the time so I would return for Khael. I didn't want him to return to an empty room.

But today I fell asleep. When I woke up it was already dark outside. I gasped as I realized it was long past our dinner time. Khael would be waiting for me.

I blew out the candles and hurried back. There were some people that were also heading home from the day's work and the carriages departing by. I always felt safe to walk here alone even at night.

When I pushed past the drapes, I saw Khael with his arm covering his eyes, lying across the bed. His hair was still wet framing his face. I wondered if he had fallen asleep while waiting.

I gently sat behind him but when felt the bed shift he lifted his arm to look up at me.

"I didn't even hear you come in. Where have you been?"

He wasn't angry with me or anything. Only seemed curious.

"I-I'm sorry to have you wait. I was at the l-library."

He slowly got upto face me.

"The library?"

He sounded a bit surprised. It was almost as if he had forgotten there was one there.

"Oh, right. That shabby old house in the corner. How'd you even find that place?"

"O-One of the kids helped me f-find it."

I looked toward the table and the dinner sat there getting cold. I tugged on his shirt, trying to pull him up.

"Y-You should've j-just ate without me. You m-must eat, I had you s-starving."

When we got a chance to finally eat our food, he finished in matter of minutes. I was only halfway through my plate but his was already empty.

"I actually have great news for you."