frøm rîçhëš to ràgs {crystal only <3}

[ᴄʀʏsᴛᴀʟғʀᴏsᴛ]

Rylan didn't even seem to notice the luxuries. He just strode toward the kitchens, intending to have his cook make something for Wren to eat.

[~echo~]

"Rylan," she said, trotting behind to keep up. "I just wanted to thank you... for everything."

[ᴄʀʏsᴛᴀʟғʀᴏsᴛ]

Rylan shrugged. "Like I said, I can't help all my subjects, but I can help you."

[~echo~]

She paused. "But... why me? Why did you choose me?"

[ᴄʀʏsᴛᴀʟғʀᴏsᴛ]

Rylan paused outside the kitchens and looked back at her. "Because... I like you," he said. Then he stepped inside and located his cook.

[~echo~]

Wren looked positively amazed. But before she could respond, he had left and she was alone. She wasn't sure if she would follow him or not.

[ᴄʀʏsᴛᴀʟғʀᴏsᴛ]

Rylan made sure the food was started before telling the servants to bring it up to his private dining room and then stepping back out into the hallway.

[~echo~]

Wren was still standing there, her hands clasped in front of her body. She looked up at him. "Hi," she said softly.

[ᴄʀʏsᴛᴀʟғʀᴏsᴛ]

"There will be some hot food ready for you in a few minutes," Rylan said. "Why don't you accompany me upstairs to wait?"

[~echo~]

Wren smiled hesitantly. "Okay. Thank you," she said.

[ᴄʀʏsᴛᴀʟғʀᴏsᴛ]

Rylan smiled and offered her his arm again. "I think you'll like your quarters," he said.

[~echo~]

She shyly looped her arm with his and nodded. "I am sure I will," she said.

[ᴄʀʏsᴛᴀʟғʀᴏsᴛ]

Rylan led her through the corridors and to an upstairs bedroom. There was a private sitting room separate from the bedroom, and all-together the quarters were huge. A guest room for a very distinguished guest. Good thing Rylan rare had 'distinguished guests.'

[~echo~]

Wren's eyes widened as she looked around, covering her mouth with her hands. "Oh, Rylan... it's beautiful!"

[ᴄʀʏsᴛᴀʟғʀᴏsᴛ]

"It's yours," Rylan said with a smile. "For as long as you want to stay."

[~echo~]

Wren smiled, although she hated taking charity. "I won't be long here... only until I can find another boarding job."

[ᴄʀʏsᴛᴀʟғʀᴏsᴛ]

Rylan watched her, his face blank. He could see her unwillingness to accept his offer, though. "You could work for me, if you wanted to."

[~echo~]

She thought for a mere moment before nodding. "I accept. But if I work here, I cannot accept this room..."

[ᴄʀʏsᴛᴀʟғʀᴏsᴛ]

Rylan sighed. He knew there was no arguing with her. He could see it in her eyes. "Very well. But the offer still stands, should you choose to accept it."

[~echo~]

"Thank you," she said. "Where should I get my uniform?"