Chapter Text
Morning in the lighthouse was a hazy, indistinct thing. There was no sunrise. No household staff setting out breakfast. No Venatori guards jerking him out of whatever sleep he had managed with whatever implements of torment they had decided would start his day.
But there was coffee and a job and surprisingly pleasant company.
Bellara was currently at the rune heated stove, stirring a pot of oats and telling a story about walking trees appearing overnight in their camp in Arlathan. Rook was at the counter beside her, cutting up fruit and laughing at Bellara's imitation of her comrades waking up in a tent cradled in soaring branches.
She had a good laugh. Quiet, but warm. Sincere. It had been awhile since Lucanis had heard anyone laugh. Forever since his day would be permitted to start with such simple, frivolous pleasures.
Calm. And good company. And laughter. And coffee?
Lucanis put his cup down on the counter, the dregs of the cup getting too cold for his taste. Two mugs of tea sat nearby, probably bitter and over-steeped as he could see the baskets of leaves still sitting within them. The ladies engrossed in their tasks and camaraderie had clearly forgotten their drinks.
He waited until a pause in the story, turning towards the hutch where he kept his supplies. “I am making more coffee. Do you both want fresh cups of tea? Those aren't going to be pleasant to drink.”
Rook laughed again, putting fruit on a plate with one hand and grabbing blindly for her mug with the other. “Forgot about that. Thank you, I'm sure it's fine.”
Out of the corner of his eye Lucanis saw Rook lift the mug to her lips. She immediately made a face and put the mug back down. “Shit. And that one is your coffee. Sorry, Lucanis.” She shook her head ruefully, but took care to look at what she was doing this time and successfully claimed her tea.
“Nothing to apologize for. I'm making a new cup anyway,” Lucanis said.
Bellara giggled. “Oooo, besides. Now you can say you started your day with a kiss.”
Rook and Lucanis both looked at her, questioningly.
“You totally just put your lips where his lips were a moment ago. It's like a kiss out of time.” Bellara nudged Rook lightly, grabbing bowls to start portioning out breakfast. “One of my serials had something like that, but it involved time travel and a wine goblet that ended up poisoned, but it was alright because the hermit who was actually the King's missing brother had the antidote.” Bellara paused, gasping with delight as she looked at Rook. “Rook! Are you blushing? Oooo, no don't turn away! You totally are!”
Lucanis shook his head. What a ridiculous concept. He'd have to ask Bellara if he could borrow the book later. He turned back to his coffee, but not before catching Rook's soft laugh as she sipped her tea and tried to wave Bellara off, her hair falling to shield her face. If she was blushing, he couldn't tell.