Page 3 of The Last Knight

“Hello Oscar, I apologize for my tardiness,” Aubrey said to the cat. “I bought you some sardines.”

Together they walked into the house and straight to the kitchen. Aubrey made sure to fetch the sardines first, placed a couple onto a small dessert plate, and presented the meal to the cat.

Oscar was barely impressed, slowly eating the proffered treat.

It was almost three in the afternoon, and she had plans to cook a nice meal for her cousin, Erin, and Erin’s new husband, Padriag Clarre, who were returning from their honeymoon that evening.

Soon the house would not be as empty since the couple would be living there while building a new home on land that belonged to Padriag.

Their story was a complicated one, a fairy tale of sorts. Aubrey still had a hard time believing that not only had Padriag been trapped in another realm, another reality, but that Erin had been instrumental in saving him.

Some days, she did her best to repress the things that she herself had gone through firsthand during the harrowing experience, however, current recurring incidents made it hard. Once her cousin and new husband settled, she needed to discuss what was happening to her with both of them.

It was late afternoon when Aubrey headed to the kitchen to begin preparations for their dinner.

A swift breeze blew through the room and Aubrey froze, eyes wide, scanning the surroundings.

She more sensed than saw a figure appear in her periphery, whatever or whoever it was, was tall and broad shouldered, but when she tried to turn to see the figure, it faded.

“Find it. You must find it.” The disembodied voice was many voices at once, some deep, some high. The words seemed to float in the air, repeating.

Aubrey closed her eyes and covered her ears and took deep breaths. “Stop it,” she whispered.

“Who are you talking to?” Erin’s voice made her jump.

“M-my addled brain,” Aubrey hedged and studied the couple. Both of them radiated that unmistakable post-vacation glow, sun-kissed, relaxed, and practically humming with happiness. They looked like they’d spent days basking in paradise and sunshine, not a care in the world. Even Padriag, a natural redhead had somehow managed to pick up a warm, flattering hue that made him look almost golden.

Erin rushed to her and hugged her tightly. “It was so much fun.”

Padriag stood back and smiled. “It was an enjoyable time, but it is good to be back.”

Once the hugs and excited greetings were over, Aubrey waved them out of the kitchen with a mock-stern expression. “Go unpack and rest. I’ll whip something up for dinner, and you can tell me all about your adventures.”

Whether she’d unpacked or simply ditched their bags to hurry back, it wasn’t long before Erin reappeared, a small velvet pouch in her hand and a sparkle in her eye. “I got you something,” she said, and placed the bag in Aubrey’s palm.

Inside was a delicate pair of porcelain earrings, hand-painted, floral, and utterly dainty. Aubrey went to the mirror on the wall next to the back entrance and held them up to her ears, the soft gleam catching the sunlight. “They’re gorgeous,” she whispered turning to her cousin. Her voice trembled slightly, and a shimmer of tears welled in her eyes. She swiped at them with the back of her hand and awkwardly held the earrings up in front of her face, as if admiring them could somehow mask the emotion that had blindsided her.

But growing up practically glued at the hip meant Erin could read her like a book. She crossed her arms slowly, one brow arching in that signature no-nonsense way. Her voice was gentle but firm. “Okay…what happened?”

Aubrey forced a smile, though she was sure it didn’t quite reach her eyes. “Nothing,” she said softly. “I’m just happy you’re back. I missed you.”

Without pressing further, she slipped the earrings back into their pouch and set them gently on the kitchen island.

Erin’s gaze never wavered. “Wine?”

Aubrey nodded, grateful for something to do. “I’ll pour.” Aubrey’s voice sounded high pitched to her own ears, and she cleared her throat. She poured two glasses.

“Zina and Jeffrey are moving in together, and she said he suggested they start planning a wedding. Isn’t that great?” She held out a glass and Erin took it.

They went to the kitchen table next to a picture window overlooking a side garden. Roses in shades of yellow, red, and white, swayed in the gentle breeze, their beautiful blooms remaining regal. Needing the fresh air, Aubrey jumped up and opened a window, allowing the fragrance into the space.

“Stop stalling,” Erin said and took a sip of the Pinot Noir. “Something is up, and now you’re worrying me.”

“This is going to sound very petty, which is why I am hesitant to share.” Her eyes stung and she wanted to curse. Why was she so emotional?

Erin leaned forward, eyes wide with concern. “Aubrey?”

“Fine, I will tell you. But it really is very silly. I am hormonal, which is probably why I’m so weepy.”