The rest of the banquet was a masterpiece of suppressed violence.
Julian looked ready to leap over the table, and Maegel spent the evening practically vibrating with a territorial roar that never left his throat. It was delicious.
The night finally drew close, and I retired to my room, having soaked myself in a refreshing hot bath, aided by the quiet and obedient maids of the mansion.
Usually, I would've brought Mina with me to serve as my right hand, but I left things for her to do in the Capital and left her under the Duke's protection.
I know Vivenne would never miss an opportunity and would try to lay a hand on my person after I was gone, but I had it all under control.
After a while, I sat on the edge of the mattress, the thin silk of my nightgown a mere whisper against my skin, barely clinging to my shoulders. I watched the fire crackle for a while, watching the beautiful flames and how it cast long, flickering shadows that danced across the heavy stone walls.
