Page 40 of Crimson Fury

There’s a tentative knock at the door and I straighten, wiping the water from my face with a towel.

“Miss Scarlett? Are you awake?” Nikolai’s voice comes through the door.

I clear my throat. “Yes, I’m up.”

“May I come in?”

“I’d rather you didn’t,” I say. I’m in no state to deal with anyone right now. The door opens anyway and Nikolai peers inside.

“You look sick,” he says. His brow creases with concern.

“I’m fine,” I insist, pulling my robe more firmly around myself as I make my way back to my bed and slump onto it. I reach for my covers again.

God, I feel pitiful.

Nikolai shakes his head and comes closer, crouching beside me.

“Are you sure you’re okay, Scarlett?” His little face darkens.

“It’s just a bug or something, kiddo. Seriously, there’s nothing to worry about.”

“But what if you die?” he whispers.

My heart lurches. “I’m not going to die, Nikolai.” Of course, he’d expect the worst. He never says it, but I’m pretty sure he’s accustomed to loss.

“Nikolai, what are you doing in here?” a gravelly voice intrudes. “You are not permitted in Miss Scarlett’s private quarters. We have discussed this.”

Trust Anton to pop up out of the woodwork right now.

“It’s not a problem,” I reassure him. “Niko just came in to see why I wasn’t up yet.”

“Miss Scarlett is sick, Papa,” Niko says. His face is earnest.

“You’re ill?” Anton looks at me.

Oh, brother.

“I’m fine,” I say curtly. “Just slept badly.” I regret my words when his eyebrow raises, and a flood of memories rushes back. “I just need to shower and dress and I’ll join you for breakfast.

Ugh.

Breakfast.

It’s the last thing I want right now.

His eyes rove over my face. “No. You stay in bed. You look terrible.”

Wow.

Rude much?

“Gee, thanks,” I mutter, pulling the covers up higher. “Seriously, I just need a few minutes to get ready and I’ll come down to take care of Nikolai.”

“You’re in no condition to take care of anyone. Sleep. I’ll have something sent up to your room for you to eat later.”

“But I—”

“But nothing,” he interrupts me. “Stay in your room. Rest.” Why does he make concern sound like some kind of order? “Come, Nikolai,” he adds, turning to the door. He shuts it behind them and I’m left alone with my thoughts.

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