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But I would get over that. I’d get better. I’d learn everything I needed to learn, just as I’d told Hildfree.
Grasping the spoon, I started shovelling stew into my mouth, as if my resolve would weaken without an influx of salty protein. I moaned as I chewed. It was so good. I was a decent hunter, so I had meat at home fairly regularly. But I never seasoned and cooked mine as skilfully as this, and when the kindling ran low, I often ate it cold and raw. There were vegetables in the stew, too – gold-stemmed garlic and green field tubers and purple potatoes – that added a starchy goodness to the concoction.
It was the best meal I’d had in a long, long time. Maybe ever.
It gave me strength, but in combination with the hot bath, it also made me feel heavy and sleepy. I got out of the bath – no easy feat, considering how gigantic it was – and rinsed my bowl and spoon in the bath water before draining it. Despite my fatigue, I forced myself to wash my dress and panties with a little fresh water so that I’d have something clean to wear tomorrow. I towelled off with a gorgeously soft length of fabric that I’d found on a nearby shelf, then walked, legs shaky, to the bed.
Like the bath, it took some work to climb up into it. But it was worth it. The mattress was firm but had just the right cushiony give. The pillows and blankets were just as luxurious and warm as they looked. With flames glowing in the fireplace nearby and the blankets on top of me, I was perfectly comfortable sleeping here naked – something unheard of in winter for me. Usually, I slept in my cloak and boots. I giggled, wiggling my toes, enjoying the feel of smooth, clean silk sheets on my bare, damp skin.
I wonder if he’s in his room right now…
I couldn’t tell if the thought of Sigwulf being so close was comforting or not. I felt a flush of gladness that his room was next to mine, but my chest also clenched in an unnerving way.
I didn’t have too long to worry about it. Because soon, I drifted into the warmest, deepest sleep of my life.
Chapter 8
Wynthea
I awoke the next morning to sunny dawn flaming through the window in my room. The sunbeams were welcome after a grey few days. They made Quaarkvearn’s scales gleam and Oleana’s face glow.
I smiled at the pair of them.
“Good morning, you two!”
I got out of bed. I was sad to say goodbye to the plush pillows and the heavy warmth of the bedcovers, but I was also excited to begin my first day of work. And, maybe just a little excited to see Sigwulf again.
Only in a professional way, of course.
I splashed a little water on my face and cleaned my teeth. I regarded myself critically in the polished mirror in the bathing area. Sighing, I finger-combed my brown hair, trying to make it look somewhat presentable. Sleeping on it wet had left it with odd kinks and waves, and it was just slightly too short to tie back properly. My dress, when I slipped it on, was still damp from last night’s washing. Not an auspicious start to the day. Thank goodness Sigwulf said there was no dress code.
I wrinkled my nose at the idea of putting on my filthy boots. Instead, I chose a worn pair of leather slippers from my bag. They were so thin and riddled with holes that they hadn’t been worth selling. I was glad I’d kept them, now. They may have been on the verge of falling apart, but at least they were cleaner than the boots.
I didn’t bother casting another look in the mirror before I left the room. This was as good as it was going to get and I didn’t need to be reminded of just how not good enough that was.
I took a breath to calm the nerves in my belly, then opened the chamber’s door.
“Oh!” I said, taken aback. “Good morning!”
Sigwulf stood in the hallway, facing my door. He was wearing a similar outfit to yesterday – crisp white shirt and tight black pants. His hands were folded behind his back, his perfect posture emphasizing the taut pull of his pectoral muscles beneath the fabric of his shirt.
“Good morning,” he replied. His wings pulsed slightly, drawing my fascinated gaze for a brief moment. “It occurred to me that you wouldn’t know your way down to the kitchen for breakfast.”
“That’s kind of you, thank you,” I said, feeling heat creep into my cheeks. I ran a self-conscious hand over my hair. “I hope you weren’t waiting out here too long.”
“Since before dawn. I didn’t know when you would wake.”
“Oh my! Are you usually such an early riser?” I asked, unable to stop a smile from unfurling on my face.
A muscle twitched in his jaw.
“No.”
Blast. Maybe he couldn’t sleep because he was regretting letting me stay here. Maybe he’s even more nervous than me. Nervous that I’ll do a terrible job.
More than ever, I wanted to prove myself to him.
“Let’s eat quickly,” I said firmly. “Then we’ll get started.”
