Ambrose knew well enough by now to know that the monsters weren’t outside.
She didn’t recognize him. Probably stationed somewhere further in the palace than where she was usually posted or assigned to. The guard had removed his cape and had it draped over his arm, the signal for his end of duties and that he too had been relieved. He looked almost as tired and worn as she felt. It would appear as though neither of them had the best of days.
“Good thing I’m not afraid of the dark,” Ambrose replied, carefully aware of how he watched her. It was as though the walls around her closed in and suddenly became half their size.
“Brave girl,” he smirked. “Why don’t I escort you back. The walk is still quite a ways and I would love the company. "
The guards’ dormitories were nowhere near them.
He was lying.
His smile grew as he stared at her, a sinister twinkle forming in his eye that she couldn’t place, all the while his eyes maintained a cold hunger to them that made her skin crawl. She scanned the man in front of her. Human. Definitely Human. But there was no way to know if he was a mage until he started channeling, let alone what kind of Elemental he could be. He stood a good head taller than her and had a slender but muscular build that she weighed her odds against. Eyes darting around them for anyone else to escort—or save—her from this interaction, she became painfully aware of how empty the hallways were.
They were completely alone.
Guards didn’t usually pick on servants. Some might get annoyed sometimes, but usually they ignored them and kept their attention on their duty. Rarely did one in the palace ever attack or hurt a servant. It wasn’t the Imperial Guards’ style. They were there to maintain order, but the Draconian Guard had no queasiness when it came to dealing out pain or punishment.
So what did he want with her?
“Thank you.” She bowed. “But I’m sure you’re exhausted. I couldn’t possibly bother you in such a way—”
“Not a bother at all,” he cut her off, eyes and bared teeth glowing against the candlelight.
Apparently, she had an escort.
Wonderful.
“Thank you, sir. You’re far too kind.” She gave a small curtsy.
“A lady shouldn’t be left alone at this hour. It wouldn’t be safe.” The guard beckoned her forward with a jerk of his chin and an outstretched hand which she politely ignored with what she hoped looked like a shy smile.
Ambrose had been called many things in her life, but a ‘lady’ had neverbeen one of them. With no choice, she forced a grin, passed the guard, and made her way down the hallway. Achingly aware of his footsteps now in cadence behind her.
Tap. Tap. Tap.
“I love the palace this time of night.” The guard’s voice cut the silence like a finely crafted knife. Sharp and deliberate. “It’s as though the whole world just melts away.”
Unfortunately.
“What does have you up so late, sir? The nobility has been retired for some time now. The guard was off a while ago. It can’t be that you’vejustbeen relieved?” Ambrose poked, hoping to keep him talking until they reached the dorms.
“You’re very inquisitive for a servant.” His gaze bore holes in the back of her spine.
Any day before this one and Ambrose would’ve said she loved how long and wide the corridors were, how they went on forever and one could get lost in them. She didn’t feel that way now…
Now it felt like there was nowhere to run.
“You’ve been such a generous escort. The servants’ quarters aren’t far from here. I wouldn’t want to keep someone so important any longer and take advantage of your kindness. I’d be happy to walk the rest of the way.”
Runwas what she was really thinking.
“Are you trying to get rid of me?” His footsteps stopped.
“No sir! No. I simply didn’t want to take advantage of your kind heart when I’m sure you’d much rather be back in the comfort of your own bed.” She hoped her words would be enough to turn his attention.
There was a moment of silence that hung in the air like an executioner.
“You could be comfortable in my bed too.” His words felt more like a threat than an invitation.
