But the feeling was short-lived. I reminded myself that no matter how far I’d come, my freedom was still not my own.
3
Gadriel was still sleeping soundly.
I glanced toward the sky, dawn was still chimes away.There’s still time,I thought.
He wouldn’t send me away just yet. His arm remained curled around me, holding me close. I shifted slightly, hoping to stir him, but instead, he only tightened his embrace. Carefully, I eased one shoulder free from under his arm and reached for his face, brushing my thumb gently along his cheek.
The touch made him stir. His eyes fluttered open.
“Odessa,” he murmured, voice thick with sleep.
Then his eyes widened, his body tensing as he scanned the room. His gaze dropped to where I lay beside him, and I smiled as realization set in that he’d fallen asleep.
Slowly, his expression softened.
“How long was I asleep?”
“Not long. It’s still nightfall.”
Gadriel rubbed his eyes between a thumb and forefinger. “I see,” he said. “You’re free to return to yourchambers now.”
I hesitated, watching him. “Could I have just a few more minutes?”
His eyes softened. “Alright. Just a few more.”
Over time, Gadriel had started sharing things with me after service, details he likely assumed wouldn’t matter. I doubted he saw the value a consort or courtesan might find in them. In his eyes, we were passive, agreeable, dolls placed conveniently into his life. That assumption only deepened my resentment.
But I never shied from testing boundaries.
“You haven’t been sleeping well,” I said lightly. “I can see it in your eyes.”
He gave a half-shrug. “Well enough.”
“I still worry about you, Gadriel.”
He sighed. “The royal advisors are getting restless. That’s all.”
“Restless?” I echoed. “In what way?”
Gadriel shook his head. “These are conversations meant for men. It’s not something you’d understand. And it’s not your concern.”
“I could try,” I said, sitting up just slightly, just enough to seem earnest. Interested, but not intrusive.
“Very well.” He studied me with something like pity. “There are political affairs I’ve been tasked with. My father wants me to oversee the next treaty between Hyrall and a distant kingdom. He’ll remain here to handle other urgent matters. The advisors aren’t convinced I can manage it alone.”
“Of course you can,” I said, with quiet reassurance. “You’re the prince of Hyrall. This is what you were born to do.”
Gadriel’s lips thinned. “Change is difficult for them, especially when it comes to a shift in power within the monarchy. And I haven’t proven myself yet.”
“Oh.” I let my voice falter just enough. “I understand.”
He turned to face me more fully, his stare tightening. “You’ve changed so much since I first brought you here.”
Since I was taken, I wantedto say.
“Do you remember our first night together, Odessa?”
