Chapter 10: Am I...a bad guy?
"Lady Ava, why are you asking me that when you wanted me to be up front so that the gods could hear me better?" First choice, deflect. It wouldn't help him if she knew that he was speaking to those frauds whenever he wanted. That, and what the "god" had said before worried him.
Lady Ava seemed greatly upset. She was sniffing, tears threatening to pour down her face. The sound was so familiar that Cass realised it had been Lady Ava who had been crying when he woke up.
"Why are you hiding it? Yes, I did tell you to move closer, but I-" She cut off, sniffing and angrily wiping under her eyes. "I can't say more if you aren't going to tell me anything. Fifi and Eddie will be angry if I reveal it without getting anything in return." Cass was surprised by her words. Whoever she was referring to as Fifi and Eddie were smart. Lady Ava did seem like the type to reveal her whole life to others if she trusted them.
At least she had good people looking out for her. Much to his dismay.
"Whatever you are referring to, Lady Ava, I might be keeping to myself for the same reasons they told you to keep it hidden." Cass replied and Lady Ava's eyes widened.
"But why? Everyone in this castle is so nice! You're even married-" She cut off, her eyes going wide and her cheeks flushing. It was clear she'd embarrassed herself, and had almost revealed something she shouldn't have. Darn it. He'd been so close.
Turning his gaze away, he intently stared at the statues. So what if he wanted to shatter them with his bare hands? She didn't know that.
"Lady Ava, I don't mean to be mean to start something by bringing this up, but I think that treatment is reserved for both you, and Lady Fiona." He could feel Lady Ava staring at him as he smirked. "I don't think that the others like me very much. Even my own wife." He gave a self-deprecating smile, surprised at his ability to act. "The other men, I can understand, but when I first woke up..." Cass dropped his head until he was staring at his lap. "It didn't feel like anyone actually cared that I'd woken up safely." Lady Ava gasped.
"No, Lord Blackburn, that's not-"
"-That, that right there. You all have nicknames for each other, and yet everyone calls me Lord Blackburn. Did I do something wrong? Did you all decide it behind my back? Calling me by my last name only makes me feel more distant from everyone. Add in my memory loss...I just feel so alone." Cass felt like it wasn't just him speaking for a moment. It was a strange feeling, like two layers existed but on a different plane. Like someone was reaching out, resonating with what he was saying.
"I never meant for you to feel that way. I-I'm so sorry." Lady Ava looked devastated. Cass chuckled and patted the spot next to him on the pew. Lady Ava quickly sat down.