“The back door is easy to access from here, it is down the hall in the other direction and across the gardens.”
Sol felt his shoulders relax. It was time for sleep. Stepping to the bed, he pulled back one of the blankets.
Meena had not moved from the window, her arms were crossed in front of her.
“Can I take this one?” he asked, moving toward the door, blanket in hand.
“Take? Yes. Why?” she asked.
He spread the blanket on the floor in front of the door, assuming his actions would be explanation enough.
“Sol, I don’t think anyone is going to attack us this night,” she said, moving closer to the bed.
“We are always susceptible to attack,” Sol replied, removing his leather shoes.
“They know who I am. They think you are my husband. I mean, you are my husband. For all they know, that is.” She closed her mouth.
“I am not willing to take that risk,” Sol said, spreading himself on the blanket fully clothed.
“You don’t have to sleep on the floor,” Meena tried again.
Sol felt the awkwardness of their situation. He had no intention of becoming close to the princess when they were alone, in any form. “I’ve slept in worse places.” He crossed his arms over his chest, closing his eyes, hoping to deter further conversation.
“Would you at least like a pillow?” she asked.
He opened an eye.
She was holding out a feather stuffed sack.
He shook his head. “I’ve never used one. It would probably hurt my neck.” He closed his eyes, but not before he’d caught the look of confusion on her face.
She remained unmoving for several seconds, then finally he heard her light footfall.
He kept his eyes firmly closed as she moved around the room. He heard the mattress crunch as she sank into it. And he could see through his eyelids when the room darkened as she blew out the candle beside the bed.
Leaning his head toward the door, he opened his eyes in the darkness. He listened to her breathing until it settled into a slow rhythm. Not only did she sleep deeply, but she fell asleep quickly.
Sol exhaled, wishing he could afford such a luxury. Reaching out, he touched the door, ensuring it was latched close.
With his hand against the wood, he finally closed his eyes and allowed himself to relax. It was several minutes before his mind stopped racing through the various situations he should remain prepared for throughout the night.
Finally, he drifted into a light sleep.
Chapter 16
Meena woke early when a hand shook her shoulder. She groaned into her pillow, keeping her eyes closed until she realized Sol—her new husband—was gently asking her to wake up. She rolled over, instantly wide awake.
She clutched the blankets to her shoulders, despite the fact she was still wearing a full chemise and under dress. Sol wasn’t her real husband, after all, even if they did have to share a room for the next several days.
She needn’t have bothered. His back was already turned. He was fully clothed and appeared to have been awake for some time. His blanket was folded on the floor. His tousled curls, however, stuck out at all angles.
Slipping out of bed, she slid her travel dress over her head and fastened it in the front. In the interest of speed and secrecy and safety, she had declined bringing a lady’s maid. The councilor had insisted that they would provide someone to assist her in Falqri. Meena was fairly certain he meant ‘watch’ her, not ‘assist’ her.
Turning to Sol, Meena gestured for him to come closer with her hand. “Lean your head forward,” she said.
“Why?” He turned to face her at her words, but moved his head back, the exact opposite of what she had asked.
Meena snorted. “Because your hair looks slept in.”
