Like my suite at Lydel Court, this one was made up of a sitting area, though much smaller than that at the manor, with a door on the left.
“Your bedroom lies in that direction,” the lord said. My bag dropped to the floor with a dull thud beside him. “Did you, perchance, bring a gown for the wedding?”
Would he have a fit if I hadn’t?
“It’s in my bag.” When Tempest insisted, I took the dress from her, grumbling while I stuffed it in among my things. At least I’d get some use from it tonight.
His concerned look shot to my bag, and his voice wavered. “Delightful. Allow me to show you the rest of your suite, my lady.” He walked through the door on the left and into the bedroom with me following.
Not bad. It wasn’t huge, but there was plenty of space around the bed. Side tables had been bolted to the floor to keep them from shifting if we encountered rough seas. I took in the floral-patterned chair I could sit on if I wanted to do my own lounging, sans those of “lesser station”.
“Your bathroom is through here.” He continued to the next door on the left, sweeping it open. “I do enjoy a nice tub bath in the evening, don’t you, my lady?”
“Yes, I do.” The bathroom was also smaller than the one adjacent to my suite at the manor, but the tub appeared large enough for two. I studied the vials of scents lined up inside the narrow, glass-fronted cabinet beside it, spying sponges and bars of soap, plus a few items I’d never seen before that must be used in the tub. I’d explore them later.
“Your closet is through here.” He opened a door on the inside wall of the room. “During the ceremony, I’ll hang up your clothing.” His mouth pinched. “Please. I insist.”
“Thank you,” I said, relenting. “That’s quite kind of you.”
He sniffed. “It’s my solemn duty, my lady.”
I spread my lips wide. “Yes.”
“We should have things ready on deck for the weddingshortly. Are you sure I can’t assist you with dressing? My ancestors have served the king’s family for many generations, and I assure you, I’ve been trained in every hair arrangement technique imaginable. I’m also quite gifted in selecting the perfect jewelry to not only enhance a gown but the lovely lady wearing it.”
He sounded so kind, I almost gave in and told him he could do it.
“No, no, I’m fine.” I patted his arm and smiled. “I do appreciate your offer.”
“Very well. I’ll wait outside your suite to escort you to the top deck. Please don’t take long. Lord Lorant will become impatient.”
I was sure he would.
“I’ll bring food, a bowl for water, plus whatever else your pet might need. How do you expect him to tend to his toileting needs?”
Such a polite way to put it. “Could we place a pan with dirt in the suite? Maybe a short tree?”
He looked down his nose at the nyxin who was sniffing around the perimeter of the room. Would he lift his leg against the wall? That could be a problem. “There is no dirt on this ship, let alone trees.”
“Wood chips?” The cook must use a real fire to prepare our meals.
“That could be arranged.”
“Do so.” There, now I sounded queenly. “I’d like a designated area in this room with wood chips that will be kept clean as he uses them, plus another area on the main deck.”
“Why, my lady? Surely you don’t intend to leave your suite other than for your wedding at sea and then to . . . visit the king?”
Theydidexpect me to sleep with him. It was all I could do to not scowl. I enjoyed sex, but with a stranger? Never.
“I plan to take in fresh air on the deck throughout the journey and the nyxin will remain with me. Please see that this is taken care of.”
He bowed. “Of course. I’ll do so during the ceremony.”
“Thank you. That will be all.”
“I could draw you a bath, my lady.” He minced his feet in place, his fingers fretting against his chest. “At least let me lay out your wedding gown.”
“I can handle that myself.”
