Page 76 of Under Restless Skies

“Commander Mallor said someone would summon me tomorrow morning. I’d rather be in my room.”

He sits on his bed again, lazily leaning back, as if in an invitation. “If you change your mind, you know the way.”

He’s so insanely handsome that I almost consider staying and letting him finish ripping this dress off of me. I’d lie naked on his bed, legs spread for him, welcoming and willing, my core wet and hungry for his cock. I could even scream Your Highness.

But something stops me.

Perhaps it’s realizing I might have had too much wine, or that I’m still shaken by the encounter with the rider. Maybe I want to make this decision when I know I won’t regret it.

My chest feels light as I step out of his room and into the hallway. Maybe it’s because of this loose dress that I have to hold up with one hand.

I forgot to ask what happened at his ball—if it was disbanded, and if there was any panic.

A strange sense of relief washes over me as I get to my room. Maybe it’s knowing that I’m about to be alone again, or that I’ll be in the little corner of this castle that’s mine.

I sit on my bed and let the dress fall off my body like it might have fallen had I remained with Alayel. My mind’s too confused about him.

No movement this time, no Ava, and a wave of sadness comes to me. They’ll probably move the hatchlings, and I might never see them again. Perhaps one day, when they’re grown, flying freely in our skies, I’ll glimpse them from a distance. Still, the thought of being separated from them aches.

I step out of the dress, place it on a chair, then pull on my sleeping clothes, but a movement catches my eye. I turn—and freeze.

It can’t be. I’m shocked, and yet, strangely, not surprised at the same time.

Little Ava is on my bed, small blue scales on her skin, contrasting with the white sheets.

How did she get here?

I sit on my bed and pull Ava onto my lap. She lets out a soft coo and wiggles in my arms, as if to find a nicer position.

Was there even enough time for someone to bring her from the nursery? And who? Why? I know for certain that it wasn’t Alayel, but I can’t understand who else would have brought her here.

After the attack, I’m sure that their room will be moved to a safer location. How am I going to find it? And reunite her with her brother?

“Who brought you?” I whisper.

Ava tilts her head and caresses my arm with her snout.

“Cute little one, I like that you’re here, but I don’t want your brother to be alone.”

She squeaks twice, so loud that I fear someone could hear her in the hallway, and I shush her.

“Quiet. It’s best if nobody hears you.” I place her back on the bed. “Wait just a minute, will you?”

I get up and put on the gray uniform of the cleaning crew, then turn to Ava. “I’ll be right back.”

She stares at me with her cute little eyes and blinks, making me feel guilty for leaving, even for a moment, but I have to do this.

There’s a supply room on this floor, and I hope it’s not closed at this hour. But then, it’s around seven or so at night, even if the early ball and the attack and my moments with Alayel makes it seem that it’s much later.

A woman sits behind the wooden counter, crocheting a scarf, her fingers moving the hook fast. For a moment, I’m watching my mother. A pleasant memory bubbling up despite everything.

“Hello?” I ask.

The woman gets up and puts the scarf aside. “How can I help you?”

I ask for a basket, but they have none, and I decide to take a bucket. With rushed steps, I carry it back to my room.

When I close the door behind me, I look around—and see no Ava.