Thessia nodded. “Since he’s returned. Dawn until midday.”
Good, a window for me to escape.
Thessia lifted the lid from a steaming bowlwith a flourish. “Mountain oats with cream, poached pears from the orchard, and bacon.”
My mouth watered at the cinnamon scent, and the ache in my chest sharpened. Rheya loved cinnamon. She once stole an entire bag from Taryn’s pantry and hoarded it like treasure, sprinkling it on stale bread, weak tea, anything edible—insisting that it madeeverything sweeter.
“The cook works very hard. Such elaborate meals.”
“Yes, though we’re learning the king’s preferences.” Thessia brightened. “Everything’s been chaos since he returned. His sister, Lady Elwen—she was regent while he was gone—she’s been helping restore order.”
Interesting. “He must have changed after all these years.”
“I wouldn’t know. I wasn’t even alive when he was taken, but the servants say he’s—” Thessia caught herself, blanching. “I shouldn’t gossip about the family.”
I smiled at her. “You’re right to be careful. In Skalgard, loose tongues meant missing heads. I’m sure your king is similar.”
She flushed, gesturing at the tray. “Please, mistress, won’t you eat? Solenne will have my hide if it comes back untouched.”
Irritation heated my chest like a rash. I peeled off the sheets and stalked to the table, grabbing the bread just to shut her up.
Still warm.
I paused, staring at it. Golden crust, perfectly crisp. I tore it open, steam rising from the pillowy dough. I bit down. Fluffy and rich.Gods. One bite turned into two. Then three. I reached for the bacon.
Salt and smoke crashed over my tongue. A hint of maplesweetness underneath. Rheya would have devoured this. Would have closed her eyes and moaned.
My throat tightened.
I sat and kept eating. The sugared pears went down like silk—nothing like the bruised fruit we’d scrounged from market bins. The purple tea tasted of berries sweetened with honey.
Thessia beamed as I scraped the bowl clean. “Shall I bring more? The cook made extra portions.”
“Oh no, I couldn’t. You’ve already been so kind.”
“But you’re hungry, mistress. There’s more bacon, and fresh bread, and?—”
“Really, I’m fine. Thank you.”
She bobbed her head, gathering the empty dishes. “Of course, mistress. Perhaps for lunch, then? Lady Elwen mentioned something about duck with cherry sauce.”
Cherry sauce.
I looked down. “I…I’d like to be alone now. If that’s alright.”
“Yes, mistress.” She curtsied, balancing the tray, but stopped at the door. “Oh, I nearly forgot.” She fumbled in her pocket, producing a folded piece of parchment sealed with dark red wax. “This came for you.”
My blood chilled. “From who?”
“The king.”
When the door closed, I moved to it, pressing my ear against the wood. Footsteps—hers, retreating. Then the low murmur of male voices. At least two guards.
I retreated to the table and cracked the wax, unrolling the message. A rune sat in the center. Inked in crimson. I touched it, and the ink bled into words.
Aelie,
I trust you’re settling in to life in my court. I had your chambers arranged with every comfort you might crave. Indulge yourself. The guards outside will see to anything you need—within reason.
