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“I see,” I muttered, turning to look out the window. “So I’m just to remain here indefinitely.”
“My shift is done in the morning,” Isa offered. “I don’t know what happens after that.”
I do,I thought miserably.I get sent on my way with some kind of tracker on my ass.
* * *
I tried to sleep,but my nerves were too raw, even on the massive, comfortable bed that had once been a source of security for me. In the end, I got up and wandered into the sitting room, flicking on the television. Almost immediately, one of Zen’s black and white movies came on, the sight of it ripping my heart in two again.
I picked up a pillow and pressed it to my nose, inhaling deeply, hoping to catch a whiff of his scent in the fabric. He was there, albeit faintly.
Isa remained at the threshold between the doorways, her presence making me edgier by the minute. I wasn’t sure I could go on all night like this.
Around seven, there was a knock at the door, and I perked up hopefully, but it was just a maid delivering another tray.
“Courtesy of Alpha King Zen,” Tavia announced, as if she didn’t recognize me. Excitement rushed through me to see the familiar face, and I reached for my friend’s hand, my eyes popping when I saw her.
“Tavia!” I breathed, relieved. I wondered if Zen had specifically sent her in, too. “Stay with me for a few minutes.”
Embarrassed, Tavia glanced at Isa, who shook her head firmly.
“I can’t, Miri.” She backed out of the suite like she hadn’t spent the past two weeks helping me plan my wedding to Zen. “I have to get back to work.”
I almost told her to forget about work, but I stopped myself. I didn’t have the authority to do that, not anymore. Frustration burned inside of me. “Will you come back after your shift?”
“I… I don’t know if I’m allowed, Mirielle,” she whispered, again sneaking a peek at Isa.
“I’m sorry, miss. No visitors,” Isa intoned. “You’re not permitted visitors.”
I groaned loudly, wondering what I’d agreed to. Maybe it would have been better if I’d just gone after all.
“This is crazy!” I exploded. “Get Zen in here!”
“I have to go,” Tavia said, hurrying out as I glowered at the Royal Guards.
“Don’t shoot the messenger, Miss Mirielle. The king has given his orders,” Isa insisted, refusing to budge on the matter.
I gnawed on the insides of my cheeks, fighting the urge to scream out that I’d changed my mind, that I didn’t want to do this anymore, that I wanted to leave. I wasn’t changing one prison for another, leaving Agnan’s captivity for the king’s.
“You should eat something,” Isa offered, trying to shift the subject, but food was the last thing on my mind.
I parted my lips to refuse, but as I did, a loud pounding on the door stopped me.
Instantly, Isa was on guard, rushing toward the threshold, her hand on her waist to reach for her castle-issued dagger. “Who’s there?”
“Calliver,” came the recognizable voice. “Open the door!”
Isa stepped back to let the head of the Royal Guard, who was also Zen’s personal guard, inside. His eyes flashed as he looked at me and Isa.
“Stay here and stay hidden,” he hissed, his face taut with concern. “Don’t come out for anyone or anything.”
“What’s going on?” I demanded, jumping up from the settee, my heart pounding. He wouldn’t have come unless it was of dire importance.
“Endora is putting a shroud of protection on the royal floor,” he continued, as if I hadn’t spoken. “Don’t move, either of you! That’s an order, Isa.”
He whirled around and rushed out the same way he’d come, leaving me and Isa to look at one another.
“CALLIVER!” I yelled, forcing him to turn around. He glowered at me. “What is going on?”
