“The staff are afraid of Letti, so she’ll quell the rumors, but… it wasn’t pretty.”
What the fuck?As Felaf departed, an overwhelming urge to strangle sense into Maryn took hold of me. It dwindled when the door swung open, and there was Rahzlyn. I dipped my head. Mypulse quickened as my gaze dragged up her figure to meet her tired eyes. “Rough day?”
She shrugged, feigning indifference. “I’m no stranger to gossip.”
Her wounded eyes told a different story. “Maryn likes control, and everything about you threatens that,” I said.
“Everything?”
I kept my gaze locked on hers. “Her and I are similar that way.”
Rahzlyn tilted her head, dark curls sliding over her shoulder. “I can see it. At least, the cold and domineering mask you wear is similar.”
“It’s not a mask. I’m an ass, remember?”
“Prick on a good day,” she reminded me. “But an arrogant one at that.”
I smirked. “Glad we can agree on something.”
“But you have a better moral compass than she does. While your actions may be self-serving, they’re… righteous. I’m not sure what motivates her. Power, certainly, but there’s more. I haven’t figured her out yet.” She peered at me curiously. “Nor have I figured you out.”
I broadened my shoulders, pondering her judgement of me.
Rahzlyn sighed and leaned against the doorframe. “I’m starving. Is she in the dining hall?”
I listened, then nodded.
“Wonderful. I’ve used up all my social tact for the day, and I might accidentally stab a fork in her face.”
My lips pulled upward. “We can’t have that.”
“No,” she agreed, gesturing behind me. “Though I’d prefer not to dine alone in my room again and could use some company. Notyoursin particular, but someone’s. I mean, obviously where I go, you go since I can’t get rid of you. So you’re welcome to eat with me too. If that’s allowed.”
“It’s allowed.”
“Great! Not that we’ll be diningtogether, of course. Great that you’re allowed to eat too. If you’re hungry, that is. Since you’re practically nocturnal, whendoyou eat?”
“I usually eat before my post,” I said with amusement. “I’m not hungry.”
“Right. That makes sense.”
Was that disappointment in her eyes?“I’ll lead you to the kitchens.”
“I can find my way there,” she insisted.
“Better hurry then. Your stomach’s louder than thunder.”
Her hands flew to her belly as it emitted a ravenous growl. I chuckled as she squeezed past me with pinkened cheeks.
The halls were empty except for the lunar guard shift, as most servants dined in a small gathering hall in the servants’ quarters at this hour.
The guards tracked her with a mixture of vigilance and puzzlement. Not many knew what to make of her still. I glared at each of them, a warning to any who questioned her validity.
“So,” Rahzlyn began cautiously at my side. I kept my pace slow, matching hers rather than following from behind like I normally did. “About the other night. I’d like to know more about… Hector.”
My steps faltered.
“It would help me to understand you—I mean, this place better.”
