“Are you serious?”
“Yes, I am.”
I stepped closer to Tynan, looking up. His closeness, his scent, was so incredibly familiar. It was everything my body craved, and yet it only intensified my irritation.
“Let me see her. She’s just a child. She’s scared.”
“She’s being well taken care of and you need to rest.”
“I will decide what my body needs without any input from you, or anyone else.”
“Alina, please.” Tynan reached out to take my hand, but I did not let him touch me.
“Milord, the room is ready.” Denis returned.
The three of us moved down the dimly lit hall in complete silence. My hands clenched the fabric of my skirt, trying to hide their trembling. I forced myself to take long measured breaths, but nothing seemed to work. Underneath my carefully crafted facade was a raging fire.
When we stopped in front of a set of elaborately decorated panels, I stepped forward, pushing them open.
“Another thing, milady. Sage asked if he could see you tonight,” Denis said.
“Not tonight. Thank you.” I turned around, closing the door behind me.
I pushed my back against the door, observing the dark silhouettes of the furniture, a massive bed and an unlit candle on the side table.
If I could not stop the intrusive thoughts, I was doomed to spend the entire night pacing the room or tossing and turning in my bed. But it was not that easy. My mind would not stop racing. I analyzed the situation I was in, and every time I thought I took a logical path, my feelings would overpower me and I would continue thinking the same thought over and over.
Was it because I forced him to marry? Was it because I took the choice away from him? Did he regret it? I could not change what was already done, but even if I could... What choice did I have?
Hours later, I was lying awake, staring at the clock on the mantelpiece. The sharp contrast between the cool moonlight and the deep shadow painted it two different colors. The long hand was slowly completing its circle, indifferent to my agitation and distress.
After hours of moving my pillow from side to side and throwing the blanket off, only to place it right back minutes later, I fell into a dreamless slumber that went well into the early morning. My body felt absolutely exhausted when I woke up, not at all rested, not ready for what was to come.
According to our deal, Augusta would announce her taking over the white clan and I was going to show my support to reinforce the change. I had to be there during the announcement.
Already irritated, I got up and splashed myself with chilly water, braided my hair and put on the dress I wore yesterday.
Once presentable, I opened the door expecting to see one of the clan warriors waiting in the hall. Instead, Tynan was there. He was asleep in a chair. His legs were stretched out, taking up nearly the entire hall. His dark hair laid on his cheek.
My weak heart gave a hard thump in my chest, and before I could stop myself, I took a step closer. He had stayed on the other side of the closed door, guarding me while I slept. And despite all my frustrations, the tight knot in my chest started to loosen.
The sound of footsteps came further down the corridor, and a moment later, Sage appeared from around the corner.
“Milady?” He started, but then his eyes shifted to Tynan who was already awake.
“Good morning,” I said.
“There are so many developments.” He returned his gaze to Tynan.
“I already know about the poisoning,” I interjected.
“Lady Augusta just announced that her father is calling for a clan vote. You must attend, milady, milord.”
“Yes, I was planning to attend. Could someone bring me my flying suit?” I asked.
“I’m not sure it’s... safe.” Sage hesitated, looking at Tynan.
“Your suit has already been cleaned,” Tynan intervened.
