Millicent.
I needed to talk to her. I also needed to know what Emil had done with the Rev’s bits and pieces.
Just as I was about to stand and call out to the Elemental Atlantian, I heard the faint rumble of Poppy’s stomach. Thoughts of summoning Millicent momentarily slipped to the back of my mind.
“Are you hungry?” Fuck. That was an idiotic question. It had been days—no, longer—since she last ate. Of course, she was hungry.
“For food?” I clarified.
Poppy stared back at me for what felt like a small eternity.
“There is some food here,” I told her, tipping my head toward the table on the other side of the bed. “I’m sure there’s cheese.”
A gleam of interest flickered through her eyes.
A low, raspy chuckle left me. “Of course, cheese would catch your attention.” I felt my lips curve into my first real smile since she awakened. “I’m going to stand and get you a plate,” I told her, not wanting to startle her. When she showed no reaction, I slowly rose and started to turn before stopping. “Or would you like to come to the table?”
Poppy’s gaze lowered.
“I…I’ll take that as a no.” Swallowing hard, I turned and went to the table.
Keeping an eye on her, I was careful not to make much noise as I lifted the lid on the stewed meat and plated a few strips, quickly carving them since I figured handing her a knife wouldn’t be a wise choice. When I saw the selection of cheese, I halted.
Frustration and begrudging amusement intertwined as I gazed at the absurd amount of cheese in front of me. There was no way Kieran hadn’t had a hand in the choices. They were her favorites.
The hollow ache in my chest returned as I added several cubes and poured her a glass of fruit-flavored water. I eyed the silverware. She could do some damage with a fork.
Then again, she could do damagewithoutany sharp, pointy instruments. To me and herself.
The idea of making her eat with her fingers sickened me, though. I’d rather take a fork to the eye. But I had to deal with it.
Picking up a linen cloth, I carried the plate and drink to her. She lifted her head, eyeing what I carried.
“I’m going to put this down in front of you, okay?” I kept my steps slow. Kneeling less than a foot in front of her, I inhaled her scent. Jasmine.
My hand trembled as I placed the plate and glass on the floor. I wanted to stay closer, but I forced myself to back away. I didn’t sit on the floor. Instead, I sat in the hard, uncomfortable chair.
Seconds ticked into minutes as she stared at the food, almost as if she couldn’t comprehend what she was looking at. Or didn’t trust it. I should’ve eaten some in front—
A pale hand plucked up a cube of cheese. I held my breath as it passed between her lips, and then I exhaled softly as she picked up another piece—this time, cheddar.
Poppy ate all the cheese. Her fingers hovered over the meat for a few seconds, and then she hastily grabbed a piece I’d cut up for her. I didn’t dare breathe too loudly as she ate, stopping to grasp the glass between her palms, her slick fingers glistening in the dim light.
When she finished everything on her plate, I blinked rapidly, surprised to find dampness clinging to my lashes. “Do you want more?” I asked thickly.
She gazed at the plate, then shook her head.
The chair creaked as I rose from it and cautiously approached her. She turned her body sideways, keeping her knees close to her chest. As I crouched in front of her, I noticed her hands were stiff above her knees.
“Here.” I picked up the cloth, maintaining eye contact with her as I lightly grasped her wrist. A barely-there charge danced from her skin to mine.
Poppy’s entire body tensed, but she didn’t move away. That was progress.
As I dragged the cloth between her fingers, she lowered her gaze. She was staring at the ring resting against my chest.
“It’s my wedding band,” I told her. “There’s an inscription on mine and yours.”
Her thick lashes swept up and then lowered once more. Her lips moved wordlessly, and I could’ve sworn she mouthed the words engraved in the gold.
