Page 117 of What Lies Within Blood & Heirs

“What in Firekeeper-filled-hell are you doing?” His growl shook the walls. Shook Alora, too. There was that warrior she knew lay hidden inside. But why was he so uptight about Alora not being presentable for dinner? That was … unlike him. “Unleash Michael.Wenevershow them in public. This is not war. Cast them away.”

The female managed to speak, though Alora couldn’t imagine how. “What are you?—”

“Get rid of them,” Thalon demanded so wrathfully Alora pictured holy fire glowing in his eyes.

The door latched before the female stepped inside the closet with her. An irritated look stole her amber eyes. Alora’s back was turned when the female began, “If you’re under duress, you can tell me.”

Alora whirled, and the golden fabric of a silk gown slipped through her fingers as her eyebrows pinched. “What?”

Teal hair shifted as the maid gestured a tight jerk of her head over her shoulder, past the wings. “He seems …lovely,”she jeered. “If you’re being held against your will?—”

“I’m not,” Alora said flatly and narrowed her eyes. Scanning the female’s wrists for any markings, scars, bruises, for any indication ifshewas enslaved—knowing who her king was. But when she saw none, that burning desire to rip someone’s head off relaxed as she slouched her shoulders a little and asked, “What was that about out there?” With Thalon. With herkind-hearted, gentle, and caring Guardian.

The maid sauntered forward, a little careless and spirited to resemble any maidservant Alora had ever known. Save for one.

For a moment, Alora almost pictured one of her old maidservants. Sensing the same spirit as Saher, her most trusted maidservant inside Kaine’s manor, who had soothed many bruises and wounds over the years. The one who kept her horrific secrets and stashed away her muddy boots when she returned from rebellious outings.

A sharp ache cleaved through Alora’s heart, wondering what became of Saher. Perhaps Garrik could?—

“No idea,” the maidservant said. “Then again, when do we ever understand what goes on in a male’s tiny,tinybrain?” Shespoke with an air of detestation. Alora almost pictured fiery red hair and green eyes on the female instead.

Jade would like her.

“I’m Miwa, one of your maidservants. You’ll meet Esmeray sometime soon.” When Alora said nothing but scanned her, still regarding her vibrant uniqueness, Miwa arched a brow and crossed her arms with an amusing grin. Her wings flared ever so slightly. “Am I to call you Lady Dragon or perhaps there is another name you favor?”

That snapped her out of it. “Apologies. I’m Alora. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

“Lady Alora.” Miwa curtsied, lifting her skirt.

“Just Alora.”

Miwa frowned. “That’s quite informal. I’m sure your barbarian would flay me if he heard me address you as such.” That amber gaze burned over her shoulder, gesturing to the door beyond her wings as if she could still see Thalon standing there, scowling.

Alora sighed. “Then in private, call me Alora. Lady is…”too much like Kaine’s property. She brushed a long piece of white hair behind her ear, and Miwa sauntered forward.

“I need to dress you for dinner.” She strode to a vanity and quickly returned—a brush and bottle of some sort of styling serum in her hands as a feline grin widened on her face. “Sit while I work a little magic.”

And she did—work magic.

Soon after Alora had relaxed on the fur-cushioned stool, her face and hair transformed. The feeling of someone combing through her hair, gently twisting braids and curling strands, splaying fingers across her scalp to soothe and massage, was something she admittedly missed. It was an effort to keep from groaning from the pure bliss of it. Fully understandingwhy Garrik lost himself when she ran her fingers through his gorgeous hair.

It felt heavenly.

So heavenly that Aloradidgroan, and her cheeks warmed when her sapphire met amber in the vanity mirror.

Miwa’s smile widened into a complacent grin. “I’ve been told I have the hands of an angel.”

“With wings like one, too,” Alora added as Miwa placed a pin in a braid, her wings flaring as if in agreement. Miwa’s wrist caught Alora’s attention, and noting the smooth skin there, she wondered, “Are you treated respectfully? As a maidservant.” It might’ve been an odd question to ask any servant because most of the higher class cared little about the well-being of those lower in status. But Miwa seemed to understand why she asked. After all, in the first real conversation they held, Miwa had inquired about her well-being.

“I’m a maidservant for the king’s wives. Their houses are quite kind and generous in temperament and payment.”

Not enslaved. Not shackled. “So you’re employed then?” Alora’s eyebrows lifted, surprised by the information.

“Indeed. I’m free to do as I wish. Own a residence, permitted to shop in the High City. To attend worship houses. I have days with no duties. And was given the choice to serve you this week or continue serving the wives. I found it rather exciting to attend to a Dragon. You must carry incredible stories.”

Wives.She said it again.

“Wives? Ladomyr has more than one?”

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