“Our Binding took place seven nights ago. It’s been a week since you first arrived.” He paused, then added, “A week since I was for—since we got married.”
“A week.” Shock and disbelief ran through me as I stared at the vampire. “How did I lose an entire week of my life?”
“After the Binding, you fainted. I shadowed us back here and thought you would wake after sleeping for the day, but… you didn’t. When it became clear that the Binding had taken a physical toll on you, the castle witches took turns providing sustenance spells for your basic needs.” He shrugged. “They assured me you’d wake sooner or later. Evidently, they were correct.”
Taking a deep breath, I tried to process this information. Bindings, witches, and vampires.
This was a significant amount of information to deal with, even without taking the devastatingly handsome prince into account.
Tilting my head, I studied the male in question. He appeared somewhat disheveled, and bags hung beneath his eyes. His face was paler than before, and his hair looked like he had run his hands through it repeatedly.
“So that explains it,” I said. Chewing on my lip, I tilted my head. “And did you…”
“I was here the whole time,” he said gruffly. “Just because I didn’t ask for this doesn’t mean you’re not my wife. I take care of what’s mine.”
His. I was not his.
Before I could protest—which I planned on doing, since I did not belong to anyone—his words settled on me. My eyes widened, and I looked down at the soft white nightgown that had replaced my golden dress. My chest grew tight, and a knot appeared in my stomach as I crossed my legs beneath the blanket, mentally running a check over my body.
I didn’t feel different, but this was his room. He was my husband, and in the Four Kingdoms, that meant I belonged to him. Raising horrified eyes, I stared at Sebastian.
“Am I…. did we…” My words trailed off as my hands gestured to my middle. “Was our marriage consummated?”
My voice cracked on the last word, but I needed to know.
A second passed before his black eyes widened. “No!” he exclaimed. “I didn’t touch you. Isvana help me, but I would never do such a thing. Gods, I’m a vampire, not a monster.”
He seemed truly affronted by the thought.
“Then how do you explain this?” I gestured to my nightgown.
The movement was too fast, and my head spun. Taking a deep breath, I tried to ground myself. I had never felt so weak in my entire life.
Was this how Marius felt every day?
Sebastian’s cheeks reddened—a remarkable feat for a vampire—and he looked away.
“Your female, the one you brought with you,” he mumbled, running a hand through his hair. “She has been here every day, taking care of you. Bathing you, brushing your hair. It was she who prepared you for bed.”
“Julieta?” I asked eagerly, my pain temporarily forgotten. “Is she here?”
Sebastian shook his head. “She is getting you breakfast, but she should be back any moment.” He paused, tilting his head. “Perfect timing. She’s here now.”
Sure enough, a moment later, a knock came on the door.
“Come in,” he called out.
The door swung open, and soft footsteps padded on the ground. Sebastian stepped aside as the first familiar face I’d seen since entering this country came into view.
My heart swelled as Julieta approached. Her blue butterfly wings fluttered behind her, and she balanced a tray as she walked down the short hallway separating the bedroom from the door. Placing the platter on a side table, she ran over to me. As soon as she was close, I pulled her down into a tight hug, pressing my head against her shoulder.
“Julieta.” My maid’s name was a half-sigh, half-sob as it left my lips.
“Hello, Miss Luna.” Julieta returned my hug, and her familiar scent washed over me as she patted my back gently. “It’s nice to see you awake.”
After a moment, Julieta pulled back, her assessing gaze washing over me. “You look…”
“Not great,” I said, huffing a breathy laugh. “I don’t feel all that well, either. I’ve had a hell of a day… week? It’s been a lot.”