wear. It helped having a sister-in-law who could control the weather and happily enjoyed the sunshine.
Walking surrounded by guards along with Talia towards Dorian’s tent, my heartbeat rose with every step. I didn’t want to
ever be alone with him. Sending a small prayer out once again to the Goddess, I begged her for help, to somehow send word to
Nicholas that I hadn’t run away. I would do everything I could to get back to him.
“Ah, our honoured guest has finally arrived and appears to look like her old self.” Dorian’s voice made me want to throw
up as he waved his glass about, ordering a servant boy to fill it up again.
‘Disgusting snake.’
I tried not to allow my face to show my emotions as he took another look at me, his wandering eyes trailing down my body.
I longed for a knife or a dagger to shove right through his eye.
“My apologies for keeping you.”
It was all I could muster up to say as I was guided to sit next to Norok at the head of the table. He seemed on edge as he
glanced at Talia once she took her seat opposite. Something in the way they looked at each other seemed as if they knew
something I did not. Which was no surprise. A lot of secrets surrounded this table already.
Once the food trays were uncovered, everyone took what they wanted. I settled on some bread, cheese, and fresh meat.
Although I couldn’t really stomach the food, I knew if I were to make my escape I’d have to have something.
“So, tell us dear niece, what is the Shadow King like? Is he as horrible and monstrous as they say?” Dorian’s arrogant face
looked at me as he took another sip of his drink.
“No more monstrous than the people sitting at this table.”
Nora sat next to Dorian wearing some of the finest clothes and jewellery I’d ever seen her wear. Along with the general of
Norok’s army and other such lords, all of which kept their watchful eyes on me.
Dorian bellowed out a disgusting laugh to which Talia seemed to flinch at. A thought ran through my mind, begging, hoping
he hadn’t laid a finger on her too. If he did, I would castrate him here in front of everyone.
I watched him closely as he stopped laughing and whispered something in Nora’s ear. She laughed under her breath,
brushing a hand down his forearm and my stomach turned.
They were lovers. But for how long?
I took my eyes off them as soon as Nora looked up directly at me. Quickly, I shifted in my chair to stare at Talia who just
picked at her food, glancing back and forth towards Norok.
Something had changed.
She seemed fine in the tent while I was washed and dressed. Relaxed even. Now while we sat here as they tried to enjoy
some normality, she seemed on edge.