Page 16 of Song of Night

I’m not actually sure myself why I stayed.

Asher has made it clear that nothing I do can repair the damage between us. He’s angry about something I have no control over, the fact that I spent half my life in House Animus and worked for his brother. That I’d once had feelings for Kieran before I even met Asher.

I’d had my chance to explain myself, and he’d rejected that explanation. And me. Just a handful of days ago, I hated this man with every fiber of my being. So why does it hurt so much?

But it’s too late to change my mind now, too late to take my chances in the Waste once again.

One of the riders presses forward from the circle. This one is dressed differently than the rest, who bear the red tunics with the white house emblem across the front. He’s wearing a fine brocade tunic and a long velvet cloak of deep gray. His hair is black touched with silver at the temples and he holds himself with regal bearing, shoulders square, chin up. He has an ethereal grace like the angels. Beautiful, elongated features, eyes that are cold and clever and cruel.

Vyrin?

“Son of the demon king,” he says to Asher, “King Vyrin bids you welcome. I am his chief advisor, Lord Kell. I will escort you to the castle and ready you for your meeting with the king.”

So, not Vyrin, then. Next to me, Asher nods, jaw tight. “Thank you, Lord Kell.”

“I see you have brought your own advisor,” Lord Kell says, flicking his gaze to me for the briefest of moments.

“She is not my advisor,” Asher says. “I require her to feed on.”

Lord Kell’s eyebrows arch ever so slightly. “Naturally. We have several other blood fae in residence at the castle, so should you prefer a little… variety, we can arrange that.”

My cheeks burn with fury. They’re discussing me as if I’m merely a piece of livestock Asher brought along.

“That’s kind, but won’t be necessary,” Asher responds.

“Very well, then. Follow me.”

Lord Kell turns his horse and urges it into a canter. We follow, the rest of the riders fanned out in a semi-circle behind us. As we make way for the castle, I can’t help but watch the last rays of the sun dance over the waves of the ocean, painting the whole thing vermillion and gold. I’d heard tales of the ocean from the Syreni, but never had I imagined something so vast, an endless stretch of blue to rival the sky.

We cross over a small river and make it to the castle right as the shadows of night claim the land. As we pass beneath the massive portcullis into the courtyard beyond, it feels as if we are walking into the mouth of a hungry monster. A shiver runs through me, and I notice Asher dart his eyes to mine for the merest of moments.

Lord Kell halts in the center of the courtyard and servants approach to take the horses. After we’ve dismounted, he casts his eyes over us disdainfully. His eyes linger on the scarf around my neck.

“I’ll send you to the bath house first. Your journey seems to have been taxing indeed.”

He gestures to one of the servants standing off to the side and whispers something in her ear. The servant dashes off across the courtyard, and Lord Kell indicates for us to follow him in another direction. The riders of the bronze horses, now on foot, follow behind us once again. It seems they will be our constant companions to ensure we don’t escape. Or perhaps they don’t realize we have no magic and are afraid what we could do.

We enter the castle and travel through a maze of stone corridors lit by torches. The furniture and décor is sparse, and I can smell a salty tang to the moist air, which I realize must come from the sea. There are few windows and the ceilings are low. I think of the many cathedrals in Night, with their soaring ceilings and rainbow windows, and I feel an ache in my chest. I have never left my home before, so I’ve never been able to conceive of missing it.

I really hope I don’t die here in this dark, dank place.

The bath house, however, is a vast improvement in setting. It’s a huge room with high ceilings and a skylight at the apex which offers a glimpse of starry night. There’s a large square pool of steaming water in the center of the room with smaller pools branching off it, hidden in alcoves around the perimeter of the chamber. Instead of torches, there are dozens of glowing candles set on ledges in the wall, or in tall brass holders.

Several people are there already, and I avert my eyes from their naked bodies. As a warrior, I’d had to bath in front of others before, but I’d always tried to go when no one else was there. It was just another opportunity for the others to taunt me for being Kieran’s pet, for being different. The irony is that I realize now, after all this time, they were right. Though pawn is a more apt word than pet.

Lord Kell points to an alcove on the far side of the room. “I sent Yumae ahead to prepare a space for you and assist you with anything you need. When you’re done, I’ll be back to collect you.”

He exits the room, though of course the guards stay flanked around the door. Asher turns to the right and walks along the edge of the pool, passing marble columns that rise to the ceiling. I follow him around the edge of the water. The rising steam almost seems to glow in the light of the candles. I notice the other bathers cast gazes over at us, not bothering to hide their curiosity.

When we reach the far side of the room, Yumae and another woman are there waiting for us by a circular pool in the corner. The ceiling is a bit lower here, and a smaller set of columns encircle the space. It’s no more than a dozen feet across. There’s a large stone bowl holding a variety of soaps and sponges, and candles flicker in metal holders.

My heart starts to race. The last thing I want right now is to feel exposed and vulnerable in front of Asher, especially with an audience. It’s not as if he hasn’t seen me naked, hasn’t touched every part of me. But that was before, and now nothing is the same. Everything would be easier if I hadn’t given in to my desires.

I startle as Yumae touches my shoulder to slide my jacket off. She dips her head in apology. I turn to face her and gesture that I can undress myself, but she just murmurs, “Please, milady. Let me help.”

My cheeks heat up, but I nod. She tugs off my tunic, and I hear her breath catch in her chest when she sees the bruises covering my body. The bruises Kieran’s guards gave me. And of course, I also have two puncture wounds on my breast from Asher. I don’t even want to know the thoughts that must be swirling through her head. She peels off my boots and my pants, taking care with my daggers, which had been returned to me before crossing the rift; a small mercy which saved my life and Asher’s. I’m surprised they haven’t taken them from me, or Asher’s sword from him. She folds each thing and sets them in a neat pile on a ledge near the pool, taking care as if they are the finest of fabrics. Lastly, she unravels the makeshift bandage at my neck, saying nothing as she does.

Cool air slides over my skin as I stand there, completely bare. Yumae takes my hand to guide me to the pool. As I turn, I see the backside of Asher as he descends the steps into the pool. Now it’s my breath that catches. I hate how beautiful he is. His brown hair just touching his broad shoulders. His muscular back and waist. And below…He could be a statue of an angel, except he’s far from it.

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