They raise their glasses again, then we drink. And drink some more.
When everyone else is asleep, I make my way to the window to stare out into the starless sky. A featherlight touch grazes my shoulder but when I look, nobody is there.
Then a voice fills my head. “Help them find their power, daughter.”
A lump rises in my throat and goosebumps trail down my arms. I know exactly what she’s asking, but I have no idea how I’m going to pull it off.
Seventeen
Sabina
My neck aches and I groan as I push myself up from where I fell asleep on the couch. My ladies are slowly beginning to wake, groaning and rubbing their eyes and necks, much like me.
“Remind me to move to my own room before I drink this much again,” Charlotte complains.
“I haven’t passed out like that since I stole wine from the pantry when I was twelve,” Genevieve says.
“I’ll call for breakfast.” Antonia says as she peels herself off the chair.
“No. No food,” Charlotte says.
“Coffee,” Genevieve adds.
My mouth feels like sandpaper. I pour myself a cup of water, then sip it slowly before downing the whole thing. At least my stomach is stable.
“Oh, your highness,” Antonia calls.
I spin, then regret moving so fast. Caiden is charging into my room, a scowl on his face.
“I have to hear from the maids that you haven’t had your courses?” he hisses.
“What are you upset about?” I demand. “You’re the one who lied to me.”
The ladies fall silent.
“What?” I snap. “You’re having them keep track?”
“Of course, I am. You’re my wife. And any child in your womb would be the heir to this empire.”
I glance around, then look back at him. “This is not the time for this conversation.”
“Yes, it is. It’s been how long since that night we got drunk?” There’s a flicker of hope in his eyes.
“No. It’s not possible. I know what you’re thinking, but my courses are not late. You’ve been misinformed.” I hold my chin high and don’t break his stare.
His jaw tenses and a muscle near his temple bulges. “I am sending a physician today.”
“No.”
“Do you challenge me,wife?”
“You heard me. No physician. I’m not pregnant. I’d know if I were pregnant.”
“If you don’t bleed in the next two weeks, the physician will be summoned. Understand?”
“Fine. But you will bring Anya to me,” I demand.
“We’ll see about that.” He turns and strides toward the door.
