“Of course you’re not,” he said. “Not a care in the world for my safety. Such a spoiled brat you are.” There was no heatbehind his words. He brushed my hair with his thumb. “My brat.”
We were quiet for a few moments.
“Willem…When I return home after the wedding, I’ll have a house built for you near the Capitol. Somewhere where we can keep Isaac. And we’ll–”
“Svana.” He kissed my crown. “Let’s not think about that right now.”
“But–”
“Let me just hold you,” he said. “Just for a while.”
Chapter 31
The combination of the sun in my eyes and a gentle rapping at the door woke me from a deep and peaceful sleep. It was a beautiful way to start the day–as pleasant as the heat that radiated off the arm strung across my stomach. The arm strung across my stomach that belonged to a man whowasn’tmy fiancé, who was still inside my room.
I gasped, shooting upright.
“Willem!” I panicked, erupting from the tangle of sheets. “Willem, my love! My Sword! Quickly!” I rocked him violently. “Willem!”
His eyes opened to the urgency. He sat up just as quickly as I had. “What time is it?” he asked, using a hand to shield himself from the daylight intruding from a crack in the drapes.
“Svana?” Josie asked from the hall. “Are you alright?”
“Fuck!” Cyrus said. “What time is it?” he asked.
“Language!”
“Yeah, yeah.” He left the bed to dig around through the mess of pillows, blankets, and clothing that littered the floor.“Fuck. Fuck. Fuck,”he said.
“I hear voices, are you hurt?” she asked.
“Uhhm.” I scuttered to the door, wrapping myself in bedding to shield my naked form. “Uh. Just a minute!” I hissed at Cyrus.“She cannot find you here!”
“There aren't a lot of options, dear,”he said, arms flared to his side. “What do you suggest? I dive out of the window?It’s the second story.”
There was a jingle–Josie’s keys, then the knob began to twist. I grabbed and held it in place, then spoke somewhat louder. “A-Are you alone?”
“Am Ialone?”she asked, concerned.
“Yes. Are you alone?” I repeated.
“Svana?” She was silent. “Are you hurt?”
“Josie,” I said as pointedly and softly as I could.
“Svana,”she said again. “Open the door.”
Cyrus pulled on his pants. He waslaughing.Laughing!
“This doesn’t feel right,” she said. “Something’s wrong. I’m going to get Daniel.”
“No! No. No,” I hurried.
I opened the door and tore her in. The lock went back into place, and Josie shrieked as she caught sight of the half-naked man a mere feet away. I covered her mouth, pinning her to my chest.
“It’s not as bad as it looks,” I whispered.
Her eyes were wide. As soon as I let go, her mouth fell open. She instantly covered it in response–horror or shock or amusement twisting into a squeak of some sort. After alonglook at Mr.Evergreen fastening his shirt, I tasked, slapping the back of her arm.
