The closer I get, the more I feel it. His power. His presence. A current running through the air, like the whisper before a storm. I swallow hard and pray I do not drop the bowl.
I set it before him with shaking hands. Before I can pull away, his fingers close around my wrist.
I gasp.
“What took you so long?” Luceran’s voice is low, but there is no mistaking the threat inside it. “Did Atilia not explain your duties?”
I nod quickly. “She did. I was cleaning my workroom and organizing the papers. I am sorry.”
His grip tightens.
Pain shoots through my arm, a biting pressure that seems to sink straight into bone.
“You will be where you are meant to be, when you are meant to be there. Do you understand?”
“Yes,” I manage, wincing as his hold sharpens. “I understand. Please…”
His fingers clamp harder. A hot sting races across my skin, sharp and cold at the same time.
“Living within these walls is a privilege,” he says. “If you continue to disappoint me, you can repay your debt in the mines. Just as your father would have.”
My breath catches. Tears gather, warring with the pain. I nod harder. “I understand, Lord Luceran. Please let me go.”
A low sound vibrates in his chest. Then, suddenly, he releases me.
I stumble back, clutching my wrist. A red ring marks my skin, angry and raw.
Luceran wrinkles his nose. “Go clean that. I do not want the smell lingering.”
Humiliation burns in my throat. I bow quickly and turn to leave, hurrying for the exit before my tears spill.
“Wait.”
His voice snaps through the room.
I freeze, breath stopping, every muscle locked. I do not turn. I brace myself.
“Is this… parsley?”
“Yes, my lord,” I whisper.
A long pause.
Then, flat as stone, “This soup is as cold as the lake. Why are you serving me cold food?”
I swallow, throat tight, wrist throbbing, wishing I had any answer other than the truth.
Because it was all I had.
Because the fire had gone out.
Because this place kills warmth faster than I can make it.
Because you terrify me.
But I keep my back to him, staring at the door, unable to speak at all.
“Let me guess. You lost track of time. You were distracted,” he mocks.
