They arrived at the inn Ximena had arranged for them and went straight to the counter. Sonya was exhausted, and she realized she could do with a lie down, especially after that close call with the soldier.
The inn was loud and busy, teeming with customers who were having drinks and eating dinner on the main floor, while people continuously came up and down the stairs.
‘Evening, loves. My name’s Ream. What can I do for you?’ the innkeeper asked.
‘Good evening,’ Azam replied. ‘My name is Azam Mirza. Lady Ximena made a booking for our stay here.’
Ream opened a big book, scanning through. She tapped the page. ‘Yup, it’s right here,’ she said. She reached under the counter for a pair of keys, then twirled them on her finger. ‘Come along, then.’
They followed Ream up a set of stairs, going up to the first floor. She led them down a hall and stopped in front of a door, which she unlocked with the key. She pushed the door open, entering to light the candles. Then she came back and handed Azam the key.
‘Here is your room,’ she said, smiling at both Azam and Sonya.
Room, singular. Azam seemed to notice the same thing. ‘Um, it’s just the one…?’ he asked, gesturing at the bed.
Ream gave him a funny look. ‘Yes. Lady Ximena made the reservation for you and your partner.’
‘Oh, she’s not—I mean, we are, but she’s—We—’ Azam stuttered, face red. He worked his jaw. ‘Would it be possible for us to have a second room?’
Ream shook her head. ‘Sorry, love, but we’re all booked out.’
Azam swallowed. ‘Right. Thank you.’
Ream left. Azam and Sonya glanced at one another. There was nothing else for it; they entered the room. Azam set down the luggage, then closed the door behind them. The room was decently sized, with an attached washroom and changing screen along with the bed, side tables, and vanity table.
Sonya’s heart pounded. She desperately looked anywhere but at the bed.
‘I’m sorry,’ Azam said, rubbing the back of his neck.
‘Don’t be,’ Sonya replied. ‘It’s better this way.’
‘It is?’ His gaze jumped to hers, his brown eyes wide.
Her cheeks flamed. Lord, but she must have sounded terribly improper, even as a part of her was thrilled to be sharing the room with him for entirely improper reasons. ‘I’ll feel safer if we’re together,’ she said, finding her voice and a valid excuse. ‘The inn is very full.’
‘Yes. Yes, of course.’ He cleared his throat. ‘Right. No, I will also feel better having you near.’
They both shuffled a little awkwardly. Sonya let out a nervous laugh, and then Azam shook his head, smiling.
‘I’m starving,’ she said. ‘Shall we freshen up, then head down for dinner?’
‘Yes, please,’ he replied.
The inn had gotten even busier, more and more people coming in as the night went on.
They found a spot at a small table and ordered: browned crisp chicken with fennel and leeks, along with cups of ale. The meal was warm and fresh and especially delicious after a full day’s travel.
Once they had had their fill, they headed back up to their room to escape the chaos.
‘That’ll be Lady Ximena’s butler,’ Azam said, when they heard a sharp knock at their door. He let the butler in, and Sonya retrieved the wedding dress package from Azam’s luggage. She had wrapped it very carefully and neatly, with plenty of pieces of tissue between every part to prevent it wrinkling.
She handed the package to Azam, who gave it to the butler. ‘You can check it, if you’d like,’ Azam said.
‘There is no need,’ the butler replied. ‘Her ladyship trusts you.’ Azam nodded. ‘Payment will be sent to your shop, as requested.’
‘Thank you,’ Azam said.
‘My lady sends her best regards and looks forward to your partaking in the festivities tomorrow.’ The butler bowed his head, taking his leave.
