I narrow my gaze, wondering what she’s talking about. If she’s being truthful, I do have to question my forbearer’s judgment.

“Who?”

“Herric,” she says, but that doesn’t tell me anything.

“I don’t know who that is.”

“No, you wouldn’t.” She pushes my plate closer, seemingly done with this subject. “Feed yourself then. I can’t have you passing out on me.”

I eye her narrowly as she fusses with her napkin, avoiding my scrutiny.

“What happened with him?”

She stops and pins me with a look. “Eat your supper.”

Leaving it for now, I pick up my fork, watching for any sudden movements. I slowly take a few bites and resist the urge to moan. I didn’t realize until now just how hungry I am, and everything tastes incredible, but I do my best to temper my pace. I don’t want her to get any ideas about starving me out.

She watches me intently as I eat and doesn’t seem the least bit bothered by how weird this is. At least I don’t have to make conversation.

“Better?” she asks when I’ve finished.

I make a noncommittal sound as she reaches out and picks up a decanter, pouring me a glass of wine. She places it in front of me and then leans forward as her hand slides up my thigh.

Red hazes my vision, and I leap up.

“I said don’t touch me.”

She rolls her eyes, which just really pisses me off.

Forget subtle exits. I pick up a chair and hold it over my head.

“What are you doing?” Zerra screeches as I storm towards a window and swing the chair with all my strength. It bounces against the surface, ricocheting and smacking me in the chest. I go flying, my back hitting the floor as I slide along the slick surface.

What the fuck.

With the wind knocked out of me, I lie still, trying to catch my breath.

Zerra appears above me, her eyebrows pinching together.

“What did you do that for?” she asks softly as if trying to lull me into complacency or speaking to an ill-behaved child. “I know this is all new, and it will take a little time to adjust. Besides, if you want to destroy my palace, you cannot do it with force. It requires a sacrifice. Worry not. You’ll learn all the rules soon enough.”

Before I can process what that means, her soft smile turns wicked as she wraps a hand around my arm and hauls me up. I try to wrest myself from her grip, but her hand is like iron. She drags me back to the table, and I’m compelled to follow. My bones creak, and I have no doubt she’d snap my arm in two if I continue to put up a fight.