Selene crashed into a short, stocky man coming around the corner.

She stepped back and rubbed her chin where his head had connected with her.

He massaged his head, a scowl on his plump face. “What in all the sand hills—” His eyes settled on Selene and his scowl deepened. “Who are you? And what are you doing in Northwind Castle?”

Selene pointed down the corridor, her heart sinking as she realized Taegis and Damien had disappeared. “I’m here with Lord Damien.”

He glared at her. “His lordship is not here today. Now turn around and leave.”

Selene narrowed her eyes. “No. I said I’m—”

“Who do you think you are that you can say such a thing to me?” He crossed his arms, drawing her attention to his fine blue tunic and sleeveless jacket with a golden chain around his neck, a dozen keys attached to the end. His grey hair was thick and curly, and his eyes were a pale blue.

“I’m—I’m—” A flush crept up her cheeks as she remembered her own attire: torn black pants, tunic, and stained cloak. Not the usual garments for a woman of her stature. Not the garments for any woman, really. She lifted a hand and touched her hair. They had been in such a hurry this morning she hadn’t taken the time to redo her braid and could feel the stray hairs tickling her face. She looked anything but a lady.

Dart’an! What could she say? I’m Lord Damien’s wife? Ha! Like he’d believe that.

“As the steward for House Maris, I am telling you to leave this castle before I call the guards.”

A sliver of anger trembled through her body. “I told you, I’m with Lord Damien.”

“All right, then. The guards it is. Guards!” he yelled. “We have an intruder.”

Selene breathed through her nose, flexing her fingers as she tried to figure out what to do next. Part of her wanted to tell the steward off. He had no jurisdiction over her, a lady of Ravenwood and now wife to his own lord. Mother never would have allowed a common man to treat her in such a way.

But just as she went to speak, she paused. Was this how she wanted her first interaction to be at Northwind Castle? Escorted from the castle by the guards or attempting to force her way inside? Neither would reflect well on Damien.

Her shoulders fell. This was not the reception she had imagined, not by any stretch of the imagination. But this was her home now, and as such, she would respond how she imagined a lady of House Maris would. She held up a hand. “Wait.”

The steward stopped yelling and eyed her warily.

“I will go,” she said with as much dignity as possible. She would wait in the courtyard until Taegis or someone came back for her.

“Good choice.” The steward remained where he was. A guard appeared from another hall, his sword drawn.

“Steward Bertram?” the guard said, his eyes on Selene.