Page 37 of A Bond in Blood

The simplicity instantly reminded me of my room at home, bringing me unexpected comfort.

Once I settled into the covers further, I laid my hands over my chest. An attempt to guard myself from the sleeping creature beside me. I watched the sun complete its crest over the city and listened while Ulrich’s palace quieted for their day-sleeping.

And to my surprise, my body drifted back to sleep. Seemingly adjusting to life living under the blood moon.

Chapter 10

My hands fidgeted at the vanity while Adalie’s hands brushed my hair gently. The reflection staring back at me was unrecognizable. Nothing like the woman who had been taken just weeks before. Instead, something lifeless, something more similar to the monsters that stalked the court I was captive in, met my eyes.

The auburn hair I adored appeared a muted brown, the life and rich reds gone along with the fire in my heart. And my eyes… Usually brilliantly blue were a pale, and an almost opaque, greying color.

“Your highness,” Adalie whispered.

I met her eyes in the mirror and smiled.

Gods she was young, but she’d been kind since she’d entered my room an hour before. Bringing me gowns from my trunks and offering to help me pick the ones that wouldn’t bother my healing wounds.

“Yes?” I replied.

“He’s expecting you.”

I blinked before nodding and returning my eyes back to my reflection.

The two days had gone by in a flash. Ripped from me far too quickly and now I was being readied as a presentation for the tyrant.

Thankfully, he’d left me alone as he’d promised. Not entering my bed. Not pestering me.

No, it had been two days of blissful silence. Minus having had Olen’s irritating presence the entire time.

When the sun had begun to set and the red of the moon had brightened my small room, Olen finally excused himself, leaving me only for only a few moments before Adalie entered the room.

I squared my shoulders, choosing to finally present myself as the trained princess I was.

Adalie stepped back when I stood quickly and walked out of the bathing room, right to the door leading out to the palace. Before I gripped the handle, I turned back to the young girl.

“What is the name of your city?” I asked.

She stared back at me, her face blank. “Muspell, your highness,” she muttered.

“After the fire God?”

Adalie offered me a knowing smile before jumping back when the door before me slammed open.

“Gods!” I yelled out, stepping back to find Olen grinning at me.

“I’ve said it before,” his eyes scanned me, “but you clean upverynicely.”

“Uncle!” Adalie yelled behind me.

I turned on my heel, eyes widening at the word.

“Uncle?” I exclaimed.

Olen laughed, moving me to the side gently before sauntering into the room.

“Adie, you’ve blown our cover.”

My eyes watered with tears of betrayal. I’d thought—hoped—Adalie would become a safe person to lean on and learn to trust. Between hers and Frode’s kindness, my heart had come to believe I would have friends on this island. Now? Now, my heart was building its cage back up, determined to keep out anyone I came to meet.

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