Before he can say anything else, I shut the door in his face.
Auren truly is the most vexing man I’ve ever met. I shake my head, willing away the rogue thoughts threatening to unravel me, and decide to take a bath.
This inn may be rather primitive compared to what I’m used to, but at least the cleansing room has a clawfoot tub and warm water.
After I’m finished, I change into my silken shift and slip beneath the covers. The heavy quilt is warm, and smells faintly of lavender. The mattress is not as soft as mine back at the castle, but it’ll do.
It’s been a rather grueling day. It’s far more comfortable to travel by carriage, but alas, I fear my days of comfort may be over. I’m a soldier’s wife now; not a princess.
Closing my eyes, I turn onto my side. My mind is drifting between wakefulness and sleep when a violent bang rattles the door.
I jerk upright, my heart pounding against my ribs like a war drum.
A set of unsteady footsteps shuffle outside my room, followed by a woman’s giggle. A deep, slurred voice murmurs something low and incoherent before a door slams down the hall.
I exhale shakily, pressing a hand to my chest, trying to will my heart to slow. It was nothing. Just drunken guests stumbling to their rooms. That’s all.
Heavy rainfall batters the roof as rolling thunder booms overhead, shaking the bed beneath me. Drawing in a deep breath, I try to relax. Despite the fire burning in the hearth, my room is still a bit cold. I need another blanket if I hope to have any chance of sleeping in comfort tonight.
Sighing heavily, I peel back the quilt and stand from the bed. Throwing my shawl around my shoulders, I head for the door.
I suppose I could ask Auren for a blanket, but when I recall his smug expression when I magnanimously gave him his pillow back, I grit my teeth.
It’s rather inconvenient not having servants. If I were back home, I’d merely have to ring the bell on my side table and someone would come, bringing me whatever I wish.
Cautiously, I ease the door open just enough to peer into the dimly lit hallway. I’m about to step outside when I notice a man a few doors down.
He stinks of ale and sweat, and when he turns to me with bloodshot eyes, his mouth curls into a wicked grin. “Well, well,”he slurs, dragging his gaze over me. “What have we here? Is this an invitation?”
“Certainly not!” I take a quick step back, retreating into my room. I try to shut the door, but he wedges his foot against the frame, stopping it from closing. “Not so fast,” he says darkly. “I’m Larig. And what might your name be?”
Fear ripples through me. “Get back!”
Instead of complying, he starts to push on the door.
Panic claws at my chest. “Aur—” I start to call out but stop as a dark shadow falls over the man.
I look up and see Auren, looming over my would-be attacker, his eyes raven-black with anger. “My wifetold you to get back,” he snarls.
Lightning fast, Auren grabs Larig’s shoulder and rips him away, slamming him against the opposite wall. He rushes toward him with inhuman speed and wraps one hand around his throat, lifting him off the ground as if he weighs nothing.
For a fleeting, dangerous moment, I almost feel afraid for Larig. But then I remember what he tried to do, and my concern disappears entirely.
A choked gurgling sound escapes the man as he struggles to speak. “Please,” he wheezes. “I—I meant no harm.” Desperate to break free, he kicks out with his legs, swinging his arms. But it’s no use. “I swear it.”
Auren’s eyes are pitch-black as he bares his fangs. “You dared to threaten my mate. Leave now, or you won’t live to see morning,” he growls. “Do you understand?”
The man nods frantically. As soon as Auren releases his hold, Larig scrambles away, nearly tripping over himself.
Auren’s gaze follows him, his fangs still bared in a feral snarl until he disappears down the stairs.
He turns to me, his eyes returning to their normal shade of blue, full of concern. “Are you alright?”
I open my mouth to speak, but the words won’t come. I’ve never been so afraid in all my life. If he hadn’t showed up when he did…
“Vivienne, please answer me. Are you okay?”
I smooth my hands down my shift to still their trembling as I somehow manage to nod. I hate that I’m so shaken. I’m not weak. “I’m fine,” I reply, struggling to keep my voice even. “Thank you for… your assistance.”
