I groaned. “Then find another one in Durc.”
“It’s too soon. I’d be punished for not finding everything the last time we were there. Besides, going back would be a waste of time for many other reasons.”
“What other reasons?”
“Too many to go over right now.” His words were as sharp as a knife.
The way he said it felt final, as if I wasn’t allowed to question him.
Everything that had been building inside me over the past two weeks bubbled to the surface. “You don’t know how hard it is to pretend to be Mol, knowing the only person I care about is trapped somewhere in this place and I might never see her again,” I said. “I don’t know what to do with myself, or how much longer I can handle feeling this . . . lonely.”
Shame barreled into me, and I immediately wished I hadn’t said the last part. Fortunately, Bel didn’t seem to hear the end of my outburst.
“Shh,” he said, his ear angled toward the door. “I think the tour left.”
Gently, he scooted out from beneath me and slipped down the edge of the bed.
“Don’t!” I lurched toward him. But instead of falling, his foot hit a black staircase. It carried him to the floor.
The moment both his feet were on the carpet, the bed returned to its previous size. Except I now sat in the center of a crimson bed with my skirts pushed up my thighs.
Bel dragged his eyes over them. His throat bobbed. “I have to get back downstairs. Can you find your way to the kitchens without any more trouble?”
I nodded.
“Good.” He opened the door then hesitated. In a softer voice he added, “You might feel lonely, but I promise you’re not alone.”
With that, he left.
I sat there for a moment, allowing his last sentence to sink in. Then I composed myself and walked out. The room’s title was embossed on a plaque beside the door. La Suite Lune de Miel et étoiles.
The Honeymoon and Stars Suite.
There was a sharp knock at my door the next morning. I twisted my hair into a neat bun and turned the handle to find Béatrice standing in the hall, tapping her toe impatiently.
“I’ve already spoken with Chef. This morning, you’re coming with me. There’s a market at today’s destination and I’m in need of supplies.” She tossed me a ladies’ pink cocktail jacket. “Put this on.”
“You’re taking me outside?”
“I’m allowed an escort. And the last I checked you were in imminent need of some sunshine and fresh air.” Her lips curved up. “Don’t get used to it.”
Two whole days of going outside after being cooped up for weeks felt too good to be true, but I wasn’t about to complain. I put on the jacket and followed her to the lobby.
Today, the marble expanse was flush with guests coming and going. I started toward the front door, but Béatrice held me back.
“Wait just a moment,” she said, scanning along the perimeter.
I didn’t see Alastair anywhere. “Is everything all right?”
“I think so. But I’ve also never taken a kitchen worker with me outside before, so I’d rather not run into anyone who might find that unusual.”
It struck me as odd that Béatrice would risk her neck to bring me with her. She must feel guiltier about my demotion than I’d thought.
Together we walked toward the front. A worker held the door wide. We were nearly through when Béatrice came to an abrupt stop.
I turned. The twins flanked her, their sewn-shut eyes standing out against their pasty skin. Bel had told me Yrsa cut out their eyes long before she began replacing suminaires’ eyes with glass.
“Alastair didn’t give you permission to leave,” said one twin, who I assumed was Sido considering Sazerat never spoke.
“I left him a detailed note.” Béatrice’s hands shook as she pulled out a mangled faucet. “The Ode to a Fabled Forest Suite is getting a guest and the silly faucet decided to protest. I tried repairing it with my gears, but these mechanics are quite persnickety.” She flicked a bolt. “I don’t have the parts inside to fix it.”
When the twins remained silent, I added, “Doesn’t the ma?tre expect his guests to have running water?”
Béatrice kicked my ankle, but not before both twins’ eyes narrowed in unison. “That one isn’t allowed out.”
“The ma?tre permits me one escort.” Béatrice rattled the faucet. “We’ll be quick. Before a guest finds the hotel lacking.”