Page 7 of King of Pride and Talons

“Too?” the shifter asked, looking confused.

“Where us servants stay.”

Sarielle chuckled. “You’re not staying in the servant quarters. I’m taking you to your own set of rooms.”

“I’m sorry, did you say rooms?”

Another chuckle. “I did. This way.”

Breya was about to walk right past the doors until Sarielle grabbed her sleeve.

“These are yours. The king wants you to be comfortable.” The slender lioness pushed open the massive doors effortlessly.

Breya’s mouth dropped.

It was the most extravagant chain of rooms she had ever seen. And not gaudy but beautiful and simple.

“Help yourself to anything you find in these rooms. They are yours.”

The speechless witch slowly walked through the entire space. Not only was there a huge walk-in closet as well as a full bathroom, but a front-sitting room with a giant glass window.

“This is way more than I need,” Breya finally said as she made her way back to a pleased-looking Sarielle.

“Good. There’s one more thing for you, though.” She shut the door to reveal a gorgeous golden gown glowing against the door’s backdrop.

“You’ll be wearing this tonight for dinner. The king requests it.”

Breya ran her hands lovingly over the beautiful dress. “I’ve never seen anything like this before. In real life anyway.”

“Well, you get to wear it tonight, and I think it will be very flattering on you.”

Breya smiled at the genuineness of Sarielle’s words. Still, she couldn’t help but question all of the… flattering gifts.

“Please don’t take this as ungrateful, but why would a healer like me need to wear a golden silk dress for me to do my job?”

Breya only received another quizzical look from Sarielle’s pronounced face.

“I don’t know anything about that. Only that I have been assigned to help you with anything you might need.”

Breya’s frustration grew immensely. Did everyone really just do the king’s bidding, no questions asked? Would the same be expected of her? Or would she be allowed to ask more since she wasn’t a part of the king’s pride?

All of these questions overwhelmed her, suddenly making her feel very tired.

“Now, go ahead and get ready, and I’ll be outside ready to escort you to the dining hall.” Sarielle went to leave. Before shutting the door, though, she gave another comforting smile. “Don’t worry. I’ll only loiter until you start to get your bearings.”

Breya tried to smile back, but her stomach flipped at her chaotic and nervous thoughts.

She looked at the dress waiting to be worn, her excitement creeping up again.

Maybe meeting with the king would help put her mind at ease.

Breya couldn’t help but admire her reflection as she twirled in the golden silk that seemed to drip perfectly over her body. She swept her deep brown hair up but had to settle with some loose curls that didn’t want to stay put. Her green eyes seemed to glow against the warm glittering sun that made up the color of the dress.

Not wanting to keep the king waiting any longer, Breya opened the door and followed Sarielle.

“Change of plans. King Bawold is in his throne room. We will go there first.”

Breya nodded as she tried to swallow to keep her suddenly dry throat from croaking.

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