I cinched the pants and eyed her curiously. “Who’s Lord Crimsonale?”
“The archon of Osaravee Territory. He sits on the king’s council, but again, never mind about all of that.” She tsked and made me sit so she could brush my wet hair.
Even though I was perfectly capable of brushing my own hair, it was pleasant to have her assistance. Daiseeum’s hands were gentle, and she took care not to pull too hard when she encountered a tangle, and when she finished brushing, she used her magic to dry my hair completely so I wouldn’t dampen my pillow.
Haisley arrived with a platter of food, just as Daiseeum’s magical cloud lifted.
“Here we are!” he said with gusto.
The kitchen had sent several dishes at Daiseeum’s insistence in order to find something that I enjoyed. But I’d learned long ago to eat any food that was put in front of me.
But what arrived surpassed my meager expectations by millees. The minted lamb, herbed potatoes, grilled acorlis, gravy-soaked hen, fluffy gelatin, buttery pastries, and sweet fruit pies were more delicious than anything I’d ever tasted. I took bites of everything, unable to help myself.
The lady’s servant kept me company while I ate, and even though she was hesitant at first to share personal details, I eventually pried out of her that she was the youngest of four siblings, all girls, and that she’d been serving at the castle since maturing age.
“That young?” I replied as I popped a petite pie into my mouth. “I suppose that’s like me too. I’ve been helping in the fields since I was a child, but I didn’t begin officially working in them until last season.”
“Do you enjoy field work? I do so enjoy my position here. I couldn’t have asked for anything better.”
“I do, or maybe, I did,” I said with a frown. “Working with plants has always brought me joy.”
She gave a pleasant smile and began to collect my dishes.
I reached for my glass and silverware. My belly was so full I feared Daiseeum would have to roll me to bed, but that didn’t mean I couldn’t help. “I can clean up my mess. You’ve done enough.”
“Blessed Mother, no!” She frowned heavily and whisked everything away. “It is my pleasure to serve you.”
“That’s what Balbus said.” I picked at my fingers. “I’m sorry, Daiseeum, but this feels so weird. I’ve never had anyone wait on me before.”
She smiled sweetly. “Well, I suggest you get used to it, Lady Seary. The prince has commanded it, so therefore, everyone is here to serve you. Now, is there anything else I can do for you tonight?”
“Please, call me Ilara or Lara.”
“Very well, Ilara.” She raised her eyebrows, and I knew she was waiting for me to dismiss her.
I sat on the edge of the couch near the fire, shifting a bit uncomfortably, but I figured I wouldn’t know until I asked. “Actually, would it be possible to perhaps accompany you? I would love to stretch my legs and get out of this room. Even just a short walk through the prince’s wing would be much appreciated.”
The servant’s pale-blue eyes dimmed. “I’m sorry, my lady. That’s impossible. I’m under strict instructions not to let you leave. Besides”—her voice dropped to a hushed whisper—“the castle isn’t safe right now. Fae have gone missing, there’s been unrest, and Lord—” She abruptly cut herself off.
I frowned. “Lord who? Lord Crimsonale?”
Her cheeks pinked. “Mother, listen to me carry on. But anywho, no, I’m sorry, my lady. You must stay here.”
My frown stayed as I tried to comprehend what could possibly be going on that would make it unsafe for me to leave this chamber, but just when Daiseeum was about to depart, I asked in a rush, “Then is there any way I could be given a looking glass? I would love to know how my sister’s doing at home. Surely, that’s safe.”
The lady’s servant shook her head. “No, my lady. I’m afraid not. The prince forbids those.”
Of course, he does . . .
I forced a bright smile. “How about a quill and parchment? Could I write my sister a letter and have it sent via courier? I’m sure she’s worried about me. I just want to let her know that I’m okay.”
Daiseeum’s lips pursed—an expression the lady’s servant seemed to wear regularly. “That might be something we could accommodate. I shall speak with the prince.”
“Speak with the prince about what?” a deep voice called from the doorway.
I stiffened as a pulse of Prince Norivun’s aura filled the room. He’d opened the door silently, so much so that not even Daiseeum had sensed him.
“Oh, my prince.” The servant immediately fell into a deep curtsy as my spine turned rigid. “Lady Seary was just requesting some writing supplies to contact her sister and let her know how she fairs.”
“I see. I’ll take care of that. Thank you, Daiseeum.”
“Of course, my prince.” Daiseeum gave another curtsy before she exited the room, leaving me alone with the Bringer of Darkness.
I didn’t turn to greet him, nor did I stand from the couch.
“You know it’s customary for subjects of the court to acknowledge their crown prince when he enters a room.” His deep voice flowed to me from across the chambers.
A shiver rolled down my spine as I jutted my chin up. He prowled toward me, all lithe grace and huge wings. Fury began to roll through me at just the sight of him. This male was the murderer of my family members and had officially taken me prisoner. Never mind that my prison came with luxurious bedding, fine dining, personal servants, and a tailored wardrobe. I still wanted to scream my frustration at him.
“Good evening, my prince,” I replied icily. “I trust you are well and had a pleasant afternoon?”
The corner of his mouth kicked up before he fell into the chair across from me, his wings stretching behind him. They were so long they nearly touched the bar. “Why is it that every time you address me, there’s always an underlying tone of derision in your voice?”
“Is there?” I replied innocently. “I’m afraid I don’t know, my prince.”
A rumble of his power vibrated the floor.
I whipped my gaze away, anywhere but to look at his sculpted chest and broad shoulders that were clearly visible in his fresh tunic.
“I was told you only requested food in the past hour. Was the earlier meal not to your liking?” he asked.
“It was fine, my prince.”
“Then why didn’t you eat sooner? You’re too thin as it is.”
My lips pressed into a tight line, and I debated telling him that I hadn’t realized my weight was also being monitored, but then a knock came at the door.
“Dear brother? Are you in here?” a male called. “I was told you’d escaped to your wing for the night, and I haven’t been able to find you.”
The prince was on his feet and crossing the room before I could blink. He reached the door just as it was opening.
“Nori?” the male called. “Are you in here?”
“What is it, Nuwin?” the prince growled.
“Ah, you are here. I just came to see how your travels were, and if—” The newcomer’s voice abruptly cut off as the aura from the prince strengthened a thousand-fold. “What do we have here? Are you keeping a female in here?”