Page 87 of Hunger & Harmony

She helps me back onto the bed properly and bends to get the empty glass.

“I’ll call for a refill.”

I nod weakly, and she hesitates.

“Is it . . .His Majesty?”

When I nod again, she bows her head.

“Apologies, Lady Cadence,” she says. “I shouldn’t overstep.”

Through the haze of my thirst, I furrow my brows at her.

“No formalities,” I whisper. “You’re supposed to be my boss.”

She shakes her head, shoulders tense in her white blouse. Come to think of it, she hasn’t dressed like herself since we’ve been here. She’s traded in rock glam for a medieval wardrobe. No eyeliner, no killer boots . . .I guess we’re all feeling the pressure here. It deepens my guilt, though maybe that’s also borrowed from Niko.

“You are His Majesty’s future Queen Consort. I would never dare boss you.”

I frown, and she dips her head lower.

“I’ll return with water soon.”

As the door clicks shut behind her, I find my cravings aren’t only for water. I hate how everything has changed.

It’s not just Sancte Noctis. Can’t we get back on the road? I long for those sold-out shows. To be coughing on rosin dust and feeling the beat pound against my ribs. Everything was alive. Not this illusion of it. Real feelings.

Messy, and fun, and free.

Fingers snap in front of my face.

“Are you paying attention?”

I only register Lorelai’s frown after blinking a couple of times.

“Sorry, uh . . .” I swallow hard. “It’s hard to focus.”

Throughout getting cleaned up and attempting breakfast, it wasn’t pain, but the sheer weight of this thirst. It’s all-consuming, and when laced with shame, I can’t fight the waves of frenzy that wrack my body.

Niko hasn’t fed properly. I knew that before, but now I breathe every agonizing moment without nourishment. It’s been longer than we’ve known each other, but I know how much worse I made it. With this bond, his restraint is tightening like a vice, and the hunger swells back like angry barbs wrapped around our necks.

Lorelai sighs when my eyes fall to the plate in front of me. This somewhat human dish of eggs and spinach remains largely untouched. I can’t bear more than a few bites, even with my stomach rumbling in protest.

“The show must go on, you know.”

She stands, grabbing our plates before dumping them onto the serving cart to our right. This dining hall is expansive, but empty. I guess there aren’t many vampires that need a table for their meals.

“His Majesty needs to keep up appearances. Arteria, too.” She places her hands on her hips. “We won’t be able to damage control with you both in a stupor.”

Guilt pulses in my temples, and I wince. My forehead hits the wooden table. It’s cool, but not enough to soothe my fever. What else can I do with Lorelai scoffing at me?

“Oh!” Lorelai exclaims before she reins in her voice. “G-Good evening, Your Grace.”

I raise my head enough to see who stands in the doorway.

Archduchess Imara stares back, her gaze staking icicles through me. I shiver, too weak to properly stand and address her.

“What brings you to⁠—”