He continued, his tone softening again as he spoke and his gaze was intent and unwavering, “Your father trusts me to keep you and everyone in this castle safe. That responsibility is something I take seriously.
“I don’t like being tricked, Captain. I especially don’t appreciate men making decisions about my life without my input.” Noticing he was still holding my arm, I wrenched it free from his grasp.
He let go and stepped beside me on the stairs, his presence unyielding. “I promise you, I was only doing my job, and I don’t regret bringing it to your father’s attention,” he said, raising hishand to stop me from talking over him. “However, I do regret upsetting you. In the future, I’ll consult you before making any changes that affect your routines.” He lowered his hand and arched an eyebrow, awaiting my response.
“Very well then, Captain,” I said, my tone edged with frustration.
“Jeremy,” he replied, a faint smile tugging at his lips.
“Very well then, Captain,” I repeated, a hint of defiance in my voice, which only widened his smile.
I stepped onto the landing and turned sharply, walking away without a second glance, leaving Jeremy standing on the stairs. His gaze lingered on me, tracking my every move until I vanished down the hall.
When I returned to my room, I found three emerald green vials and a note neatly placed on my nightstand. A maid must have delivered them while I was at dinner. I picked up the note and read.
*
Take half a vial before bed for a dreamless sleep.
-Spencer, Head Healer
*
It didn’t look particularly inviting. When I twisted open the vial, a pungent odor immediately wafted out, making me almost gag from the sudden unpleasant scent. The liquid inside moved sluggishly, and I scrunched my face in disgust at its contents. I sighed, recapping the vial and setting it back on my nightstand. If it worked as my mother claimed, perhaps it would knock me out so thoroughly that it would nullify whatever magic kept dragging me to unknown places.
I decided I would try it at least once and see if it helped. It couldn’t hurt.
I crossed the room and began to peel off my dress, the fabric tight as I worked the sleeves down over my arms. Normally, amaid would help me, but I’d snuck away early, seeking solitude for a reason. It was difficult, but not impossible.
Once my arms were free, I tugged at the laces of the corset, fumbling for the ends behind my back. My fingers ached from the tension of the laces, but after a few attempts, I managed to loosen the knots. The pressure around my ribs eased, and I was able to take in a full breath.
Carefully, I slid the corset off, its boning scraping lightly against my skin as it released its grip. The gown followed, pooling at my feet in a heap of layers. I was left in nothing, but a delicate lace pair of underwear and a thin lace garment draped over my breasts, barely offering any coverage.
I kicked the dress aside and stalked toward the bathing chamber, the cool air against my skin a welcome reprieve.
The moment my hand touched the doorknob, a sharp twisting sensation churned in my stomach. I realized what was about to happen, and my eyes widened in panic.
In nothing but my lacey black underwear, I vanished.
Chapter 3
Zara
The darkness and wind whipped around me, and I felt the familiar falling sensation before landing on something hard.
“Fucken hell,” A rough male voice rang out.
Not something.Someone.My eyes flew open as an arm wrapped around me from behind, pulling me against a solid chest. They pinned my arms, pressing me so tightly against their chest that I could barely move. How was this person so strong?
“How did you get into my tent?” the gruff voice growled into my ear, the chill of metal pressing against the base of my throat.
“I don’t know,” I whispered, my voice barely more than a breath. Panic surged through me as my eyes darted around the dimly lit space. The air was thick with the scent of damp canvas and smoke. My heart pounded against my ribcage as I took in my surroundings. A desk cluttered with scattered papers stood haphazardly to one side, a cot on the other. The tent’s entrance loomed in front of me, and the coarse, familiar fabric of the walls pressed in on me as I felt a sickening jolt of realization.
“I don’t believe you,” the male growled again into my ear, his voice vibrating through his chest. His arm was hot against my bare skin, and the sensation reminded me what I wore—or rather didn’t wear. The male suddenly inhaled sharply, and I felt him tense as if he had realized the same thing.
“Why don’t you have clothes on?” he grumbled, and his grip loosened around my body. “Did Julian send you?” He sighed, pulling the blade away from my throat.
As soon as the blade lowered, I threw my head back with all my strength, hitting him square in the face. His grip faltered, and I tumbled to the floor, landing roughly. The male let out a startled yell of surprise.
