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Right now, I would love to go back to last night and not come to Kira’s quarters. I cautiously shift my weight and slip my legs out from under the covers over the edge of the bed. The movement is dizzying, and I grip the sheets, steadying myself.
After everything stops spinning, and I successfully stop the bile in my throat from spewing, I grab my undergarments and dress from the floor. I look around for my corset, not remembering taking it off. Slowly and painfully, I put my clothes on and sit back on the bed.
Kira stretches and yawns behind me, causing me to freeze.
“Good morning.” Her voice is soft and dreamy.
“Good morning,” I say, turning to look at her as she sits up and tucks her knees into her chest.
“Last night was a lot of fun,” she says.
A shy smile spreads across her face as she tucks her hair behind one ear. I adjust my position so I can see her better, placing a bent knee on the bed.
“From what I can remember, it was. But it shouldn’t have happened, and I’m sorry for that,” I state.
Her expression turns to stone.
“Don’t do that. Don’t act like I didn’t want it just as much as you. Like I said last night, we were on the same page.” Her words are harsh and clipped.
I never seem to know what to say to her anymore. It’s as if everything I say is wrong, which is infuriating.
I turn and put my feet on the ground, entirely unsure of what to say.
“Don’t ... don’t shut me out again, Lils. I can’t take the cold shoulder anymore. Can we at least be friends?” she asks.
I rub my temples because it’s too early, and this conversation is too intense for this severe hangover. A drawer opens, and Kira rummages through her side table.
“Here.”
I look over my shoulder to see her handing me a vial with purple liquid in it.
“It’s a hangover elixir from the apothecary. It will cure that pain in your head,” she states.
I take the small vial from her hand, tilting it, watching the mixture roll from side to side. I’ve never had a hangover elixir before. Then again, I don’t make it a habit to get this drunk. Thankful for the possibility of relief, I uncork the vial and down the tart liquid. I can’t quite place the herbs I taste.
“Thank you. I’ll get a replacement for you as soon as I can,” I say.
She waves her hand at me. “Don’t worry about it. I have plenty more from where that came,” she says.
I nod and set the empty vial on the nightstand.
At least I was coherent enough last night to stash my dagger and adveho ring there. I pick them up, put my ring back on, and strap the dagger to my right thigh.
Suddenly, grunts and growls from the nobu filter through Kira’s window. I raise my head as if I can see them from here.
“They’ve been agitated the past few days,” she states with concern.
The unease that has been twisting my stomach returns.
“They have, and we haven’t been able to figure out why,” I say as the angry nobu sounds and the thrashing of water echo through the quiet chambers.
“I better get going before Nyx looks for me.”
I stand from the bed, my dizziness already fading. That is a quick-acting elixir. I’ll have to go buy some for myself.
Turning to face her, I see my corset hooked on a chair near the door and make a mental note to grab it on my way out. Kira has the bed sheet pulled up around her breasts and is pulling on a loose thread on the top blanket. Her face is a mix of sorrow and fear.
“Speak your mind, Kira. You’ve never been one to hold back, so why do it now?”
