I squinted at the other set of double doors. There was a bed hanging from the ceiling?
“A sitting room isn’t suitable for a princess,” the servant said with a huff.
Shiri laughed aloud. “We’ve lived most of our lives in a two-room shack.”
A grin stretched Drae’s face as he downed the rest of his drink and stood, ruffling his wings. “Remove the sofas and have a bed brought in here.”
The servant’s lips twisted, and her nostrils flared before she finally answered. “A bed in the sitting room?”
Ash bared his fangs as he, too, stood, towering over the servants. “Scandalous, isn’t it?”
“Leave the sofas.” Helian shook his head, snickering. “We don’t need a bed. We’ve slept on far worse than the floor.”
The servant’s cheeks turned bright red as she gaped at Helian. “There is only one bathing chamber.”
“My entire family shared an outhouse for twenty-three years. We’ll manage. You’re dismissed.” Shiri waved away the servants, as if she was shooing a fly. “Return when you have refreshments.” She paused, her voice dropping to a siren’s rumble. “Knock next time, and do not enter unless we give you permission.”
“Yes, Princess.” The servants bowed, backing out of the room while keeping a wary eye on Ash.
After they left, I nudged my sister. “Why are they so intent on separating us?”
She shrugged. “Probably just protocol.”
But I wasn’t reassured. Malvolia had already made it clear she didn’t like me. Besides, it was obvious she wanted to bed Helian, and it would be easier to get to him with Shiri out of the way.
Chapter Six
Tari
Ash played with thegirls and Wolfy on the floor while Shiri, Drae, and Helian went flying. I couldn’t help but feel a stab of jealousy that my sister got to fly on Isa while I was too tired to get off the sofa. I suspected my fatigue wasn’t just from healing Arabella and my father today, but also from the bean growing inside me. Fatigue soon overwhelmed me, and I napped on and off while listening to the sweet sound of my children’s laughter.
I woke to a loud knock on the door, followed by Wolfy’s annoyed bark. I slowly sat up, rubbing the sleep from my eyes.
“Come in!” Ash hollered, jarring me fully awake.
About half a dozen trembling servants came in carrying glittery, pale gowns and ridiculously tall wigs. They walked wide circles around Ash and then around Wolfy, before scurrying through the double doors into Shiri’s bedchamber. Elements. I sure hoped they didn’t expect me to put on one of those ridiculous gowns.