Sonah’s cheeks heated, and she pulled back, scrambling to her feet. She looked around frantically but Lerek turned his back.
“I’ll let you get back to your bath,” he said in a loud whisper, “but I will be back at midnight. Try not to fall asleep.”
Before she could respond, he stalked toward the large gilded armoire opposite her bed. Sonah’s mouth dropped when she noticed the doors were open. Her dresses were shoved to one side and a panel at the back hung open. She gawked as he pushed the panel back and stepped inside, shutting it firmly without a backward glance.
Sonah stood rooted for a long time before she lurched forward, touching the panel that was now just the back of her armoire.
As she felt around for the seam, a loud knock sounded at her door. Frowning, Sonah ducked out and took a step toward the sitting room.
“Yes?”
“Lady Sonah, King Altos requests your presence at dinner,” the muffled voice of her guard, Jenos, replied through the thick oak.
She rushed into the sitting room and opened the door a crack. Peeking out, Sonah smiled when the guard stepped into her line of sight. “Thank you, Jenos.”
When she made to close the door, Jenos reached out, his weathered hand curled around the wood. He looked down at the marble floor before he lifted his light blue eyes at her with a frown on his lined face. “Apologies, lady, but this time you are to come dressed… appropriately. The king has guests.”
“Do you know whom he hosts?”
“Aye, lady,” he said in a low grumble as he shifted his feet.
Jenos was much older than most of the Royal Guard, and when he’d first been assigned to her, his sheer size and frightening visage had kept Sonah from befriending him. But she’d soon realized he was little more than a giant puppy; his scarred countenance and big warrior’s body hid a soft heart. She often wondered if King Altos knew her better than she realized.
It was clear, seeing him shuffling uncomfortably before her, whoever King Altos was entertaining was not to Jenos’s liking.
“If you cannot say, I will not force you,” Sonah said softly, and from the way he rubbed the back of his neck, Sonah knew she’d guessed correctly. Reaching out, she laid a hand on his vambrace and smiled. “Do I have time for a quick bath?”
Jenos lifted his blue gaze, his cheeks flushing deep red beneath his salt and pepper beard. “Aye, lady,” he said in a rough voice. He ran a hand over the short grey hairs atop his head.
Sonah gave him a wide smile and thanked him again before shutting the door with a soft snick of the latch.
Turning back to the large sitting area of her rooms, Sonah leaned back against the door and closed her eyes.
Dinner with the king and mystery guests.
And a midnight meeting with a dead man.
Great.
Standingtall with Jenos at her side, Sonah unclenched her hands once more. She hated how her body unconsciously betrayed her anxiety. Puffing out a breath, she pushed her shoulders back and lengthened her stride.
Jenos slid a glance at her.
“All right, lady?”
Sonah didn’t look at the warrior, but she moved closer to him. “Aye, Jenos. Thank you. Just a little… it’s been a while since I’ve worn dresses. I’m a bit uncomfortable.”
“If it’s not too bold to say,” he replied in a low voice, “you look lovely.”
Surprised, Sonah stumbled as she looked up at the old warrior. He shot his hand out and gripped her elbow so fast she knew no one watching would’ve seen her misstep. She silently thanked Altos again for Jenos’s companionship.
“Thank you,” she mumbled, then looked up at his stoic face. “Thank you, Jenos.”
He nodded without looking at her, but she saw the color creep up his neck.
They arrived before the doors to the king’s private dining room and Sonah blinked. She’d only ever been in this room for dinners alone with King Altos. When he had entertained guests in the past while she’d been in residence, it was always in the main hall next to the throne room.
The doors opened, and Sonah took a deep breath. When she caught sight of the king seated at the head of the large table, she strode in, chin up and shoulders stiff.
