EIGHTY
Yalda woke up rather early the next day. The other side of the bed was empty and cold; Alexander had been out of bed for a while now, or perhaps he hadn’t been there at all. She pushed the covers off her body, and it was only when she sat up that she realized she was wearing a light nightdress, she had been so exhausted last night that she couldn’t even remember when Alexander had put a nightdress on her.
She climbed out of bed and headed to the restroom, it was long before she returned, threw on a robe, and headed out of the room. She had no idea where she was headed, all she knew was that she was going to find Alexander. Something told her he hadn’t slept much, that their squabble last night had somehow gotten to him.
Of course, she knew him well enough to know that he’d seek comfort in somewhere dark and quiet, somewhere like his study or the library. She had no idea where the library was but she kept making her way down the hallway until she came across one of the attendants whose name she couldn’t quite remember.
“Good morning, ma’am.” She greeted warmly.
Ma’am…..
They all treated her as though she owned the place, as though she was truly Alexander’s girlfriend.
“Good morning.” She replied. “Have you seen Alexander?”
Alexander….
Thinking back, she realized she rarely ever called him Alexander, she rarely ever called him at all; there was never a need to.
“Oh, yes. He’s in the library.” She replied.
She had guessed right. Now she only needed directions on how to find the library. Luckily, she didn’t need to ask because the lady spoke again.
“The library is just down that way; you can’t miss it.” She told her.
She offered her a grateful smile before walking away determinedly. The portraits on the walls were just as captivating as the ones in the other hallways, but she didn’t let her gaze linger; they didn’t catch her attention enough. How could they anyway? Her heart had begun pounding heavily as she neared the library, she was beginning to worry about how her meeting with Alexander would go.
They had both been really upset last night. Yes, they had had passionate sex afterwards, but that didn’t mean all was well. She knew Alexander well enough to know that all wasn’t well, that he hadn’t let go of what had happened. Her heart clenched. Perhaps she should have simply let him leave last night, perhaps she shouldn’t have escalated things.
It wasn’t long before she was standing in front of a door which she assumed was the library. She considered knocking but thought against it; there was no need to. She opened the door quietly and stepped into the space which was a marvel. Her gaze flickered around quickly as she took in the tall shelves filled with books and what seemed to be scrolls. It looked like it had been conjured from a fantasy,
She sighted him seated at the desk with his head down and resting on his folded arms. Of course, she noticed the wine glass and the half empty bottle of wine, she also noticed the handkerchief clutched in his hand, and on getting closer, she confirmed that it had patches of blood on it; it had her heart clenching once more.
On getting to him, she contemplated whether or not to wake him, she wasn’t even sure he was sleeping. Her heart pounded heavily as she reached out to touch his hand, her hand trembled till it made contact with his, and her heart fell to the pit of her stomach as his head jerked up to face her.
His eyes were red and drowsy, and his hair was a mess but he looked breathtaking as always.
“Yalda.” He spoke first, his voice was deep but low.
“I didn’t mean to wake you.” She said immediately. “I’m sorry.”
He shook his head.
“Why are you up already?” He asked her.
Was he truly asking that?
“Why are you here?” She in turn asked him.
He rolled his eyes heavenwards as he straightened up and leaned back into his seat. He was obviously exasperated.
“I woke up and you weren’t there, I decided to come find you.” She told him.
His gaze returned to hers and he merely nodded. He seemed exhausted, tortured even. It had her heart clenching once more and her breath faltering.
“Are you alright?” she asked him, her voice was quiet, nothing higher than a whisper.
“I am.” He replied.
“Your handkerchief…”
He shook his head.
“I nosebleed from time to time. It’s nothing to be worried about.” He told her before glancing at his wristwatch. “It’s still early, we should get back to bed.”
She wasn’t against returning to bed with him, at least he’d get some decent sleep. She nodded though all she wanted to do was point out the fact that he obviously wasn’t alright.
He pushed his seat back and stood up, pinching the bridge of his nose, he made his way around the desk to join her.
“Shall we?” He asked.
“Sure.” She replied quietly.
With that, he took her hand and lead her out of the comforting space.
“How did you find me?” He asked her as they made their way back to their bedroom.
He sounded almost as though he hadn’t wanted to be found.
“One of the attendants gave me directions.” She replied.
He nodded uninterestedly.
“You shouldn’t have bothered.” He told her.
A humorless chuckle left her as she shook her head. How could she not? She didn’t say this though, she didn’t want to make him uncomfortable again.
“What are we going to do today?” She asked him.
He shrugged.
“We can do whatever you want.” He replied.
“I don’t know what I want.”
It was clear that she was clueless here, she had no idea what she was to do.
“Are you in the mood to meet new people?” He asked her.
She shook her head immediately. She had done enough socializing yesterday.
“We’ll visit the garden then, it’s quiet and beautiful.” He told her. “Would you like that?”
That was more like it. She nodded once more.
“Good.”
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