Like that, all the wicked thoughts running through my mind vanish.
I cannot let my only friend wait on me like I’m some high and mighty princess when she knows the truth.
Still, arguing with him seems futile. Once he goes, I will make my own plans.
He drags what looks like a roll of black bandages from his bedside drawer. “Promise me you will not return to the caverns.”
I nod to appease him.
“I mean it, Allette. I’m not above binding you to the bed.”
“You wouldn’t.”
“Test me. I dare you.” My breath catches when he eases forward, his soft, luxurious mouth trailing kisses down my jaw to my neck. “Those wrists of yours would look glorious tied to my headboard.” The sheet slips, revealing the tops of my breasts. He captures one stiff peak between his lips, flicking with his tongue. “I really need to go…” he groans, pulling back to stare at my damp flesh.
“Or you could stay and let me help you with this.” Smirking, I grip him over his trousers.
His head falls forward, a growl of frustration rumbling against my naked flesh. “Walking away from you naked and in my bed is hard enough.”
I stroke him nice and slow. “Very, very hard.”
“If you don’t stop, I won’t be able to walk.”
With a heavy sigh, I let him go and fall back onto the pillow. But because I’m feeling cheeky, I tuck my hands behind my head and let him drink his fill of my naked form. “You are no fun.”
He covers his face with his hands but still takes a peek through his fingers before retreating a step. “I despise the king.”
My smile fades as he turns and walks away. “So do I.”
Lounging aimlesslyin bed gives reality a chance for vengeance, and once the questions begin, they don’t stop.
What am I going to do when Senan leaves?
More urgent than that, what am I going to dotoday? If I do not return to those caverns, my position will likely be filled bythe end of the day, and I’ll not have another chance. It’s not that I don’t trust Senan to take care of me. I believe that he has the best of intentions, but intentions don’t always matter. Look at what happened four years ago.
I kick away the sheets and right myself, feeling guilty all over again when I find bloody red smears all over the pristine white fabric. They need changed and replaced, and there is no sense in waiting for someone else to do it when I am perfectly capable of handling the task on my own.
So I strip the soiled linens, setting them next to the servants’ entrance. On my way back to the bed, I catch a glimpse of myself in the mirror next to the armoire. I look as if I’ve been in a bloody war. Not only is there blood smeared across my chest, but the smudges beneath my eyes have never been as dark. Of course, it doesn’t help that my hair is matted to the side of my head.
Before I can bring these sheets downstairs, I will need a bath. When I step into the bathing room, I nearly expire. Stars above, this room is nearly as large as my chambers back in my aunt’s tower. The tub doesn’t rise from the floor but sinks down into it. I kneel next to the tap to run the water, watching it fill with my knees to my chest, telling myself not to get used to this.
When I’m on my own again, I won’t be able to afford such luxuries. I really shouldn’t indulge now, but I must make myself look presentable in case anyone sees me.
Decision made, I step into the water, letting the heat soak my weary limbs. I could live in this tub, make it my home. I’m certain the king wouldn’t mind.
The thought makes me laugh. Imagine the king himself learning his brother is housing his mate in the tub. What a scandal that would be.
Movement from the doorway startles me out of my reverie. A masked maid stands beneath the arched opening, a stack of towels clutched to her chest.
I jolt upright, embarrassment spreading like flames across my face. Is it my friend, or has some other maid come to clean the room? If it is someone else, does she recognize me?
Wordlessly, the woman drapes the towel over a hook, leaving me to my own devices.
Perhaps it isn’t Braith at all.
Remember your place, Allette.You were never meant to be here.
I focus on washing myself using Senan’s luxurious soaps, lathering my hair, and rinsing clean. When I emerge from the bathing room, the maid has the sheets and duvet changed.