“I think I saw her in the square just before your singing friend escorted me home. She said she was looking for Lachlan, and I told her I didn’t know where he was. She’s probably still in the town, looking for him. I’ll have guards retrieve her at once if it bothers you that she’s out there alone.”

Though they’re still behind my palm, I squeeze my eyes harder and nod. “Yes, I have something important to tell her. I'd be very grateful if you could send them to find her.”

“I will. As soon as I finish dressing, I’ll send out the order.”

“Great. Thank you. Um, well, goodnight then, Theodore. I’ll see you tomorrow. Fully dressed, of course! Not that I would mind you not being fully dressed– Uh, goodnight!” I fumble blindly, searching for the doorknob until it’s within my grasp, and close the door. When I hear the click of safety, I lower my hand and force myself to breathe evenly.

“Now, off to pretend like that never happened,” I whisper to myself as I retreat. I’m halfway back up the corridor when I hear a door open behind me.

“Braizen,” Theodore calls.

A nervous wave etches itself across my abdomen. I stop in my tracks but don’t dare face her.

“I’m dressed now; you can turn around.”

My lips depress into a line, and ever so slowly, I turn.

She’s leaning against the doorframe, dressed in a silken, creamy nightgown. She smiles coyly.

“I think it’s time you do me that favor.”

My mouth drops open, and I bob my head. What else am I to do while I wait for Idalia besides drink myself stupid or walk in on Aunt Deria in a similar undressed state?

“Sure,” I say and resign myself to the night’s surprises. “I think that’s more than fair.”

Theodore leads me into a vast bedchamber. Fireplaces are carved into the north and west walls, and giant, arched windows line the rest. An enormous dark wood, four poster bed, its canopy swathed in white cloth that sweeps to the floor, rests against the east wall.

I rest my hands on my hips and gaze at Salvas, connected by gold branches, painted as part of a fantastic mural. “Is this Lachlan’s room?” I ask, noting that the chamber is bigger than even my father’s.

Theodore only shakes her head in response; her eyes are fixed on the marble floor. She’s looking for something. “This was my father’s room,” she finally answers.

I let out a low whistle. Lester, for all his many faults, had good taste. A shock indeed.

“Neither Lach nor I wanted this chamber after he died. He was a wicked and cruel man, especially to my brother. We’d have this room burned if it wouldn’t harm the rest of our home.”