Floor-to-ceiling mirrors reflected the opulence back at me, making the already enormous space feel infinite. Even the smallest details screamed wealth—from the mother-of-pearl inlays in the cabinet handles to the fresh flowers arranged in crystal vases.
I ran my fingers along the cool marble, torn between appreciation and resentment. It was beautiful, undeniably, but it felt wrong to enjoy anything in this place, not with Enzo trapped in vines and possibly dying.
Brynn turned on the water, adding drops of oil that filled the air with a soft, floral scent—jasmine and lavender mingling in a way that made my tense muscles loosen despite myself.
I cleared my throat, suddenly self-conscious. “I can take a shower.”
A small, almost secretive smile curved her lips. “You need to soak to get all that dirt off you.”
I gave her a smirk. “So you want me to sit in my own filth?”
“Come now,” she murmured, glancing at the door as if afraid someone might be listening. “The queen will send for you soon. You don’t want to disappoint her.”
I caught the tremor in her voice. “What happens if you disappoint her?”
Brynn hesitated, then dipped her fingers into the water. “She’ll order the executioner to cut off your head…” Her eyes lifted, haunted. “Or she’ll lock you in the dungeon.” She gave me a sad look. “Neither fate is pleasant. Don’t make her angry.”
Damn. If I could escape from here, could I protect myself? Even if I could, what about Enzo? I had to go along with Ari’s plan for now until I could figure out how to escape, go through the portal, and save Enzo. There had to be a way. But for now, I had to watch and wait for the right opportunity. “I think I’ve already done that.”
“Perhaps.” Brynn’s voice dropped to a whisper. “But she hasn’t ordered your death, which means either she fears you or she has plans for you.”
Chills gripped my trembling bones. Executioner or dungeon—neither would get me back to Enzo. But if the queen had plans for me, maybe that meant I was valuable enough to keep alive.
At least long enough to find a way out of this nightmare.
