Page 57 of Nocturn

“Erm.” She coughed. “Right.”

We strode in silence until we reached the chamber. Minuscule in comparison to Lord Draven’s, but just as elegant. My hovel back at the Bjorn estate could not be compared to any of the splendor that had surrounded me since arriving at the Kingdom.

The ivory wood bracketing the doorframe was identical to the wood fixtures lining the rest of the chamber. A squat canopy over one bed was adorned in iron framing similar to the Citadel. Our steps became muffled upon stepping onto the plush rug across the stone floor. Two vanities and two wardrobes accompanied each side of the bedframes.

“This is my bed,” Branwen offered, shuffling over to a wide, plush bed held up by a simple ivory frame. It rested with the head flush to the wall, and angled out, closer to the fireplace across the window. “Yours is that one.” She motioned to the other bed opposite hers under the window.

Why would I have a place here? Would I not return? I struggled to comprehend what was happening.

“If you would like, we can move yours closer to the fire,” Branwen continued. “I do not mind switching things about, but I must remain close to a flame. I am much too prone to chills.”

“I will be sleeping here?” I finally asked.

“Yes, you are sharing this chamber with Branwen.” Vera kept looking at me, her intense focus causing my stomach to turn. “Do not fret. We have everything that we could need here.” A smile bloomed across her face. “And we have plenty of entertainment.” She said this as if I should know what she spoke of.

“Oh,” I said softly, approaching the bed. I ran my fingers over the thin fur, nothing close to the plushness of Lord Draven’s bedding.

Had he sent me here to tell me how worthless to him I was?

The thick knot in my throat did not allow me to swallow properly. Last night had been altering. I did not know pleasure like that could exist, but Saints it did. And it was wondrous. In his arms, I felt alive and wanton.

A burst of laughter echoed from down the hall.

“What is that commotion?” Vera said suddenly, peering in the direction we’d come. She left with clipped steps.

I squeezed the fur.

He had even allowed me to slumber beside him. My heart clenched. But after that beautiful moment, he had Lady Drusilla toss me aside.

Missive received.

“Are you well?” Branwen’s soft question wrenched me from my musings . . . from my hurt.

I cleared my throat. “Do you . . . enjoy residing here?”

Branwen pursed her lips and sat on her bed, arranging the panels of her gown around her.

“It is an honor to serve our king . . . and there are plenty of benefits,” she murmured. “But there is no use in becoming too attached. We are nothing but temporary. After all, we shall be switched out in a few annum rotations or so when we have grown too aged. We are released with a stipend. Then we leave and the Trials are held to select the next feeders.”

The wretched Trials. Miriam had gone through a phase of chattering about it incessantly, reading every bit of the newspapers reporting on the drama of the event. It was a source of entertainment throughout the realm.

Quick steps approached from the entrance. Vera entered, her eyes bright and excited.

“Lord Vaner is requesting you, Amara,” she announced, pleased with herself. “Officer Egan came to retrieve you.”

I followed Vera’s pointed glance toward Branwen in time to see her face flush.

“Why is he here for me?” I asked.

“No idea. I was told to fetch you posthaste.” Vera returned her focus to Branwen. “I also have word that Lord Cedric arrived at the Kingdom.” She raised her eyebrows as if she had delivered scandalous news.

Branwen gasped. “Has he been given a chamber in the House of Lords already?”

“I believe so.” Vera laughed. “Can you imagine Lord Cedric here? The randy lad is going to tup everything that moves.”

She did not sound upset about this fact.

“All the council members live here?”