Crispin needed a proper burial. He was left on the edge of a cliff, his body open to the elements. The thought of him out there alone…
The bed shifted.
Liora sat down, looking at me with those light-lavender eyes, beautiful and enchanting. “Is there anything I can do that might ease your pain?”
“He just left him there. Broken and alone and… gone.” The pastry crumbled in my grip. “My husband needs to be buried.”
“Your husband?”
“Kane showed up at our home in a valley west of the Crusted Mountains. We tried to get away… and then.” I choked on the words. “I don’t understand why Kane came now. Crispin and I had spent the past year building a life together. With our garden, our animals…”
Boots.
I need to get him. He won’t understand what’s happening.
“I can't take you there, but if you can give us a location, we will find Crispin and ensure he is buried properly.”
“It should be me,” I sobbed.
“Why don't you write a note with final words that can be buried with him? It may give you closure.”
I shook my head. “No, no, just make sure he's not left out for the vultures. He deserves more than that.”
I wiped my eyes, the tears freely falling. “And my animals, my donkey…”
My voice cracked, the emotion choking anything I wanted to say. All of my animals were dear to my heart, but Boots and I shared a special bond. He wouldn't understand what happened.
“Is there any way you can bring my donkey here? I'll do anything.Please. I won't break any more windows. I'll eat. I'll do anything if he can be brought here safely, and my other animals are taken care of. His name is Boots. He's got gray hair and white right here down his nose, and his feet, and he's the sweetest—”
“Yes,” she said, reaching over and grabbing my hand.
“What if he won't let you?”
“Kane doesn't involve himself with daily affairs. There are many of us in his court. All of us with roles to play. I'll make sure Boots is brought here safely.”
“What if he tries to punish me?” I looked at the broken window.
“Don't worry about a simple window. I know His Majesty seems cruel, but he takes care of his people.”
“Heseemscruel?” I pulled away from her. “He killed my husband and then kidnapped me.”
I moved off the bed, needing to put distance between me and my handmaiden. I folded my arms, turning my back on her.
“Allow me to help you dress for the day. I will take you downstairs to the gardens.”
“The king put me in a tower to keep me away from nature.”
“You can wear the collar, then,” she added.
“I’m never wearing that. I'll stay here.”
“Very well. I will arrange everything this afternoon and return later. If you require anything, pull that bell.” She pointed to a chain running up the wall that disappeared through holes right above the door. “It will alert the servants that you need something, and they will retrieve me.”
“Thank you,” I said.
Liora bowed before leaving.
When her fading steps disappeared, I walked over to the table with the wooden box. I opened it and on a red velvet pillow sat a choker made of leather with a single dark-red gem threaded in the center.
