I wrinkled my forehead, concentrating on putting one foot in front of the other. Weakness overpowered me all at once, and I stopped, too exhausted to take another step. In one confident motion, the sentry picked me up and hurried through the long galleries and up numerous sets of stairs.
“This way,” Sally directed him.
My eyes had already closed. My forehead touched the man’s freshly shaven cheek and the warmth of this touch brought me more peace than I had ever known. I just wanted to be held like that forever. Nothing else mattered.
“Kent? Explain yourself!” someone called from further down the hall.
I could not keep my eyes open, and barely heard Sally’s voice and the low baritone that followed.
Finally, I was carried back to my room and gently placed on top of the covers of my already made bed.
“Thank you,” I whispered.
Even with my eyes closed, I could feel his presence in the room. He lingered for only a moment, and then, as his footsteps faded, the incredible sense of security disappeared with them. The sound of the door opening and closing confirmed that he was gone.
CHAPTER THREE
ALINA
“Milady, it’s time.” Sally stood above me with a glass full of murky liquid.
“No. I can’t.” I turned to my side, shaking my head.
“Milady, you need to take your medicine. Do you remember what the doctor said? Your nerves need some rest and relief.”
“But now I always feel worse after I take it, Sally.”
Something had changed and it seemed the vile substance was stronger. I fought the wave of nausea just thinking about the bitter taste of whitebane in my mouth.
“Please. Do it for me,” the girl pleaded in a lowand gentle voice.
I locked eyes with her. Sally was the only person who helped me through the long nights when I spewed my guts out, and the long, miserable days when I was bound to my bed, unable to get up.
My hand was noticeably shaking when I picked up the glass and took a small tentative sip.Immediately, my throat burned and I coughed. My insides protested and I almost vomited.
A light knock sounded at the door and Sally rushed to open it. I lifted my body up on my pillows and covered myself with the blanket. I still wore the light pink dress from two days before and I did not even care if I looked presentable.
A muffled rustle came from the doorway, and a moment later, Lady Corliss made her entrance.
“Alina, my dear. I heard about what happened. It must have been so terrifying. Do not be afraid, it will never happen again.”
She approached the bed and gently took my hand. Her fingers brushed against my skin, comforting me as if I were a little child in need of reassurance. Her almost liquid, light eyes looked deeply into my soul, as if she was searching for something.
“I . . . I’m alright,” I whispered.
“We will take care of everything. All you need to do is rest, get better.” She glanced at the glass in my other hand.
“Thank you.”
“We assigned you a personal guard who will be with youat all times. And as soon as you are more rested, you can spend more time choosing your future mate.”
Lady Corliss sat on the side of my bed. Her fingers gently patted the skin on my wrist and I watched her beautiful eyes scrutinizing my face.
“Prepare the bride for lunch in the parlor,” she said without turning to look at Sally.
“Yes, milady.”
“But I . . .” I tried to protest.
