35
AUDRYN
Not wanting Draven blamed, I stayed in bed pretending to be ill for two days after the dinner. It was no surprise I found Jaspar’s small glass tube missing from my bag when I checked. I wanted to let everyone know what Maris had done, but I couldn’t very well explain that I was the one who’d brought the ipecac in to begin with.
Tendrils of steam rolled off the top of the mug Fisher offered. He’d brought me a cup of ginger tea several times a day. Whether at Ryder or Mirael’s orders, I didn’t know. But based on the prince’s absence, I suspected the guard had done so on his own.
“How are you feeling?” Fisher assessed.
“Better,” I said, taking the cup from his hand and setting it down on the table next to the sofa. The book King Grave had sent occupied the table, but I hadn’t opened it. “I’m going to braid my hair, and then I’ll be ready to head out for breakfast.”
“I brought something for you.” Fisher walked out the door and returned holding my mother’s emerald gown. “It took longer than expected, but they were able to remove the stain.”He rotated the dress to show the undamaged front of the material.
“How?” I jumped to my feet and wrapped my arms around the dress as if I could squeeze it hard enough to force my mother to appear. I pulled back and looked closer at the fabric. The gown was in perfect condition; perhaps in better condition than when I brought it with me. The material was unwrinkled, with not a loose thread in sight. Most importantly, it looked as if the incident had never happened.
He shrugged. “A good wash and a favor.”
“Thank you.” I let go of the gown and threw my arms around the guard. “Thank you for everything.”
“Okay.” He pulled away and moved to the door. “That type of behavior is inappropriate and cannot happen again.”
I scoffed and took the gown from him and went to the armoire. I slid the hanging clothes aside and carefully secured the item on the wooden pole. Hopefully, Maris had finally learned to leave my possessions alone, though I doubted so. The rage I felt toward her had diminished over the last two days, but I wouldn’t let down my guard.
Ironically, my desire for Ryder had waned too. Seeing him so angry with me during dinner when all I wanted to do was make him happy was like pouring buckets of water on the burning lust I had for him.
I couldn’t understand why I’d been so desperate to please him. I’d come to the castle with one goal in mind—two. Okay, maybe three after adding Hunt to the list. But it didn’t explain why my feelings had changed so radically.
My hands finished twisting my hair, and I moved toward the door. “Ready?”
Fisher grumbled and followed me into the hall.
“Miss Audryn.” Roark’s eyes went wide. “You’re feeling better—I’m glad to see you’re up!”
I nodded. “Yes, thank you. I’m off to breakfast, I’ll try tosneak a muffin for you.” He grinned at the offer. His mouth dropped open to speak, but his words didn’t make their way out.
Our footsteps clattered along the floor as we moved to the dining hall. Since claiming to be ill, I’d only eaten broth and crackers. I was desperate for a full breakfast of meats, muffins, and pastries.
When Fisher opened the door, we found Ryder, Leanna, and Maris seated and waiting at the table. Maris’s left eye was violet and swollen, which oddly complemented the lavender dress she wore. Leanna avoided my gaze altogether.
Ryder stood and rushed to meet me halfway. “Are you well?”
I nodded, and he placed a gentle kiss on my cheek. He offered his arm and guided me to my seat. I'd grown used to sitting at his side, and didn't realize how I'd missed the familiarity of this chair in the days I stayed away. Instead of joining me at the table, Ryder walked and met Fisher at the door. Their discussion was hushed, and the guard's face gave nothing away when his eyes darted to mine.
“I wonder what that’s about.” I hummed to anyone who wanted to answer, but found silence.
“Are you well enough to eat regular food, or should I ask Draven to prepare broth?” Ryder asked, finally taking his seat next to me.
“Regular breakfast will be fine.” I searched his face, still wondering what he’d spoken to the guard about. “I’m starving.”
“Don’t overdo it with the food. I’m sure your stomach still needs time to adjust.” He took a swig from his glass.
Staff brought dishes in and, to my surprise, there was not a single piece of fish in sight. I nearly thanked Ryder for being so thoughtful, but decided against bringing up the ruined evening.
“What did I miss?” I asked while everyone quietly ate. Conversations during meals were often boring, but I’d yet to attend a single one in silence.
“I’ve been dealing with some pressing matters over the last couple of days.” Ryder bit into a muffin with plump blueberries buried inside.
“That’s right, you had a meeting with King Grave the morning after dinner, right?” I took a sip of my orange juice, enjoying the burst of bright liquid on my tongue. “I suppose everything went well since he’s no longer here.”
