Page 25 of Acedia

Allerick straightened, looking worried. “You didn’t think that was pertinent information to lead with? Damen, that makes her very vulnerable. She’s in a brand-new world, and she can’t see her surroundings.”

“We put her in a room here in the palace rather than Elverston House for her comfort. And she has a pet beast who helps her navigate things. And I’ll take care of her.”

“You’re not to propose to her.”

“What?! Why not?” I narrowed my eyes, contemplating challenging Allerick for his throne. Once upon a time we’d have been equals, but now that he was feeding from Ophelia, I suspected I wouldn’t stand a chance.

“Stop looking at me like that—you don’t want my job. You can’t propose to her right away, at least. Give Iris time to settle in and get familiar with the place. She might not even like it here. She might not even likeyou.”

“Everyone likes me.” Granted, I hadn’t had any luck romantically with any of the other ex-Hunters, but that had been entirely mutual—I hadn’t felt anything for them, and they hadn’t felt anything for me.

“A month,” Allerick stated firmly. “Wait a month. Give her time to settle in. Get to know her—make sure that the connection you think is there is real—”

“Itisreal. And a month is barbaric.”

“—and in the meantime, I’m going to wake up Ophelia. I think she’d like to be involved in this to make sure the right arrangements are in place to accommodate Iris. I’ll see you at dinner—don’t do anything ridiculous before then.”

“Apparently, I have to wait a month first,” I snarked, annoyed at Allerick’s high-handedness, but he was already gone.

Fine. I could wait a month. Iris needed time to get to know me anyway, so her scent would sweeten into that delightful lovey-dovey smell that ex-Hunters got when they were smitten. There was a faint niggle of doubt in the back of my mind that she might not reciprocate the immediate love I’d developed for her, but I squashed it instantly.

I would woo her and charm her. Gently suggest that it would be fun to be a princess. Iris would be my wife in no time.

Chapter 8

The bed in the palace was the most comfortable bed I’d ever slept in. If I hadn’t been hovering on the edge of overwhelm all night long, I was confident I’d have had the best sleep of my life. As it was, it had been a fitful, rather restless night, and I felt as though I could have stayed in bed for several hours longer.

Tilly disagreed.

She bumped my arm with her nose, snuffling slightly in a clear request to be let out. Tallulah had assured me that the small courtyard outside was completely secure and private, and it felt like such a blessing to be able to just walk a few steps and open the door to let Tilly out somewhere safe.

Unfortunately, I hadn’t gotten my bearings yet at all in this room. There were heavy drapes around the bed, and indisentangling myself from those, I almost immediately knocked my hip against the heavy nightstand as I was climbing out.

“Just a sec, Tilly girl,” I wheezed, clutching my hipbone as pain radiated out. Once it had subsided, I felt for the edges of the nightstand, wincing at how sharp the corners were. Luckily I’d bumped into the side instead, which was slightly less treacherous.

I gingerly took a few steps, nudging the ground with my toe to avoid tripping. There were low stools and cushions on the ground, as well as a coffee table in the center of the room. Off to one side was a small dining table and chairs, and there were other larger bits of furniture against the walls which I presumed were storage.

In truth, it wasn’t the easiest room for me to navigate, but I didn’t want to be rude and ask if I could shuffle things around a little.

Tilly appeared at my side, and I softly held her collar as she guided me around the obstacles and directly to the door.

Clearly, I’d been taking too long for her liking.

“There you go,” I murmured, pushing it open so she could get out. The familiar sound of birdsong from home didn’t greet me, but the air was fresh and cool, and there were definitely sounds of nature even though they weren’t familiar to me.

I wondered what Nana would say if she knew I was here. If she’d be able to forgive me for the choices I’d made, or if she’d treat me with the same shame and revulsion that Moriah had always treated me with.

That was a depressing thought.

I startled as someone knocked on the door, letting themselves in before I had the chance to stumble my way over to it.

“Breakfast,” a feminine voice called. “I have a tray here for you fresh from the kitchens.”

“For me?” I asked, surprised.

“Yes. Prince Damen thought you might find it easiest to have your breakfast delivered here for the time being. Until you learn the layout of the palace.”

“Well, that’s very kind of him. I’ll be sure to thank him. Or perhaps it would be best to send along a message? I doubt I’ll meet him again soon—princes must be very busy.”

---