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The bed is the best I’ve ever slept in. The blankets and furs are of the highest quality. Throughout the night, I was perfectly warm.
I close my eyes and stretch, wondering if I’m stuck in a dream.
At least Aderick has woken, much to my relief. The physician allowed us to see him on the second day of his recovery, when he was sitting up in bed with a tray in front of him, loaded with a bowl of steaming beef rib stew and fresh crusty bread.
But it’s been three days since we arrived here, and still, there’s no sign of that damnable archduke. I haven’t seen that white-haired demon, either.
Thatbastard.He drank from me like he was some sort of wild beast. The more I think about it, the more restless I become.
What kind of depraved pervert feasts on a woman’s blood like that? Inthatmanner? And enjoys it? And then has the gall to act like nothing untoward happened at all?
When I see him again, I’ll…
What?
What can I do against a creature like that; a demon who possesses the speed and strength of a god?
What would you do if you saw him again?
Aside from the part where he forcibly restrained me, he was actually quite gentle with me.
A tiny knot of heat tightens in my chest.
In frustration, I kick off the covers and slide out of bed, my bare feet crushing the silken pile of the rug. I pull the folds of my nightgown tighter, re-tying the fabric belt around my waist.
Faint voices reach my ears.
I walk across to the window and peer through the frosted glass.
There’s movement below. I see men, cloaked and hooded against the winter cold.
I see horses.
Some are being ridden. One, riderless, is being led by the reins. I recognize that horse; that deep brown coat and undernourished frame. It’s the quarter horse… the one I escaped on. Poor thing, he was spooked.
I don’t blame him. I would have run away too.
The horse’s hooves clop loudly on the frosted grey cobblestones. He’s trembling all over. He weaves from side to side, much to the annoyance of the man holding the reins.
He’s afraid.
They disappear around the corner.
My heart clenches. I feel bad for the horse. Have they only just found him now? After three days? He’s probably starving.
He would have been terrified out there in the cold and darkness, in unfamiliar territory, with the scent of blood and predators in his nostrils.
I want to go to him. Iknowmy presence would do him good.
I cross the room. There’s a large polished wood console against the far wall. It’s laden with various items for my comfort; a carafe of water and a pair of etched crystal glasses, a delicate glass bottle containing some sort of fragranced pink oil, a bowl filled with summer fruits—grapes, apricots, and cherries.
How is it possible that they have fresh summer fruit in Tyron?
At the end of the table, resting on a delicately embroidered blue velvet square, is a silver call-bell.
I haven’t used it yet. I never had a call-bell in Ruen Castle. Only Lady Dorava and father ever used bells to summon the servants.
Gingerly, I take the damn thing between my fingers and ring it.
