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“More than just the changelings gnawing at the ice. It was… it was the village this time, andshewas there. There was blood on the ground, too.” Morozko was rambling, even he knew that, but the images in his mind were so unclear, save for the changelings and Eirah’s face.
Xezu tried to hide his grimace but wasn’t successful. “I am certain you’ll have another vision to bring clarity soon enough. And whatever you decide will be just, Your Majesty.”
Was he certain? Morozko strode up to his steward, towering over him as he leaned forward. “Is that so, or do you just say that to stroke my ego?”
Xezu’s eyes lowered, but he didn’t balk. “After all these years in your service, Your Majesty, would I ever deceive you in such a way?”
The answer was no. His current steward would never deign to do such a thing. His last one? He had. And he was dead.
Morozko motioned for him to leave, and his steward nodded. “And Xezu, don’t get attached to the maiden. She is but a wisp drifting through the halls. Do you understand?”
Xezu met his gaze, throat bobbing. “Of course.”
“Nevertheless, ensure the birdcage room is warmed for her in the east wing. Look through the trunks for a change of clothing. I’m certain something will fit her.”
A hint of surprise flickered in Xezu’s eyes, but he averted his gaze and nodded before leaving the room.
“And Xezu, she isn’t to drink a thing before supper, understand?”
His steward’s brows drew together as if trying to figure out what Morozko had up his sleeve, but then thought better of it. Xezu tsked and disappeared down the hall.
Alone again, Morozko growled and stormed toward the privacy screen where his clothing awaited. He tugged on his black trousers, lacing them up, then pulled the white linen shirt on. His long digits methodically rolled the sleeves to his biceps. When he was dressed, he gathered a leather tie in his hand and strapped his hair into a top knot.
There was no sense in leaving Eirah to rot in a sitting room. Besides, it was already morning. The first light of the sun peeked over the horizon, casting a purple glow over the land. Morozko assumed Eirah’s mood would only fester like an open wound, growing more and more poisonous as the minutes ticked by—asleep or not. He didn’t care how dour she became, but if she posed a problem to him, if she threatenedhismood, he’d start caring rather promptly.
He walked down the hall, muscles tensing in frustration with every stride he took. When he reached where he had left Eirah, Morozko nodded to the guard, Kusav.
“I checked on her once, Your Majesty.”
“Only once?” Morozko’s lips twitched, and he wondered if there was anything left of the room. He pushed open the door, glancing around the room until he spotted Eirah sleeping on the chaise. Between the physical exhaustion of prepping for the celebration, the stress of fretting over his arrival, and the ride back to the palace, he was certain shewastired.
Morozko could leave her there until she roused, or he could wake her and show her to the room Xezu readied for her. Deciding on the latter, he strode into the room, taking care not to make a sound. He approached the chaise and took a moment to appraise her softened features that had been warped into a scowl before. This close, he could see the woman in his vision.Who are you?He mused, hovering over her. He considered kicking over the chaise, rattling her again, but opted to reach for her shoulder. Before he could shake her, her eyelids flew open, horror written across her face, and she swung at him. Morozko caught her delicate wrist and squeezed lightly.
“What are you doing?” Eirah gasped, her chest heaving.
He clucked his tongue and shook his head. “Now, now. I wouldn’t advise striking your gracious host, little bird,” he said through gritted teeth and hauled her against his chest, forcing Eirah to her feet.
Sleep vanished from her eyes instantly. She was bright, alert, and ready to fight him.
He chuckled at her and loosened his hold but didn’t release her. “A room has been prepared for you.”
“A room? Don’t you mean a prison cell?” Her lips twisted into a thin line.
Morozko arched a brow. “I considered a cell, but you wouldn’t last long in the belly of the castle. You’d freeze, and spilling your blood would be a task.” He rolled his eyes. Eirah’s disregard for what he was offering her was tiresome. How many sacrifices could boast about staying in a palace, in the same wing as the king? He released her wrist and motioned toward the door. “Shall I escort you?”
Eirah lifted her chin, and in the faint tremble he saw in her lips, he knew she fought back a torrent of hatred. What would she say if he gave her permission to spew her emotions freely?
He brushed past her and led her down the hallway toward the east wing—where his quarters were. Perhaps it was foolish on his behalf, keeping her so close to where he slept at night. But with guards standing post outside his and her chambers, he didn’t think much of the little bird.
Three-quarters of the way down the length of the wall, Morozko stopped and opened a door. “This is where you’ll be staying.” He stepped through the door and assessed the room quickly. Just as instructed, the hearth was blazing, and hungry flames lapped at fresh logs. The walls, which resembled the northern lights, were green and blue except for fine lines of gold, lending it the illusion of a cage.
“Welcome to your cage, little bird.” He extended a hand, waving to her amenities. A luxurious bed sat in the middle of the room, and on the far wall, an oversized wardrobe.
“It may as well be one,” she huffed.
Morozko nodded in agreement. “Yes, it may as well, but this roomiscalled the birdcage.” He caught himself marveling at the room, remembering how he’d hide in here when he was a youngling. Just him and his wolf pup, hunkering down in the corner of the birdcage. Back then, dozens of wire cages filled with birds had lined the space. But when his mother was slain, Morozko had run into this very room and set them free because no beast deserved to be caged. Most flew out the balcony door, but some remained behind. There would be no unpacking the thoughts ofwhyhe chose one of his favored rooms for her.
“You should change into something of better quality.” He didn’t bother glancing at her as he spoke, instead eyeing the bed where the clothes awaited her.
