Maddox lightly cleared his throat, and his guard went up again, expression hardening. “Make yourself presentable, and join me outside.”
“Okay, but I don’t have any shoes. Sir Cinnamon Roll is wearing them.”
“Cinnamon Roll? You are indeed odd,” he said. “I’ll find boots for you to wear and set them outside the door.”
He pivoted around and exited the room.
I would’ve killed for a hot shower but had to settle for the basin of water in the corner of the room. At least it wasn’t cold—which made no sense. The water, despite sitting out, was warm. I quickly scrubbed my body, dreaming of the hot spring Callum had mentioned the day before. Maybe he’d take me later so I could have a proper full-body soak. If Maddox didn’t kill me first.
The fantasy world had Renaissance vibes, but there were modern influences as well. I was happy to find running water when I used the toilet in the connecting closet-type room—thank god—so there seemed to be a plumbing system in place. The toilet flushed; I just had no idea where it went. Not that I really caredtoknow.
Some things were better left to the imagination.
After putting on jeans and a navy blue T-shirt, I opened the bedroom door. A small courtyard greeted me. Other rooms surrounded mine, and people exited them. Probably some of the staff, like Briar and anyone else who worked around the castle grounds.
Maddox leaned against a tree with that same brooding expression. “Took you long enough. Not many men keep me waiting like you do.”
“That’s not my fault. I didn’t ask you to wait.”
He snarled and pushed away from the tree. “Slow, clumsy,andmouthy. You are either brave… or incredibly foolish.” Stopping in front of me, he bent his head to meet my gaze. “I place my wager on the latter.”
“Gambling is in addiction, you know. You should be careful about that.”
His lips twitched.
“Is that a smile?”
“No.” He nodded to the ground. “Put those on.”
A pair of shoes sat beside the door. I plopped down to put them on. “Whoa, these are legit.” The leather boots hit me at my ankles, and the shoelaces were made from thin strips of leather. I tied them and stood up, shifting my weight between my feet. “Not as comfy as my Vans, but they’ll do, I guess.”
“Good.” Maddox turned away and motioned with his head for me to follow. I did. “Do you recall anything yet? About where you’re from?”
Should I mention the whole “I was sent here from another world” thing? Honesty was the best policy, but beingthathonest might lead to me being thrown in the dungeon or something.
“I come from a land far, far away.”
Maddox’s brow furrowed. “What is the name of this land?”
“I hail from the kingdom of Arkansas.”
“I’ve not heard of this place. Who rules over it?”
“Republicans, mostly.” Three men walked past us, nodding their heads to Maddox before continuing on. “Where are you taking me?”
“You’re hungry, are you not?” He rested a hand on my lower back to guide me toward the right. Although my shirt acted as a barrier between his hand and my skin, I still tingled where he touched me. “I distinctly recall you mumbling about food as soon as you woke yesterday morning. I thought it best to appease your belly as soon as possible to spare myself more of your whining.”
He might’ve behaved like it was some great chore to do so, but the action was kind.
“Yeah. I could definitely eat.”
“Thought so. You will eat morning meal with me.” He finally looked at me. “So I can keep an eye on you, of course.”
“You haven’t eaten yet either?”
“No. I came for you as soon as I dressed for the day.”
I had been the first thing on his mind when he woke up. Why did that give me butterflies? Those silly little flutters in my stomach needed to stop. And I needed to get a grip and toss aside any of my romantic ideals.
