He’s either the most forgetful ruler in existence, or he’s looking for an excuse to come see me.
Not that I blame him for wanting to keep an eye on things. There’s no way he trusts me enough to leave me alone in here for too long. Heshouldn’ttrust me—considering that every time he’s gone for more than a few minutes, I’m up scavenging his room for anything interesting or useful that I can find.
Unfortunately, there’s little to uncover, aside from a few odd letters that make no sense without more context; he may be a fool to leave me alone in his room, but he’s not a big enough fool to leave damning evidence of any kind, it seems.
It’s disappointing, but at least I’ve gotten this close. At least he actually talked to me at length last night.AndI managed not to accidentally expose my breasts again.
So, a productive time, all in all.
I can’t deny that I feel well-rested, either, despite the awkward sleeping arrangements. And whatever remedies he gave me last night, and again this morning…they’re working. My head barely hurts. The all-over soreness I’ve gotten used to waking up with is more muted, too.
My strength only grows as the morning presses on, and I find myself eager to leave. But my escape attempt is thwarted by the guards outside. A servant appears shortly thereafter, offering a platter of tea and cakes and informing me that I’m expected to remain here until the king has a chance to discuss some important matters with me.
Resigned, I move to a bright alcove jutting off the main bedroom. Its walls are made of glass, and it overlooks a small section of the creek that winds around the palace grounds. In the distance, the city of Lucindris unfolds in neat, orderly layers, the sun painting it in shades of rose and amber. It’s abeautiful view. Stepping fully into the space makes me feel like I’m being transported to an entirely different world. A softer, warmer one.
I sit at the small table here, sipping tea, using the moment to try and sort through everything that happened yesterday.
To my surprise, it’s not the conversation Reave and I had about magic and the Flamebound and everything else that jumps to the forefront of my mind.
Itshouldbe what I’m focusing on.
But instead, my mind drifts to thoughts of his hands against my body. His careful, soothing touch. A traitorous heat floods through me as I remember his voice. His concern.
Easy. You’re okay. Just don’t move.
I grip the Ashwalker mark on my arm, giving my head a little shake.
He cared for me foronenight.
That doesn’t erase all the things he and his family have done.
And everyone knows that the King of Mouren is a manipulative bastard, anyway; whatever his reasons were for taking care of me, I know the majority of them were self-serving.
Which is why I’m not entirely surprised when he brings me lunch, sits down across from me, and bluntly says, “I have a favor to ask.”
I regard him warily, reaching for a slice of warm bread from the platter of food he’s set between us.
“A favor?” I repeat. “Or do you mean an addendum to our already agreed-upon contract?”
He settles back in his chair. “…We can negotiate, I suppose.”
“I’m listening, then.”
He looks to that distant view of his city for a moment before continuing. “Word has already spread about the fires you summoned yesterday. The inhabitants of this palace are not known for their ability to keep secrets.”
I think of those servants from earlier. “I’ve noticed. I’m guessing they all already know I spent the night with you, too.”
“There might be some…excitement spreading through the halls, in regard to that.”
I pause in the middle of buttering the bread. “Excitement?”
“They see it as a positive sign that you’re…yielding to me.” He casually reaches for an apple from the platter.
I grip the butter knife tighter, barely resisting the urge to stab his hand. “Isthatwhy you insisted on bringing me to your room? So you could make people believe you hadcontrolover me?”
“No. I told you last night: I did it to protect you. This is just a potential added bonus.”
The knife shakes in my hand.
